A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, nuclear scientist and former president of India, has died(thehindu.com)
thehindu.com
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, nuclear scientist and former president of India, has died
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/apj-abdul-kalam-dies/article7470722.ece
80 comments
I was fortunate enough to witness his speech live when he came to our school in 2007. It was held in our school grounds, which was full with about a 1000 people, with students, teachers & parents, all listening to his speech with rapt attention. During the Q&A session a young boy stood up and asked him, "Why does all the politicians are so old?" After a general murmur of laughter, he asked, "Well students, let me ask you what you want to be in your life?"..Lots of hands shot up, shouts of "Engineer", "Doctor", "Scientist" echoed through the ground. After the clamor died down, he simply said : "See, that is why. I see many engineers, scientists, doctors among you. But none of you want to be a politician. Which is good, as the nation needs its youth to carry them forward, while we old people manage the politics of this country." - Such simple & humble answer from a great man. He did a lot for this country, and more over, he inspired many generations to follow their dreams. He will continue to live in our minds as the perfect role model of modern India.
I met him once at a conference in Bengaluru. He was President then.
When it was his turn to speak, he said: ``My staff has written a wonderful script for me to read aloud. You can read it on my Website tomorrow. But now, I shall talk about good R&D, or the lack of it, in India." And he went on to deliver a very inspiring speech.
Great man!
When it was his turn to speak, he said: ``My staff has written a wonderful script for me to read aloud. You can read it on my Website tomorrow. But now, I shall talk about good R&D, or the lack of it, in India." And he went on to deliver a very inspiring speech.
Great man!
Sir Came to my college, when he was being a President, He asked the students a question,
I am standing the 73th orbit of the earth rotating to the sun, then what is my age?
Many young scientists replied the correct answer.
Feeling proud of him, truely inspiring leader
I am standing the 73th orbit of the earth rotating to the sun, then what is my age?
Many young scientists replied the correct answer.
Feeling proud of him, truely inspiring leader
He will be dearly missed by one and all.
A sad day for Indians. Dr. Kalam was a huge inspiration and role model for many.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. ~ Dr. A.P.J Kalam
Please do not misquote! That was said by Nelson Mandela.
Source : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand101682....
Source : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand101682....
Not only his speech were inspirational but his writings were motivating. Books like ignited minds and India 2020 written by him were visionary and always inspired me . Rest in peace sir
[deleted]
I once met Sir Abdul Kalam at a scholarship event for only school students. I was 14 at that time and after he had given his speech he walked through the auditorium and asked "what they wanted to become?" to random kids.
I still remember to my heart when he came to me and when I replied I wanted to become a software engineer he smiled and replied "And when you become, become a good one".
Really a great loss for India.
I still remember to my heart when he came to me and when I replied I wanted to become a software engineer he smiled and replied "And when you become, become a good one".
Really a great loss for India.
"I can do it, we can do it, India will do it" ~ Dr. A.P.J Kalam
Of interest to the HN crowd -- When APJ Kalam was president he advocated for the use of Open Source Software[1]. He was one the very few intellectual leaders India has seen.
[1] http://www.cnet.com/news/india-leader-advocates-open-source/
[1] http://www.cnet.com/news/india-leader-advocates-open-source/
A visionary, gentleman and brilliant scientist who saw youth as an important part of the country's future. Dr. Kalam was an inspiration. It is a great loss.
Edit: It is only fitting that he spent his last minutes with students.
Edit: It is only fitting that he spent his last minutes with students.
R.I.P Sir!!!
may his soul rest in peace
[deleted]
We will miss you sir. RIP
RIP Missile Man of India.
Sad day for Indians. He has been a great inspiration for many students and children. May his soul rest in peace.
Dr. Kalam once used Yahoo! Answers to crowdsource solutions to combat terrorism - https://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200701121355...
RIP.
RIP.
RIP sir! Alpha geek, father of SLV satellite launch vehicle family, father of Indian ballistic missile program, and an inspiration for millions of Indians. He'll always be present in Indians' hearts and minds.
Read "Wings of Fire"[0] if you haven't already!
[0]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_of_Fire
Read "Wings of Fire"[0] if you haven't already!
[0]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_of_Fire
Good Bye.
