”Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Journey: From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan”
From Newspaper Boy to Missile Man of India
The Inspiring Journey of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – The Missile Man of India
In the temple town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, a young boy once helped his father with prayers in a mosque and sold newspapers to support his family. That boy was Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who went on to become India’s Missile Man and 11th President—a name etched in every Indian’s heart.
Born on October 15, 1931, into a modest Muslim family, Kalam faced hardship early in life. His father was a boat owner with limited income, but rich in values. Young Kalam was curious, disciplined, and deeply spiritual from the start.
Though he studied under oil lamps and wore hand-me-down clothes, his hunger for knowledge was unmatched. He graduated in aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology and later joined DRDO and ISRO.
🔥 Struggles and Turning Points:
- Failed to become a fighter pilot—he was 9th on the list; only 8 were selected.
- Faced multiple rejections and slow career progress in early years.
- Yet, he never gave up—he turned setbacks into stepping stones.
🛰️ Contributions That Shaped India:
- Spearheaded India’s missile programs: Agni, Prithvi, Akash.
- Played a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
- Served as President of India (2002–2007) and was loved as the People’s President.
- Wrote inspirational books like Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds.
Despite his fame, Kalam lived a simple, humble life, with no personal wealth or property. He loved teaching and spent his last moments doing what he loved—interacting with students.
He once said:
“Dream is not what you see in sleep, dream is something that doesn’t let you sleep.”
📌 Read more true legends at BlogRealVibe.in — stories that shape our nation’s soul.
