These days, Indians are defying gravity – be it the white cricket balls launched from the wooden bats of cricketers at the Indian Premier League or the historic launch of the PSLV rocket recently which sent 10 satellites into orbit. The former has become quiet common these days with T20 cricket gaining popularity but the later is something which does not happen often. Only Russia, which managed to launch 13 satellites into space comes close to the feat. Rockets remind me of our former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He was among the pioneering scientists in this field. I’m sure he must be very proud and delighted to hear the news…

Years back, I read Dr Kalam’s autobiography Wings of Fire. It was an extraordinary account of a man who started his life’s journey from a village in South India and went on to become India’s top Rocket scientist. One notable aspect all throughout his autobiography was his love for his country and his wish to see it prosper and develop. He was a man of vision. Kalam envisaged India to develop into a strong nation, economically strong and self-reliant, and its people to be globally respected.

Kalam used his potential and talent to not only develop rockets to launch satellites into space but also develop and strengthen India’s defence systems. He’s also a God fearing man who believes in equality and free human spirit.

Here are a few of his sayings:

“Each individual creature of this beautiful planet is created by God to fulfill a particular role. Whatever I have achieved in life is through his help and an expression of His will”

“We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with glow of its goodness.”

We Nagas can learn a lot from Kalam’s life. We should use our talents and God given abilities to contribute to our society.

Tags: APJ Abdul Kalam, wings of fire