Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
15 October 1931 -- 27 July 2015

A rare leader who won the hearts of the Indian public

"Your birth could be a mere event, but your death should be part of history". This is one of the many inspirational statements from A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who used to talk effortlessly in this vein, especially to students in schools and colleges to dream big, to achieve on a large scale, and most importantly, do all that in the service of the nation.
His own birth in an ordinary Muslim family in Ramanathapuram in October 1931 was a mere event, and his death on July 27, 2015 was one of historical importance, the entire nation mourning and the world taking note. That he died of heart attack during a lecture to students in Shillong, working till the last minute, is befitting the man.
Lauded widely as India's "missile man", Kalam led major science and technology (S&T) projects of the country in a `mission mode', placing India's space satellite programme and missile programme among the successful ones of the world, earning great respect for India's S&T capability. He led the Defence Research establishment on many projects, played a significant role in nuclear weapons development (by the Department of Atomic Energy) and advised the government on S&T policy.
In 1997 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour for his contributions to scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India. He was the 11th President of the nation from 2002 to 2007. A long way to come indeed, for the son of a humble boat owner (and Imam) from Ramanathapuram, who earned a living by ferrying Hindu pilgrims.
Kalam was famous for his ability to spot ideas and talent, providing encouragement and leadership. When he realised that a metal byproduct of Defence Research could be used in orthopaedic implants and thus bring down the cost of orthopaedic surgery, Kalam directed DRDO to take this up. He devised a low-cost cardiac stent in collaboration with a scientist for use in heart surgeries. In these, what must be especially lauded is his recognition of an idea and his determination in seeing its implementation through to its conclusion. 
As President and later, Abdul Kalam had a grand vision for India's development. He identified five core areas "for integrated action to double the growth rate of GDP" (Gross Domestic Product) in India. These areas were agriculture, infrastructure, education and healthcare, information and communication technologies, and Critical technologies and strategic industries.
Kalam was the youngest of five siblings, and at an early age, he used to deliver newspapers to augment the family income. There was no electricity in Kalam's town when he was a boy, they used kerosene lamps and in that light the boy Kalam used to study early mornings and at night. He was a bright student and the school teachers supported him. All his life, Kalam would remember his teachers with gratitude.
During his school days, the boy's ambition was to fly aircrafts, later he wanted to *make* them, this got him interested in Physics. Kalam did a BSc in Physics in St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli and studied aerospace engineering later in Madras Institute of Technology.
Perhaps what appealed to people most about Kalam was his essential simplicity. He never owned a television, ate very simply, and his few personal possessions included his books, his veena, some articles of clothing, a CD player and a laptop. He was vegetarian and a devout Muslim, keeping month-long fast during Ramzan.
Personally very generous, he was popular with staff wherever he served, for his unfailing courtesy and readiness to help people in need. During his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhawan, he opened the aristocratic premises to common people. He was responsible for developing a `smell and touch' garden there for the benefit of visually challenged visitors. He is said to have not allowed glass to be put on the walls of DRDO (for security) because it hurt perched birds.
When President Kalam visited Thiruvananthapuram at Kerala Raj Bhawan, two special persons who came as Presidential guests attracted media attention. They were a road-side cobbler and owner of a very small hotel. Kalam had remembered them from his days in ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram and called them. Such gestures dotted his life.
At meetings he would address everyone as equals, reserving his special attention for students and children. He once spent 4 hours with school children answering a variety of questions. The world had never seen such a head-of-state as Kalam: one who was well versed in science and technology, could converse with leaders on world affairs and yet one who cared to spend time with children, who never lost sight of the ordinary people.
Some of Abdul Kalam's famous statements of advice that inspired young people:
. Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, people are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.
. All birds find shelter during the rain. But the eagle avoids rain by flying above the clouds.
. Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.
. All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.
. Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.
. You have to dream before your dreams can come true.
Tamil Nadu Science Forum was fortunate to host President Kalam when he came to Erode in 2006 to participate in the State level Children's Science Congress. As usual, he talked to children of the pleasures of doing science and of dedicating onself for the nation's development. His nationalistic vision and emphasis on military strength for power may not have been to the liking of some people who think that science should serve peace and not war, but Kalam's greatness lay in inspiring ordinary people and giving them a sense of hope and direction.
When Kalam died, there was genuine outpouring of grief all around the nation. In Tamil Nadu, we saw ordinary people paying respect in a hundred ways. According to a poster printer, personal expenditure to print tributes to Kalam exceeded that by political parties (with his company) for elections.
GlobalSat, a global satellite for earth observation and disaster risk reduction proposed under the United Nations Framework, is to be named after Abdul Kalam. When Kalam addressed children, he used to refer to his age as his Nth orbit around the Sun, whatever N it was. This is an entirely appropriate tribute for a man with a global vision for science in service of humanity.