Set up at least 200 million rooftop solar systems, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam told VK Saraswat

Two weeks back, I went to meet him at his 10, Rajaji Marg residence. It was around 4:30 pm and a hot, humid day. I found him talking a walk in the lawns. He met me with a smile and the same warmth of a former senior colleague. I had gone to seek his advice on how best I can work in NITI Aayog. He told me: "Buddy, you are into a very important position. You can contribute to the common man's cause greatly.. Please use this opportunity wisely."

During our two-hour meeting that day, I didn't get the slightest inkling that he was unwell. Even as I took his leave, he gave me a task: "Please set up at least 200 million rooftop solar electric systems in the country."

He was a man who was always in mission mode. He was always clear that a directed, mission-oriented approach alone can get results.

I was 33 years old in 1982 and working as a scientist at the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, and was involved in the development of liquid propulsion rocket engines. Dr Kalam joined us as a director.

He was not a supporter of liquid technology and preferred solid propulsion. Despite the difference, he allowed me space and time.

Dr Kalam would never dictate things to us. He would always generate a technical consensus. I told him that we will take 7-8 years to develop solid propulsion for the Prithvi missile systems, but the liquid propulsion was in an advanced stage and we can get it done in two years.

I recall a very interesting incident related to this. In the presence of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, we were testing the liquid propulsion system at a static bed. It malfunctioned. Mr Gandhi, being a pilot himself, told us: "You didn't get the right thrust from the liquid propulsion". I had to admit it had underperformed.

But I fondly remember what Dr Kalam later told me. "You are now a missile scientist. For you, it should not matter if it is liquid or solid propulsion. Take one more year to test the liquid propulsion capability, but do it with greater focus."

In DRDO's context, I would describe Kalam as Jamwant (a mythological character from Ramayana). Jamwant was responsible for making Hanuman realise his powers to go to Lanka and get back Sita. He made DRDO realise what intrinsic capabilities it had. He infused such inspiration among us that we started believing that we could take the Integrated Missile Development Programme ahead.

He converted all independent missile programmes into one integrated programme. We, the scientific community, have spent and benefited for almost 30-35 years with him.

Not only the scientific community, he inspired small private industries, too, to contribute to our missile programmes in those days, even as we are talking Make in India at present. In 1984-85, he made me go to Ahmedabad and visit a small factory, which made milk cans. He said that if you have to get a propellant tank for Prithvi, you need to check the capabilities of that plant.

I couldn't believe him, but later they made for us the first propellant tank for Prithvi. Kalam trusted them since he had got some equipments from them earlier for an SLV project.

It was he who foresaw the need for anti-missile systems in 1996-97. He was very clear that you can't use nuclear weapons in defence in normal situations. He made me in charge of the ballistic missile defence systems. Even after he became president, he was always available for us. I could always approach him for suggestions and guidance.

Even after he became President, I remember he used to call us for scientific discussions. Dr Kalam was always concerned not just about his staff but their families too. He would encourage us to spend time with our families at least one day a week. He would himself work on Sundays but would encourage us to be with our family.

Since yesterday, I have been getting dozens of calls from former colleagues who had also worked with Kalam. We all feel a void in his absence. But what will live on is the great synergy and direction he has provided to India's scientific community.

(As told to Deevakar Anand @ananddeevakar)


(VK Saraswat is one of the two full-time members of NITI Aayog and former Defence Research and Development Organisation chief. He worked closely with late president Abdul Kalam from as early as 1982).