Lokesh Thakur
Today, on 15th October Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s birthday, I find myself reflecting not just on his legacy as a scientist and statesman, but on the quiet, profound ways he shaped my own thinking and values. For someone like me shaped by the India of the 80s and 90s, Kalam was more than a public figure. He was a symbol of integrity, intellect, and humility. He was, and remains, a real hero.
I still remember the first time I saw him on television in the late nineties, when he was being hailed as the “Missile Man of India.” What struck me immediately wasn’t just his achievements but it was his hairstyle. At a time when long hair was associated with film stars, here was a scientist, a man of science and substance, with flowing locks and a gentle smile. It reminded me of another inspiration from my youth, Prof. Yashpal, who used to appear on Doordarshan’s science programs and made learning feel like a journey of wonder.
When Kalam became the President of India, I felt a surge of pride. He wasn’t a politician. He wasn’t tainted by corruption. He was a humble, well-educated man, a true Indian in every sense. His presidency felt like a validation of values we often fear are lost in public life: decency, dignity, and dedication. But my deepest connection with Kalam began in a small, democratic school nestled in the mountains of Uttarakhand. In 2018, I had just taken charge as Principal. It was a school that believed in student voice, community engagement, and holistic learning. Yet, I was struggling. Struggling to find the right books for my students, books that could inspire, not just instruct my students. Books that could speak to the heart as much as to the mind. By chance, I picked up Wings of Fire. I had intended it for my students, hoping it would ignite their curiosity. But as I turned its pages, I realized it wasn’t just for them. It was for me. It was for every teacher, every parent, every mentor who has ever tried to guide a child through the maze of life.
That book didn’t just tell Kalam’s story , it touched my soul. It reminded me why I had chosen education. It reminded me that leadership is not about control, but about care. That teaching is not about delivering content, but about nurturing character. And that even in the remotest corners of our country, a child with a dream can rise to shape the destiny of a nation.
Childhood Lessons in Harmon
The opening poem dedicated to his mother mode me a bit emotional. Especially the line:
“Sea waves, golden sand, pilgrims’ faith, Rameswaram Mosque Street, all merge into one, My Mother! You come to me like heaven’s caring arms.”
It reminded me of my own childhood, of the quiet strength and warmth of a mother’s love. Parenting, as Kalam shows, is the first school of values. The lessons instilled by our parents -kindness, resilience, faith never leave us. They shape who we become. Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram was steeped in spiritual diversity and communal harmony. His interactions with Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the temple priest, and Ahmed Jalaluddin, his friend and mentor, reflect a childhood where religion was never a barrier, it was a bridge. One incident in school, where a teacher objected to Kalam sitting beside a Brahmin boy, was courageously addressed by Lakshmana Sastry. That moment, etched in Kalam’s memory, became a lifelong lesson in equality and justice. As a teacher and parent, I often think about how crucial it is to nurture these values in children. Respecting diversity, standing up against prejudice, these are the foundations of a truly inclusive society.
Education, Mentorship, and the Power of Support
Kalam’s academic journey was far from easy. After completing school in Rameswaram and Ramanathapuram, he joined St. Joseph’s College in Trichy. Realizing that physics wasn’t his calling, he pursued aeronautical engineering at Madras Institute of Technology. Financial constraints nearly ended his dream, but his sister Zohara mortgaged her jewelry to support him. That act of sacrifice is a reminder of how families quietly fuel our ambitions. At Madras Institute of Technology, Kalam’s mentors—Sponder, Kal Pandalai, and Narasingalu Rao,shaped his technical thinking. Reading about their influence made me reflect on my own journey. I’ve been fortunate to be guided by remarkable mentors Prof. Vepa Rao, Prof. Shakuntala Bhardwaj, Nikhat Kajmi, Rajiv Sharma, Allen Obrien, and many others. Their wisdom shaped my worldview, just as Kalam’s mentors shaped his.
Rejection and Redirection
Kalam’s application to the Indian Air Force was rejected due to physical fitness standards. It was a painful moment, but he didn’t let it define him. Instead, he joined the Ministry of Defence as a senior scientific assistant. That chapter in Wings of Fire taught me one of life’s golden rules: whatever happens, happens for a reason. Sometimes, rejection is just redirection. Kalam’s journey is proof that setbacks can lead to greater opportunities.
Creation, Collaboration, and Humility
The section titled Creation spans Kalam’s work from 1963 to 1980. His training at NASA, his pride in seeing Tipu Sultan’s rocket warfare depicted in a painting, and his leadership in India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) project, all reflect a man deeply rooted in history yet soaring into the future. Kalam’s leadership style was transformative. He empowered young scientists, celebrated small victories, and embraced failures as learning opportunities. This part of the book made me introspect. I have had moments of empathy in my career, but also moments of apathy. I have sometimes failed to treat people under me with the respect they deserved. Reading Kalam’s story reminded me that true leadership is about lifting others, not just leading them.
Science and Spirituality
Between 1981 and 1991, Kalam led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), giving India five iconic missiles Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag, and Agni. His scientific rigor was matched by spiritual depth. He often quoted scriptures and believed that science and spirituality were not opposites but complements.
This aspect of the book resonated deeply with me. I’ve swung between belief and skepticism between faith and reason. Kalam’s balanced approach inspires me to explore this intersection further. Perhaps science and spirituality can coexist, enriching each other.
Photographs, Memories, and Legacy
The 24 plates in the book photographs of Kalam’s journey are more than images. They’re memories. From his school in Ramanathapuram to the SLV-3 launch pad, from receiving the Padma Bhushan to standing beside the Agni missile, each picture tells a story of service and sacrifice.
One image that stayed with me is of a church in Thumba, donated by the Christian community for India’s space research. It symbolizes unity of purpose across religions a vision of India that Kalam embodied.As I looked at those pictures, I thought: in the end, what remains are memories and the good we do. Kalam’s life is a reminder to live meaningfully.
Why Every Student Should Read Wings of Fire
The book is written in simple, lucid language. It’s accessible, honest, and deeply inspiring. Divided into four sections-Orientation, Creation, Propitiation, and Contemplation it helps readers understand the evolution of Kalam’s thoughts and contributions. As a teacher and parent, I believe Wings of Fire should be gifted to every student. It encourages curiosity, resilience, and patriotism. It teaches that with courage, compassion, and commitment, one can rise above any challenge. Dr. Kalam’s life is a beacon. He rose from modest beginnings to become a scientist, teacher, and President. He remained humble, spiritual, and deeply committed to India’s progress. For me, he wasn’t just a role model, he was a mirror. A reminder of who we can be if we stay true to our values.
On his birthday on Oct 15th , I remember him not just with admiration, but with gratitude. Wings of Fire lit a spark in me. And I hope it continues to ignite young minds across the country.
Lokesh Thakur is a seasoned educationist and author of four books, including Co-mat-ose, Don’t Be a Parent, Don’t Be a Friend, and Twenty 20 of Life. He has worked with India’s top media houses and leading non-governmental organizations, driving impact through education and communication
