India 2020: Remembering "People's President" Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary

I was a young child, a millennial when I read India: 2020; a teenager, when I read Wings Of Fire and Ignited Minds. So, I grew up in a country where APJ Abdul Kalam Sir proved that an ordinary man can do extraordinary works. He grew up in a small town, was brought up as ordinarily as every kid ever. Yet, he rose to become one of the most loved presidents of our times.

Why? Because his effort, hardships, fortitude, luck and chance eventually led him to lead not only India's space research, nuclear and missile program but also the country. Our beloved President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passed away 5 years ago, but our hearts still remember him. Through his works and words:

"Dream, dream, dream, dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action."

Even today, I still remember the day I heard about Kalam Sir, passing away. All my life, I wanted to meet him, hug him and ask him how he saw the potential in all of us when we couldn't. But his books, his words, his journey left the motivation for me to pursue what I couldn't ask.

What did I learn from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Sir?

• The one we draw inspiration from drew his from the legends of the time. In his book, Ignited Minds, he talks about the modern Indian visionaries like J. R. D. Tata, Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan and Dr Verghese Kurien. He showed that being poor is not an obstacle in your path of gaining knowledge and success. It is just a challenge which we should fight.

• His story tells me about the importance of people in our lives. He talks on how important it is to collaborate with others and how a leader plays an important role in turning a caterpillar to a butterfly.

• In Ignited Minds, he said:

"As a young citizen of India,
armed with technology and love for my nation,
I realize, a small aim is a crime."

That's when it struck me. I held power within myself to change the world through my vision and efforts. He altered my way of thinking and taught me to dream big.

• From his books, I learnt that our biggest competitors are we, ourselves. We must strive to better versions of ourselves every day. He taught me that the moment I start competing with others, I will block my thoughts and lose the goal.

• He taught me the value of humility. “It Is Very Easy To Defeat Someone, But It Is Very Hard To Win Someone”, he said.

• I watched the movie, "I AM KALAM". This showed me that he was influencing generations and cultures and ideologies. He was influencing the future. And then I realised that if HE can do that with determination, my visions can surely make charity begin at home.

Envisioning India: 2020

We are in 2020. An India that he imagines to be a developed nation, built on science and technology. He gave an action plan to develop India into a strong nation by the year 2020. He wanted it to be a knowledge superpower and a developed nation. The book reads:

I have identified five areas where India has a core competence for integrated action:

(1) agriculture and food processing;

(2) education and healthcare;

(3) information and communication technology;

(4) infrastructure, reliable and quality electric power, surface transport and infrastructure for all parts of the country; and

(5) self-reliance in critical technologies.

These five areas are closely inter-related and if advanced in a coordinated way, will lead to food, economic and national security.

We are not quite there yet. Today's India does not look anything like what he thought it should. But are we moving forward? Yes, but maybe not until 2030, or 2040. So, the is way ahead of its time. It has valid insights that one can act upon even today. But even though we are in 2020 and much of the vision remains to be achieved, it is an inspiring book that can encourage grassroots level action.

Finally, if you are reading this, remember what he said:

"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 the glow of its goodness."