A role model is not just a famous personality but a person whose thoughts and actions shape our outlook and attitude. He is someone who defines our vision of ourselves.

He is none other than our former President and famous leader APJ Abdul Kalam. A recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna, this son of a boatman, was born as Avul Phakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam on October 15, 1931, at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.

From selling newspapers as a child to becoming the missile man of India, Kalam scripted a rags-to-riches story, proving nothing succeeds like success. He is the man behind SLV-3, India’s first satellite launcher, Agni, India’s medium to intercontinental ballistic missile, Prithvi, the surface-to-surface short range ballistic missile, the last two strategically important for the country.

From his experience, he recommended a sustainable and inclusive development system called Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (Pura), to uplift the rural people not by subsidies, but through entrepreneurship with community participation. What I find really admirable in Kalam is his hard work, optimism and modesty. But, the most inspiring trait is his low key life and high thinking.

A self-motivated man, Kalam has encouraged India’s youth brigade to dream big and achieve those dreams. He has reached dizzy heights because he grew up with the right values - discipline, kindness and humility, the three most important ingredients for success.

After completing his term as politician, this octogenarian bachelor continues his scientific pursuits for the development of our country. His life is best described by his own philosophy - “Dream, dream and dream; dreams transform into thoughts; and thoughts result in action”.

Anshuman Abhisek Mishra,

Class -XII (Science),

Sai International School, Bhubaneswar