Leadership Skills to Learn from the former People's President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam


Leadership Skills to Learn from the former People's President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

In 1931, on this very day our dearest missile man and former people’s President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Back then the country might not have realized that the child born would one day make India a missile and nuclear power. But, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen evolved to be much more than expected. Being born into an impoverished family, it is certainly hard for any individual to achieve big. Yet, Dr.Kalam’s sincerity, dedication, and hard work made him a shining star.

It is been said that Dr. Kalam was just an average student in his schooling. But he was very curious and passionate about learning. This quality of Dr. Kalam has led him to pursue aerospace engineering and emerged as a most successful scientist. Under his leadership, various efficacious projects were carried out at DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) where he served for four decades as a scientist and science administrator. His contribution towards the country's missile and nuclear power has grabbed the attention of the entire world towards India.

Apart from his talent and skill, he is most renowned for his humbleness, and this quality has made him the most loved President of the country. Although he was celebrated by many, some questioned his leadership skills to guide one of the world’s largest democracy. Was Dr. Kalam’s leadership skill a subject of doubt?

Leaders Ignite the Young Minds

Unlike other politicians, Dr. Kalam always dreamt of the future. Thus, he would always say children are future citizens of the country and would suggest to nurture them, Also, he advised children to dream big, and that dream should never let them sleep. In his words, “A dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.” During his tenure as President, he has always motivated myriads of young minds and the adults as well, to pursue their dream. A leader is not just a guiding force, but a one who determines destiny even before setting off on the journey. With this, Dr.Abdul Kalam was dreaming to make India a nuclear power and also ignited the young minds to work towards it. Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.” Aren’t these words enough to trigger young minds to consistently work on their passion? 

Leaders Should Practice their Preaching

It could be quite easy to give suggestions to others but putting it into practice is the most difficult task even for the one who suggests it. Likewise, in our day-to-day life, we would have come across many leaders who would give impractical assurance and advice. But, Dr.Abdul Kalam throughout his President occupancy was open to share his experience and inspire the future citizens of the country. He said, “All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” These words would certainly motivate anyone to work on their skills and to grab every opportunity that life throws at them. 

Leaders must be Visionaries

The one who takes up leadership roles, don’t just have the responsibility to guide in the present, but, they should predict the future scenarios and give a suitable suggestion and prepare the lot for it. Dr.Abdul Kalam had a strong belief that the country’s future would be lit up by PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas). And every Indian would agree with his visionary, as today or even in the years to come rural India’s contribution to the country’s economy is the one to count on. 

Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam’s Achievements 

From being a renowned scientist to stepping on as the 11th President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam’s achievements are quite hard to pen -down. But, without mentioning his remarkable achievement this story would be incomplete. Dr.Kalam has received seven honorary doctorates from 40 universities. In 1981, the Indian government honored him with the Padma Bhushan, and in 1990 he was presented Padma Vibhushan for his noteworthy work with ISRO and DRDO as a scientific advisor to the government. Later, in 1997, Kalam received the country’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna award for his contribution to the scientific research and modernization of defense technology in India. Many more honors and awards followed him for his impeccable contribution to the country. With which he grew to be the most loved leader of India.