In his childhood, Dr. Kalam faced financial difficulties. He was born in a small town called Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, in a modest family. His father, a boat owner, was not wealthy, but he was known for his integrity and wisdom. Despite the challenges, Dr. Kalam had a deep love for learning. Every morning, he would collect newspapers and deliver them to make some money for his family. But his true passion was science.

Swami Sivananda’s Advice

The interaction between Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Swami Sivananda is a pivotal moment in Kalam’s life. Their meeting took place at the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, a spiritual center located on a hill overlooking the Ganges River. Kalam had traveled there after failing to be selected as an Air Force pilot in Dehradun. Kalam described Swami Sivananda as resembling Buddha, with an olive complexion, black piercing eyes, and a child-like smile. He was struck by the Swami’s gracious manner.

Kalam introduced himself to Swami Sivananda, who showed no reaction to his Muslim name, reflecting the Swami’s openness and acceptance. Before Kalam could explain further, Swami Sivananda sensed his sorrow and asked about its source. Kalam shared his disappointment about not being selected for the Air Force and his long-held desire to fly.

Swami Sivananda offered words of encouragement, telling Kalam to accept his destiny and move forward. He emphasized that Kalam’s failure was essential to lead him to his true path. Swami Sivananda gave Kalam the mantra, “Defeat the defeatist tendency,” which became a guiding principle for him. The Swami also read lines from the Bhagavad Gita, drawing parallels with Arjuna’s dilemma in the Kurukshetra war. This spiritual guidance helped Kalam find inner peace and purpose.

After meeting Swami Sivananda, Kalam received an appointment letter to join DTD&P-Air as a senior scientific assistant in 1958, marking the beginning of his successful career in aerospace and defense.This encounter changed Kalam’s outlook on life. He learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and to trust in a higher purpose for his life.

Leadership Style

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s leadership style was characterized by several key qualities that made him an exceptional leader, both as a scientist and as the President of India. His leadership can be summed up in the following aspects:

1. Visionary Leadership: Dr. Kalam had a clear and compelling vision for India’s future, particularly in the fields of science and technology. He was determined to make India a global leader in space and missile technology. His vision was not just about technological advancement but also about empowering the youth of the country to dream big and pursue their passions.
2. Lead by Example: Dr. Kalam believed in leading by example. He was known for his work ethic, humility, and commitment. Whether it was in his role as a scientist at ISRO or as the President of India, he always maintained high standards of discipline and integrity. He didn’t just give orders; he actively participated in the work, worked alongside his team, and set a personal example for others to follow.
3. Empowering Others: One of the most defining aspects of Dr. Kalam’s leadership was his focus on empowering others, particularly the younger generation. He believed in nurturing talent, encouraging innovation, and providing opportunities for others to succeed. He never saw himself as the sole source of knowledge, but as someone who facilitated and supported the growth of others.
4. Humility and Approachability: Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Kalam remained humble and approachable throughout his life. He believed that good leadership was rooted in the ability to listen, learn, and engage with people from all walks of life. He often interacted with young students, scientists, and citizens, valuing their ideas and perspectives.
5. Integrity and Responsibility: Dr. Kalam took full responsibility for the failures as well as the successes in his professional life. During the challenging moments, especially when faced with setbacks in India’s missile and space programs, he didn’t shy away from owning up to mistakes. His transparent approach to leadership built trust and respect among his team members.
6. Inspirational and Motivational: Dr. Kalam was not just a leader in terms of technical knowledge but also an emotional leader. He was an inspiration to millions. His speeches, books, and personal interactions often conveyed a deep sense of purpose, motivating people to dream and work towards achieving their goals.

In short, Dr. Kalam’s leadership was marked by humility, vision, empowerment, and integrity. He fostered a collaborative environment where each individual felt valued and inspired to contribute to the greater good. His leadership style continues to be a source of inspiration for many, both in India and around the world.

A dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.

-Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Early Morning Study Routine: Kalam was known for his disciplined approach to learning. He would wake up at 4:30 AM every morning to read, study, and reflect. This early morning ritual allowed him to gain knowledge, meditate, and plan his day with a clear mind, demonstrating the power of consistent, uninterrupted learning time.