APJ Abdul Kalam and Rishikesh
A Journey of Self-Realization
India’s Missile Man, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, remains an inspiration to millions. Born in the small town of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, he shaped his dreams despite humble beginnings. However, there was a time in his life when he was completely shattered and even thought about ending his life.
🚀 Failure in the Air Force and Deep Disappointment
After completing his studies at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Kalam worked as a trainee at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He applied for two jobs:
📌 Ministry of Defence (Delhi) for the position of an engineer.
📌 Indian Air Force to become a fighter pilot.
Kalam’s heart was set on becoming a fighter pilot, so he prioritized the Air Force interview in Dehradun.
🔹 The Air Force selection process was highly competitive, with multiple testing phases.
🔹 Only the top 8 candidates were selected, and Kalam ranked 9th.
🔹 This failure devastated him as he had dreamed of flying fighter jets.
His dreams were shattered, and the burden of family responsibilities weighed heavily on him. He felt completely lost.
😞 A Journey to Rishikesh in Despair
After failing to secure a place in the Air Force, Kalam was deeply distressed.
👉 He felt isolated and didn’t want to talk to anyone.
👉 He believed his career had ended, and there was no path forward.
👉 In this state of mind, he traveled to Rishikesh.
👉 He sat by the banks of the Ganges, reflecting on life.
👉 He even considered ending his life, believing that all his efforts had gone in vain.
Sitting on the spiritual land of Rishikesh, he pondered over what to do next.
🕉️ Meeting with Swami Sivananda: A Turning Point
During this period of self-doubt, Kalam wandered to a high ridge in Rishikesh, where he encountered Swami Sivananda.
🧘♂️ Swami Sivananda noticed the distress on Kalam’s face and kindly asked:
“Son, why do you look so sad?”
Kalam narrated his entire story—how he had aspired to be a pilot but failed. Swami Sivananda responded:
🕉️ “One door has closed, but all others are still open. Come out of this darkness and move forward.”
🌿 He explained that failure is just a phase, not the end.
Swami Sivananda handed Kalam a small copy of the Bhagavad Gita and even gave him some money for his journey home.
👉 This moment became the biggest turning point in Kalam’s life.
👉 He decided to rise again and pursue a new direction in his career.
🔥 A New Purpose and the Path to Success
After meeting Swami Sivananda, Kalam resolved to establish himself as a scientist.
✅ He joined DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and began working in defense research.
✅ He contributed to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and led multiple crucial projects.
✅ In 1980, he successfully launched India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
✅ He played a key role in developing missiles like Agni, Prithvi, and BrahMos.
✅ In 2002, he became India’s 11th President, earning the title of “People’s President.”
📖 Swami Sivananda’s Gita: A Lifelong Treasure
Kalam mentioned this life-changing incident in his autobiography, “Wings of Fire.”
📖 He always carried the Bhagavad Gita given by Swami Sivananda, considering it a guiding force in his life.
👉 He believed that the combination of spirituality and science leads to true success.
👉 He always upheld simplicity, honesty, and hard work as the core principles of life.
👉 He never let failure define him but used it as a lesson to move forward.
💡 Lessons for All of Us
Dr. Kalam’s story teaches us that failure is not permanent.
👉 If one door closes, countless new opportunities await us.
👉 Negative thoughts like suicide are never a solution.
👉 Patience and self-confidence are crucial during difficult times.
💬 Inspirational Quotes by Dr. Kalam
🛑 “Dreams are not what you see while sleeping; dreams are those that keep you awake.”
🚀 “Failure is not the end; it is only a stepping stone to success.”
🔥 “To succeed in your mission, you must have unwavering dedication to your goal.”
Dr. Kalam’s life teaches us that no failure can stop us unless we allow it to.
❓ FAQs About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Who was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist, aerospace engineer, and the 11th President of India (2002-2007). Known as the “Missile Man of India,” he played a crucial role in India’s missile and space programs.
Why is Dr. Kalam called the “Missile Man of India”?
Dr. Kalam was instrumental in developing India’s missile programs, including:
🚀 Agni & Prithvi missiles
🚀 Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998)
🚀 Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III)
His contributions in DRDO & ISRO earned him the title of Missile Man.
Where was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam born?
📍 He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
What was Dr. Kalam’s contribution to ISRO?
✅ Led the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) project
✅ Helped in launching India’s first satellite, Rohini, in 1980
✅ Played a key role in India’s space research & defense technology
What is Dr. Kalam’s connection with Rishikesh?
After failing to qualify as an Indian Air Force pilot, Dr. Kalam was deeply disheartened. He visited Rishikesh and met Swami Sivananda, who motivated him to move forward. This incident changed his life forever.
What were Dr. Kalam’s major achievements?
🏆 Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award)
🏆 Developed India’s missile technology
🏆 Led Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998)
🏆 Became President of India (2002-2007)
What was Dr. Kalam’s vision for India?
Dr. Kalam wanted India to become a developed nation by 2020. His vision focused on:
✅ Education & youth empowerment
✅ Scientific & technological advancements
✅ Self-reliance in defense & space research
Which books were written by Dr. Kalam?
📖 Wings of Fire – His autobiography
📖 Ignited Minds – Motivational book for youth
📖 India 2020 – Vision for a developed India
📖 My Journey – His personal experiences
What were Dr. Kalam’s hobbies?
📚 Reading spiritual books (like Bhagavad Gita & Quran)
🎶 Listening to music (especially Indian classical)
✍️ Writing & inspiring youth
How did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam pass away?
Dr. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He collapsed due to a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration.
What can we learn from Dr. Kalam’s life?
💡 Never give up after failure
💡 Keep dreaming big
💡 Stay humble and dedicated
💡 Always work for your country’s progress
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam journey from a humble background in Rameshwaram to becoming the Missile Man of India and the 11th President of the nation is a testament to his determination, hard work, and unwavering vision. His scientific contributions, leadership in defense technology, and passion for youth empowerment made him one of India’s most respected figures.
His visit to Rishikesh during a moment of despair, where Swami Sivananda’s wisdom guided him towards self-realization, reflects how spiritual strength and resilience can shape one’s destiny. Dr. Kalam’s life teaches us that failures are stepping stones to success and that dreams, when pursued with dedication, can transform an entire nation. Even after his passing, his ideas, books, and vision for a developed India continue to inspire generations. His legacy will always remind us to think big, work hard, stay humble, and contribute selflessly to society.
