Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: The Missile Man Who Illuminated India and Envisioned a Blindness-Free Nation On Student Day 2024, we celebrate the life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a man who not only propelled India to new heights in science and technology but also deeply cared about the youth and the well-being of society. This year's theme—"Empowering Youth Through Education and Vision"—is a fitting tribute to Dr. Kalam’s life’s work, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation to create a brighter, healthier future for all. Dr. Kalam’s journey, from humble beginnings in Rameswaram to becoming India’s “Missile Man” and its 11th President, continues to inspire millions. But what truly sets him apart is his lifelong dedication to empowering the youth, promoting education, and improving healthcare access across the country. His work transcended boundaries, focusing on the holistic development of the nation—one that included not only defense advancements but also the elimination of preventable blindness. From Failure to Phenomenal Success Born on October 15, 1931, in Dhanushkodi (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu), Dr. Abdul Kalam’s dream of becoming a pilot was crushed when he ranked ninth in the Indian Air Force selection process, which had only eight spots. This failure didn’t deter him; instead, it sparked a fire that led him on a path to becoming one of India’s most influential scientists. After finding solace and spiritual guidance at Rishikesh, he set his sights on serving the nation through science and technology. Missile Man, President, and People’s Champion Dr. Kalam’s work at DRDO and ISRO helped elevate India into the league of space-faring nations and nuclear powers. However, his greatest role may have been that of “The People’s President,” a title he earned for his humility, accessibility, and commitment to the common man during his presidency from 2002 to 2007. A Vision-Free India: A Cause Close to His Heart In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Kalam was deeply invested in healthcare. He believed that every Indian deserved access to good vision. As part of his mission to reduce preventable blindness, he visited renowned institutions like Aravind Eye Hospital (Madurai) and LV Prasad Eye Institute (Hyderabad), where he encouraged ophthalmologists to work tirelessly to ensure no one suffers from blindness that can be prevented or cured. His vision for a healthier India extended beyond technological advancements; he wanted a nation where every citizen had access to quality healthcare. An Advocate for Education and Simplicity Dr. Kalam’s devotion to education is unparalleled. Wherever he traveled, he made it a point to meet students, urging them to dream big, work hard, and contribute to the nation’s progress. His deep respect for all religions, daily readings of both the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita, and his humble lifestyle were reflections of his grounded personality. Even as President, he paid his family’s expenses when they visited Rashtrapati Bhavan and declined lavish events in favor of donations to orphanages. A Lasting Legacy Dr. Kalam left behind a legacy not only of scientific breakthroughs but also of compassion, vision, and an undying belief in the potential of young people. On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture to students in Shillong, he collapsed and passed away, dedicating his final moments to the youth he cherished. His funeral in Rameswaram was attended by leaders and citizens from across the nation, marking the end of an era but not the end of his influence. Ishita Pandey, our daughter, has beautifully captured Dr. Kalam’s inspiring journey in her book "Dream Big, Fly High: 55 Journeys to Inspire Young Minds." His life story continues to motivate generations of young people to pursue their dreams and contribute to building a better world. Dr. Suresh K. Pandey, Dr Vidushi Sharma SuVi Eye Hospital, Kota Thanks #APJAbdulKalam #MissileMan #Inspiration #StudentDay2024 #EmpoweringYouth #DreamBigFlyHigh #VisionForAll #PreventBlindness #IshitaPandey #DrSureshKPandey #SuViEyeHospital #DreamBigFlyHighBook #HealthcareHeroes #ScientificRevolution #VisionaryLeadership #AravindEyeHospital #LVPrasadEyeInstitute #InspiringGenerations #YouthEmpowerment #EyeHealth #BlindnessPrevention