Where there is righteousness in the heart there is beauty in the character, when there is beauty in the character there is harmony in the home, when there is harmony in the home there is order in the nation, when there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world. - Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam
That is something we in the US should harken to. Especially: "when there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world." So much instability in the world is due to or exacerbated by imbalances involving the 1st world economies affecting the rest of the world. (Chief among these would be environmental problems, but they are not limited to only those.)
Also something to apply to one's personal life.
Also something to apply to one's personal life.
"Don't declare a holiday on my death, instead work and extra day, if you love me..."- DR. APJ Abdul Kalam
So sad that the death of Kalam was used for promoting a spam website. Can the administrators change the link into a better source?
One of my favorite quotes of all time! "The dream is not what you see in sleep, it's something that does not let you sleep" ― A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Can admin please change source to Wikipedia instead ? It's spam site that's getting all the click, thanks
Wikipedia isn't a great source to use for a breaking news story. But if you or anyone would suggest a more substantive URL, we can change to that.
Try this one.. Its from a reputed Indian newspaper..
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/apj-abdul-kalam-dies/a...
* updated the link..
* updated the link..
Ok, url changed to that from http://www.theindiantalks.com/breaking/former-president-apj-.... Thanks.
Had a chance to see him in person long time back.. Very down to earth.. Simple man with very high and clear thoughts. He always liked to remain close with students.. Always going to different universities.. Guiding .. Inspiring them..
I think it was a dream death for him. Till last breath he was contributing to the nation.. Salute sir
I think it was a dream death for him. Till last breath he was contributing to the nation.. Salute sir
He'll be missed by billions. The Ace scientist, the missile man and above all a great human being. RIP Kalam Sir.
Really a big lose for us :(, He was and always be a true hero for us. RIP sir
Adieu to a great man, https://twitter.com/APJAbdulKalam
"Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep." ― A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
Some of his books : http://www.amazon.com/A.-P.-J.-Abdul-Kalam/e/B001H9RNS0/
Brief from Wikipedia : He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organizational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
"Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep." ― A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
Some of his books : http://www.amazon.com/A.-P.-J.-Abdul-Kalam/e/B001H9RNS0/
Brief from Wikipedia : He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organizational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
good bye!!
I remember the moment when Kalam Sir came to our graduation ceremony and asked in his speech "What would you like to be remembered for? Evolve and shape your life in that way".
He will remain an inspiration.
Here is the full speech: http://www.iitg.ac.in/pro/sites/default/files/14thConvo_Chie...
He will remain an inspiration.
Here is the full speech: http://www.iitg.ac.in/pro/sites/default/files/14thConvo_Chie...
Better source: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-president-apj-abdul-ka...
edit: @mods: Can you please update the url
edit: @mods: Can you please update the url
I am just a normal student. Never had a chance to meet him. Always wished I did. To meet him just once and talk to him about how he wants to see the country, and what a student like me can do to contribute towards it. I am very, very sad that I won't be able to talk to him, ever in my life. </3
Me too.
Don't want to bring politics here. I just could not believe why in the world why Congress/Sonia wouldn't give him second term and brought in Pratibha Patil who abused her privilege as a President ( In news for changing her portrait picture N times because she didn't liked how she looked, Taking her whole extended family > 30+ to all foreign trips, and making Rashtrapati Bhavan a guest house/extended vacation place for them). Abdul Kalam inspired the children and young people of India. He was an icon. She did zilch. How could they disgrace Adbul Kalam and India like this? What were they thinking?
> Don't want to bring politics here
Then you shouldn't have; but you chose to.
[Edit] Your comment says nothing about Dr. AK, but instead focuses on other people and other issues that IMHO have no relevance to this thread.
Then you shouldn't have; but you chose to.
[Edit] Your comment says nothing about Dr. AK, but instead focuses on other people and other issues that IMHO have no relevance to this thread.
I was pointing out the irony that there was no political will to make Bharat Ratna (highest civilian award bestowed by Govt of India) APJ Abdul Kalam the President of India for a second term but get a dummy president instead. APJ is a gem of a person, an educationalist, an accomplished scientist and a person who can inspire generations of Indians.
When we are talking about his legacy as a President, it pains me that we didn't extend the Presidency platform to him for another term for the betterment of India.
When we are talking about his legacy as a President, it pains me that we didn't extend the Presidency platform to him for another term for the betterment of India.
> Your comment says nothing about Dr. AK
Actually, it does. It ranks him favorably relative to others that held the same post.
Actually, it does. It ranks him favorably relative to others that held the same post.
