From his latest book My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions, published by Rupa, Kalam shared his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. He was too desperate for Career in flying. Tried hard for IAF in 1958 but was on ninth rank respective to which only eight positions were available. After becoming president he finished his childhood desire as he became co-pilot with Wing Commander Ajay Rathore. He could not stop smiling as he was helped into the aircraft.



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 "I am a contented man. My childhood dream has been fulfilled. I pushed to the left and pushed to the right, then went up and down. Everything is so beautiful from the top" after his 30-minute ride in the rear cockpit of a fighter aircraft, SU-30 MKI Flanker. After this he became the oldest(74) Indian to fly a fighter aircraft.
Kalam will be always an inspiration, irrespective to the age of people. He was president of people from the heart. Yes he was “People’s President". As President, Kalam was entitled to invite anyone as the Presidential Guest to the Raj Bhavan during his first visit to Trivandrum, now called Thiruvananthapuram. And his Presidential Guest -- a road side cobbler and owner of a very small hotel. He close to Kalam during his scientist days in Kerala; and so was the owner of the small hotel where he would often have his meals.

At a convocation of IIT(BHU)Varanasi, Kalam was the Chief Guest and there were five chairs placed on stage, centre one for the President and other the top university officials.
Noticing his chair being bigger in size than the others, Kalam refused to sit on it and offered the Vice Chancellor to sit instead, according to a published account. The VC couldn’t, obviously and another chair was made available immediately.

Switzerland has declared May 26 as the Science Day in honour of visiting President APJ Abdul Kalam and Considering his contribution and expertise in science and technology. His birthday 15 Oct. is celebrated as World Student Day.

A story shared from his tumba days.

Seven Scientist were working on a project for 12-18 hrs/day at the Rocket launching station in Thumba. Due to pressure and demand of boss they were frustrated but didn't quit the job as they were loyal to him.

A scientist came to his boss one day and asked him to leave by 5:30 PM on the same day. he told that he has promised his children to take them to the exhibition going on, in the town. Boss granted the request. As a daily routine he started working. He was too involved and dedicated in his work. when he felt the work is very close to completion he looked at his watch. It was 8:30PM.

Then suddenly he remembered about the promise he made to his children. He looked for his boss. But he wasn't there. He closed everything and left for the day. While returning he was feeling guilty for disappointing his children.

He reached home. Children weren't there.His wife alone was sitting in the hall and reading magazines. The situation was explosive, any talk would boomerang on him. His wife asked - "Would you like to have coffee or shall I straight away serve dinner if you are hungry". The man replied - If you would like to have coffee, I too will have but what about Children?. Wife replied- "You don't know - Your manager came at 5:15 PM and has taken the children to the exhibition.

( What had really happened was .The boss who granted him permission was observing him working seriously around 5.00 p.m. He thought to himself, this person will not leave the work, but if he has promised his children they should enjoy the visit to exhibition. So he took the lead in taking them to exhibition)

That is why all the scientists at Thumba continued to work under their boss even though the stress was tremendous.And the boss was A P J Abdul Kalam.

वो भी शख्स था जो इन्सानियत की मिसाल था..
खुदा का एक कलाम था ,कमाल था..!