“Real-Life Instances Demonstrating the Kindness and Inspiration of APJ Abdul Kalam”

Here are some remarkable real-life incidents that showcase the inspiring character of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:

1. Ensuring VIP Treatment for ISRO Scientists: When ISRO scientists were returning from overseeing the testing of the INSAT-4B communications satellite in French Guiana, they unexpectedly received VIP treatment at the Paris airport. Dr. Kalam, who was aware of their mission, had informed airport officials to escort and provide them access to the VIP Lounge during their layover.
2. Keeping a Promise for an Employee: Dr. Kalam permitted one of his scientists to leave work early to fulfill a promise made to his children about taking them to an exhibition. When the scientist got caught up with work and returned late, he found out that Dr. Kalam had taken his children to the exhibition himself.
3. Sharing a Meal with a Student: During the International Space Development Conference in 2013, Dr. Kalam invited Indian students to his dining table. He asked one student to share his meal, an act of generosity that left a lasting impact on the student.
4. Concern for Birds: Dr. Kalam displayed his compassion for wildlife when discussing security measures for a construction project with DRDO. He rejected the suggestion of using broken glass on walls because it would prevent birds from perching, demonstrating his concern for both people and wildlife.
5. Appreciating a Child’s Drawing: A young student sent Dr. Kalam a sketch he had drawn after reading his book, ‘Wings Of Fire.’ In response, Dr. Kalam sent a heartfelt thank-you letter to the child, leaving a lasting impression.
6. Offering an Internship: During a presentation by IIM, Indore students, Dr. Kalam was impressed by one student’s formatting skills. He offered the student an internship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he would work on presentations needed for the UNO.
7. Inviting Common People as Presidential Guests: After becoming President, Dr. Kalam attended an event in Trivandrum, where he had the privilege of inviting two guests. Instead of choosing dignitaries, he invited a roadside cobbler and the owner of a small hotel with whom he had a close connection from his time in Kerala.
8. Rejecting a Bigger Chair: At an IIT, Varanasi convocation ceremony, Dr. Kalam noticed that the chair reserved for him was larger than the others on the stage. He refused to sit on it and asked the vice-chancellor to sit instead. When the vice-chancellor declined, a chair of the same size was provided for Dr. Kalam.
9. Engaging with the Public on Yahoo: Dr. Kalam reached out to the public on Yahoo to gather ideas on how to combat terrorism and received responses from prominent figures across the nation, including Leander Paes, Kiran Bedi, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
10. Delivering a Lecture in the Dark: When a power outage occurred just before Dr. Kalam was about to deliver a lecture at a small school, he improvised by stepping into the crowd and delivering an inspiring talk using only his powerful voice.

These incidents exemplify Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s remarkable character, kindness, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.