There is no doubt that S Radhakrishnan and APJ Abdul Kalam were two greatest Presidents India had who made the most impact out of a ceremonial post (and not in a political way).
Dont forget KR Narayanan who refused to sign if proper procedures were not followed showing that President is not just a rubber stamp.
[deleted]
It is pretty well known that Sonia Gandhi wanted a sycophant at the position of President and she achieved that by appointing a Gandhi family cook and the least inspiring lady as the President. Even with the limited powers that the office of President has in India someone like Kalam would had never been subservient to someone like the Gandhis and instead focused his energy (like his first term) on whatever he can do to inspire youth.
Dr. Kalam didn't want to run for a second term. He wanted to go back to his passion.
Please don't bring politics into it.
Please don't bring politics into it.
He very well wanted to run for the second term if he was elected unopposed. Go and read some news articles of the time period when the Presidential election happened.
"When a schoolgirl asked Dr Kalam why he did not accept President's post again despite demands from several quarters, he said: "You know you are simply a fantastic girl. Before becoming President, I was involved in teaching. I worked in the political system for five years. The job is over. Now I have come back to teaching and research."
http://specials.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/27slide2.htm
During the Q&A, a girl stood up and took the mic, she can't have been over 10 years old, and she asked him in plain English why he wasn't going to stand for President again when he was loved by every single person in the country. She asked the question that was on the minds of every Indian in the room. His response was measured, balanced and most of all inspirational. He commented that he wanted to return to his passion. That he was a scientist at heart, and that the country was in good hands.
Posted by kartikkumar
I also remember an article on The Hindu about this.
During the Q&A, a girl stood up and took the mic, she can't have been over 10 years old, and she asked him in plain English why he wasn't going to stand for President again when he was loved by every single person in the country. She asked the question that was on the minds of every Indian in the room. His response was measured, balanced and most of all inspirational. He commented that he wanted to return to his passion. That he was a scientist at heart, and that the country was in good hands.
Posted by kartikkumar
I also remember an article on The Hindu about this.
Yeah, he was going to explain a 10 year old girl the behind the scenes politics needed to get elected. This incident instead shows he was a great human being and he did not care whether he was elected again. It does not in any way explain what happened in the Presidential election.
well you've any credible reports that suggest otherwise ?
http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/kalam-surprises-third...
By the way my beef is with the fact that Kalam was undoubtedly the best choice to be the president for a second term. However as i mentioned above Sonia Gandhi (and the Congress) did not even consider his past record and instead nominated their own candidate who can never hold a candle to someone of the stature of Kalam. My objection is to the fact that you are claiming that 2007 presidential election were not political when in fact they were as political as anything in India gets. This is notable because Kalam had proven himself beyond any doubt.
By the way my beef is with the fact that Kalam was undoubtedly the best choice to be the president for a second term. However as i mentioned above Sonia Gandhi (and the Congress) did not even consider his past record and instead nominated their own candidate who can never hold a candle to someone of the stature of Kalam. My objection is to the fact that you are claiming that 2007 presidential election were not political when in fact they were as political as anything in India gets. This is notable because Kalam had proven himself beyond any doubt.
Totally agree with you.
Why was the fact that he was the president removed from the title?
Please update to: "Nuclear scientist and former president of India, Abdul Kalam, has died"
Please update to: "Nuclear scientist and former president of India, Abdul Kalam, has died"
That was our mistake. Specifying a better title is very helpful. Thank you!
The article title right now reads: "Former President APJ Abdul Kalam is no more with us: Collapses During Speech in Shillong"
APJ once said, "the best leader when failed, take the complete responsibility of failure, and when succeed give the credit to his team - this is the best management principle i have learn for the first time"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZkT0tcqEG0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZkT0tcqEG0
I once met Dr. Abdul Kalam. He said, he wanted to become a pilot but couldn't because of his height/eyesight (not sure which). But he did not become dejected. He still got into flying, as an aeronautical engineer.
May his soul watch over the world.
May his soul watch over the world.
Incredibly sad day. I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Kalam speak to a packed auditorium at the IAC [1][2] in 2007 in Hyderabad, India. Not only were a large number of conference participants present but there were about 300 school children there too. There must have been almost 1000 people in that room and there was absolute pin-drop silence. The way Dr. Kalam was able to capture the attention of young and old is something that I feel truly privileged to have witnessed.
