Kalam, a Legend

A little girl stood on the side of the road with her pom-poms along with lots of other children waiting anxiously for the President to pass by. “The Missile Man”, that’s what they called him. All the children grabbed their pom-poms as the car rolled by. The little girl waved her pom-poms enthusiastically in the air. A silver-haired gent peered out of the car and grinned at her. She dropped her pom-poms in awe and thanked her stars for that one glimpse of the great man. That little girl was me, a nine year old version of me. He inspired young kids who had no idea about missiles too.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. Yes, that’s the full name of the great man who left for his heavenly abode whilst doing what he loved, spreading knowledge.

A lover of books, Mr. Kalam loved to read and write. He penned books that inspired millions and addressed a lot of issues faced by the nation.

Making non-fiction sound as appealing as fiction, Mr. Kalam was really good at it. He didn’t write engaging thrillers or romantic ballads. What he did write made one question life? He wrote about achieving goals, about falling down and getting back up again.

“Wings of Fire” was one book in particular that talked about optimism. It told the story of a young Kalam, a small boy from a very humble background and how he rose to hold the highest position in the country. It gave an insight into the Indian space research and missile programs.

Another one of his books is “Indomitable Spirit”. It held in it the ideals, morals and thoughts of the great man. Mr. Kalam held women very highly and his book shows so aptly.

Abdul Kalam was a visionary. He believed in forward thinking and that’s what brings us to “India 2020”. In this book Mr. Kalam analyzed and examined the strengths and weaknesses of India along with his close associate Y.S. Rajan. They saw the potential in India to become a superpower and one of the five economic powers by 2020.  They cited growth rates and development trends to show that the goal is not an unrealistic one.

Abdul Kalam saw a brighter future for India and it was a shock for the entire nation when the news spread that he was no more. It was a personal loss for everyone because that man inspired millions. From kids to elders, everyone adored APJ Abdul Kalam for the human being that he was. His missile reached heights but on 27^th July 2015 he launched another missile, himself. A missile straight to heaven.

• About the Author

About Pratiksha Acharya

Pratiksha is tolerating her progress into adulthood with great difficulty. A bookworm to the core, she loves reading and debating. When her head is not stuck in a book, she likes to cook, dance and shop. For her, reading is more than a hobby. P.S.- She hates losing out on arguments.