Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, fondly known as the “Missile Man of India,” would have celebrated his 91st birthday today. His autobiography, Wings of Fire, recounts his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming the President of India; it is also a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Through his life experiences, Dr. Kalam imparts valuable lessons that resonate with readers of all ages. This article will explore five critical lessons from Wings of Fire that can guide individuals toward success.
1. Dream Big, Start Small
One of the most profound lessons from Dr. Kalam’s early life in Rameswaram was his humble beginnings. Born to a boat owner, Kalam experienced financial hardships during world war and Bay of Bengal floods. He had worked small jobs like selling newspapers to support his education. His dream to fly, inspired by watching seagulls, fuelled his ambition to become a scientist and engineer. His journey from the small town of Rameswaram to becoming India’s Missile Man exemplifies that great dreams often begin with small steps.
Life Lesson: No matter how humble your beginnings, your dreams can take you to unimaginable heights. Every step brings you closer to your goal, no matter how small.
2. Failures are Stepping Stones to Success
Failure was no stranger to Dr. Kalam. A significant moment was when he failed to qualify for the Indian Air Force, a dream he had cherished since childhood. Kalam ranked ninth in the selection, while only eight positions were available.Though heartbroken, he did not let this failure deter him. Instead, he embraced the opportunity to work as a Senior Scientific Assistant at the Directorate of Technical Development and Production, where his journey in aeronautics began.
Life Lesson: Failure is not the end of the road, but a detour to new opportunities. Embrace failure as a learning experience and persist toward your goal.
3. Work with Passion and Dedication
Dr. Kalam’s work on the Agni missile is a testament to his dedication. Despite working under immense pressure and with limited resources, he led his team to develop India’s first indigenous missile system. He believed that a person should be driven by passion, not just ambition, and this philosophy drove his 18-hour workdays. His passion was not for personal glory but for the development of his country.
He once quoted “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
Life Lesson: Success comes to those who are not just ambitious, but who are passionate and dedicated to their cause. When you love what you do, work does not feel like a burden but a source of fulfillment.
4. Be Humble and Stay Grounded
Despite his immense success, Dr. Kalam remained humble and grounded throughout his life. In Wings of Fire, he constantly attributes his achievements to the guidance of his mentors, such as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Satish Dhawan, and his teammates. Even after becoming the President of India, he maintained his simple lifestyle, often seen engaging with young students and sharing his knowledge. As the President of India, he often invited school children to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, prioritizing their company over dignitaries.
Life Lesson: Humility is the hallmark of true greatness. No matter how successful you become, always acknowledge the support of others and remain connected to your roots.
5. Believe in the Power of Education
Dr. Kalam’s life is a reflection of how education can transform lives. Growing up in a small town with limited resources, he relied on books borrowed from a local library and the wisdom imparted by his teachers. His love for learning took him to St. Joseph’s College, Madras Institute of Technology, and eventually led him to lead India’s most prestigious space programs.
Have you heard of V Kathiresan? He worked as Dr. Kalam’s driver cum assistant for almost 6 years and later went on to do a PhD in history, working currently as an esteemed professor. He quoted that Dr.Kalam motivated him to take this move and helped him financially. This is testament to the fact that Abdul Kalam believes education to be the utmost powerful weapon that can change your life.
Life Lesson: Education is the most powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. Never stop learning, for knowledge is the key to unlocking your potential.
Dr. Abdul Kalam suffered from cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong and passed away at the age of 83-years. Throughout his career, Dr. Kalam was committed to serving his nation. Whether it was his contributions to the Indian space program, his work in defense technology, or his later years as the President of India, Dr. Kalam consistently sought ways to uplift the country and its people. His belief in giving back to society can be seen in his numerous initiatives to mentor young students and encourage scientific inquiry.
Dr. Kalam’s life, as depicted in Wings of Fire, is not just a chronicle of personal and professional achievements; it is a source of endless inspiration. Remember, as he once said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” Let us dream big and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.