During the Q&A, a girl stood up and took the mic, she can't have been over 10 years old, and she asked him in plain English why he wasn't going to stand for President again when he was loved by every single person in the country. She asked the question that was on the minds of every Indian in the room. His response was measured, balanced and most of all inspirational. He commented that he wanted to return to his passion. That he was a scientist at heart, and that the country was in good hands.
My family WhatsApp group is flooded with messages over the last few hours of the various encounters they've had with Dr. Kalam. Even his last breathe was taken at IIM Shillong doing what he does best; inspiring a nation. A friend of mine in Bangalore had the honor of meeting him recently. He has been working on a space startup in India for the last three years and commented how special it was to have the occasion to speak to Dr. Kalam about the future of the Indian space sector.
He was an incredible scientist, a visionary, a leader and in someways that is outdone by the single fact that he united a single country: with all the religious tension between Hindus and Muslims, no one I have ever met back in India has considered him to be anything else than ours.
The 27th of July should be a national day of recognition for his genius.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Astronautical_Co...
[2] http://specials.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/27slide1.htm
EDIT: Minor corrections
During the Q&A, a girl stood up and took the mic, she can't have been over 10 years old, and she asked him in plain English why he wasn't going to stand for President again when he was loved by every single person in the country. She asked the question that was on the minds of every Indian in the room. His response was measured, balanced and most of all inspirational. He commented that he wanted to return to his passion. That he was a scientist at heart, and that the country was in good hands.
My family WhatsApp group is flooded with messages over the last few hours of the various encounters they've had with Dr. Kalam. Even his last breathe was taken at IIM Shillong doing what he does best; inspiring a nation. A friend of mine in Bangalore had the honor of meeting him recently. He has been working on a space startup in India for the last three years and commented how special it was to have the occasion to speak to Dr. Kalam about the future of the Indian space sector.
He was an incredible scientist, a visionary, a leader and in someways that is outdone by the single fact that he united a single country: with all the religious tension between Hindus and Muslims, no one I have ever met back in India has considered him to be anything else than ours.
The 27th of July should be a national day of recognition for his genius.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Astronautical_Co...
[2] http://specials.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/27slide1.htm
EDIT: Minor corrections
> The 27th of July should be a national day of recognition for his genius.
"Don't declare a holiday on my death. Instead work an extra day if you love me." - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
"Don't declare a holiday on my death. Instead work an extra day if you love me." - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
> The 27th of July should be a national day of recognition for his genius.
Slightly off-topic, but there are already too many "national holidays" in India. Added with the "state holidays", there are barely any workdays left.
Slightly off-topic, but there are already too many "national holidays" in India. Added with the "state holidays", there are barely any workdays left.
He mentioned recognizing it as a national day and not necessarily a 'holiday'. There are numerous days when students pay their respect to a great personality and continue with their regular activities. This could be one such day.
Moreover I read somewhere that Dr. Kalam himself wanted people to work harder on his death day and not take a holiday. Not sure if that is misattributed to him, but I'm sure his thoughts would have been similar.
Moreover I read somewhere that Dr. Kalam himself wanted people to work harder on his death day and not take a holiday. Not sure if that is misattributed to him, but I'm sure his thoughts would have been similar.
Exactly. That's why I worded it the way that I did. I am aware of Dr. Kalam's quote, requesting that there be no holiday in his recognition, but rather an extra day of work. So my point is absolutely as you put it, to pay respects to a genius.
> The 27th of July should be a national day of recognition for his genius.
Might you want to chose 15 October since it was his birthday?
Might you want to chose 15 October since it was his birthday?
Many know of him as an alpha technologist and as India's Missile Man.
Less known is the fact that he helped design a coronary stent at a much lower cost, utilizing techniques and lightweight materials from the missile R&D labs. He also designed lightweight artificial limb production processes.
In this way, he had a deep concern for the social benefits of the common man, and distinguished himself from other scientists who lived in a world of their own.
RIP Sir.
May your memory be eternal!
Less known is the fact that he helped design a coronary stent at a much lower cost, utilizing techniques and lightweight materials from the missile R&D labs. He also designed lightweight artificial limb production processes.
In this way, he had a deep concern for the social benefits of the common man, and distinguished himself from other scientists who lived in a world of their own.
RIP Sir.
May your memory be eternal!
RIP.
Always enjoyed reading his books.
