Patriotism Beyond Politics and Religion by APJ Abdul Kalam

 

 B.A Semester I

Patriotism Beyond Politics and Religion

                                    APJ Abdul Kalam

 



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Introduction

 A P J Abdul Kalam  was a scientist, statesman and visionary who served as the 11th  President of India  from 2002 to 2007. He was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers to support the family's meager income. In his school years, Kalam got average grades but was described by his teachers as a bright and hardworking student with a strong desire to learn.

 He did his schooling at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram. He then graduated in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli. He also studied aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology.


A Great Scientist

After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam began his career as a scientist in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In 1969, he was transferred to ISRO where he became the project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980.

Notwithstanding his contributions in the field of satellite launching, Dr. Kalam's most enduring legacy is his contributions to India's defense capabilities. Spearheading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), he propelled India's ballistic missile technology to new heights. Under his leadership, India achieved remarkable breakthroughs in missile technology, including successfully testing the ‘Agni’ and ‘Prithvi’ missiles.

Because of his pioneering contribution in the field of ballistic missile development, he is known as the "Missile Man of India".

He also played a crucial role role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. This was India’s second nuclear test, the first test was conducted in 1974.

 As the President

In 2002, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. A deep commitment to education, youth, and technology characterized his presidency. He remained an unwavering source of inspiration for young minds nationwide, encouraging them to dream big and work towards a prosperous India. During his five-year tenure, he earned the charming nickname of the "People's President."

Awards

Kalam received honorary doctorates from various universities. The Government of India awarded him with the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 1981 and the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in 1990. In 1997, he was awarded India's highest civilian award, the ‘Bharat Ratna’, for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India. He received the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1997, Savarkar Award in 1998, and Ramanujan Award in 2000.

A Visionary

This great son of India died of cardiac attack on 27 July 2015, at the age of 83, while he was addressing a gathering of students at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, Meghalaya. Dr. Kalam genuinely believed in the transformative power of education and the immense potential of India's youth. His tireless interactions with students served as an enduring source of motivation, inspiring them to pursue careers in science and technology. His books, particularly Ignited Minds, Indomitable Spirits, and Wings of Fire: An Autobiography, continue to captivate the hearts of young readers and inspire countless individuals to dream and chase their dreams.

Central Idea of the Essay “Patriotism Beyond Politics and Religion”

The central idea of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s essay “Patriotism Beyond Politics and Religion” is that true patriotism lies in rising above narrow divisions of caste, creed, religion, and political affiliations, and working selflessly for the progress, unity, and well-being of the nation. Kalam emphasizes that:

·         Patriotism should not be confined to political ideologies or religious identities.

·         Real love for the country means contributing to science, education, development, harmony, and peace.

·         Citizens must nurture values of tolerance, integrity, and collective responsibility.

·     A strong nation is built when individuals think beyond personal or sectional interests and dedicate themselves to the greater good of humanity.

In essence, Kalam calls for a universal, inclusive, and constructive patriotism that unites people and drives national progress.

 

 

 

 

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