Always enjoyed reading his books.
A very very admirable person. Always inspired Kids, Always motivated them to dream, And he died also while motivating them. A true marvelous brilliance and down to earth guy. And that's the reason, Billion+ people are now mourning.
I'm deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. Kalam. He inspired me a lot when I was a kid back in school. His books "Ignited Minds" and "Wings of Fire" are highly inspiring and are filled with hope for India.
His passion was to inspire and ignite young minds and encourage them to propel India on a global scale. His numerous interactions with school children, political leaders, industrialists and scholars have a common theme - India can do it.
On small example of how he always tries to look out for the benefit of everybody: "A school in Madurai had organized an event and invited Dr. Kalam as the chief guest. He initially declined the invitation saying that it would benefit only private school students. Then the school had to modify their plans and invited over 500 students from various other government schools in the vicinity to attend the event too. Only then did he agree to be the chief guest of the event. "
His passion was to inspire and ignite young minds and encourage them to propel India on a global scale. His numerous interactions with school children, political leaders, industrialists and scholars have a common theme - India can do it.
On small example of how he always tries to look out for the benefit of everybody: "A school in Madurai had organized an event and invited Dr. Kalam as the chief guest. He initially declined the invitation saying that it would benefit only private school students. Then the school had to modify their plans and invited over 500 students from various other government schools in the vicinity to attend the event too. Only then did he agree to be the chief guest of the event. "
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a true symbol of "The Indian Dream". Born to a boatman, walking miles to school, born before the convenience of computing and the internet - his journey to becoming the President of India is truly remarkable and inspiring at the same time.
I saw the picture of him falling just before his death, and i am disturbed. This man made the country stand on its feet technologically and here he falls amidst his students as he wished his death to be.
He is the most loved by all, he kept inspiring people to dream bigger. He never relented to retiring. He tirelessly spread his message going to schools and colleges. He is symbolic of an aspiring nation. A nation waiting to unleash its potential - he always asked his countrymen to earn respect through strength since strength respects strength.
His journey will be talked for decades to come, and he truly has become immortal. He has inspired a generation and will inspire more generations through his books and speeches. A saint at heart and a pure soul that worried about humanity and world peace - this man is the best citizen any country would die to have. A role model who transcends caste, creed , languages and religion in a country like India that is so diverse. A binding force in our country.
I am proud to have lived to see him. I am proud to be an Indian.
Every once in a while a great person descends to earth, he is one of them. A saint, a gentleman, a scientist, an orator, a poet, a writer , the greatest teacher, The President of India - various though your roles, you were focused and dedicated. Your soul is so pure, your voice will echo through this nation for decades ahead.
The nation skipped a heartbeat at the news of your death. You have lit a fire, we will spread the wings of this fire that you have lit.
Salutes, to you sir! We will love you now and forever.
Return If Possible sir. :'(
I saw the picture of him falling just before his death, and i am disturbed. This man made the country stand on its feet technologically and here he falls amidst his students as he wished his death to be.
He is the most loved by all, he kept inspiring people to dream bigger. He never relented to retiring. He tirelessly spread his message going to schools and colleges. He is symbolic of an aspiring nation. A nation waiting to unleash its potential - he always asked his countrymen to earn respect through strength since strength respects strength.
His journey will be talked for decades to come, and he truly has become immortal. He has inspired a generation and will inspire more generations through his books and speeches. A saint at heart and a pure soul that worried about humanity and world peace - this man is the best citizen any country would die to have. A role model who transcends caste, creed , languages and religion in a country like India that is so diverse. A binding force in our country.
I am proud to have lived to see him. I am proud to be an Indian.
Every once in a while a great person descends to earth, he is one of them. A saint, a gentleman, a scientist, an orator, a poet, a writer , the greatest teacher, The President of India - various though your roles, you were focused and dedicated. Your soul is so pure, your voice will echo through this nation for decades ahead.
The nation skipped a heartbeat at the news of your death. You have lit a fire, we will spread the wings of this fire that you have lit.
Salutes, to you sir! We will love you now and forever.
Return If Possible sir. :'(
Dr. Abdul Kalam was a musician too and played the veena.
"Hard work, perseverance and kindness are the qualities that define a human being" that's the lesson I learned from his autobiography "wings of fire", this was way back in high school. He was an inspiration for me during my formative years.
RIP Sir.
RIP Sir.