Discover 10 inspiring and heart touching stories of APJ Abdul Kalam that reveal his humility, leadership, and timeless values. A must-read for every Indian.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam—India’s Missile Man, former President, and a symbol of humility and integrity—has inspired millions with his visionary leadership and dedication to the nation.
While many know his achievements in science and his role in India’s space and defense programs, there’s a softer, more human side of Kalam that often goes untold.
In this blog, we bring you 10 lesser-known and deeply inspiring stories about Dr. Kalam—stories of kindness, leadership, humility, and timeless values that made him the beloved “People’s President.”
These are not stories found in textbooks or speeches—they are moments that reveal the soul of the man behind the legend. If you think you knew Abdul Kalam, these stories will make you admire him even more.
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During his Presidency, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam once visited Kerala. Instead of dining with top officials, he requested to eat with two ordinary men: his old cobbler and a hotel waiter who had treated him kindly during his DRDO days.
“This showed his incredible memory, humility, and the value he placed on human relationships, regardless of social status.”
The Chair Incident at IIM Ahmedabad
At a convocation at IIM Ahmedabad, a chair was placed higher than the rest for Dr. Kalam. He refused to sit on it, asking for a chair of equal height. He said, “I don’t believe in hierarchy. All chairs should be equal.”
“This moment reflected his deep-rooted belief in equality and simplicity.”
The President Who Carried His Own Bag
On an official state visit abroad, Kalam surprised his entourage by carrying his own suitcase. He told the protocol officers, “I’ve always carried my own bag. I don’t see why that should change now.”
“He showed the world that dignity lies in self-reliance.”
The Lesson in Honesty to a Young Engineer
A young scientist once tried to hide a mistake during a DRDO project. Instead of reprimanding him publicly, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam invited him for tea and said gently, “In science, mistakes are accepted, hiding them is not.”
“That young man never forgot the lesson—one given with wisdom and empathy.”
Returning Every Gift Received as President
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam received thousands of expensive gifts during his tenure. Unlike others, he catalogued each one and returned them to the government or national museums.
“He believed public service should remain untainted by personal gain.”
The SLV Failure That Made Him a Leader
In 1979, when India’s SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) project failed, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam took the blame. But ISRO Chief Dr. Satish Dhawan publicly shielded him.
A year later, when the mission succeeded, Dhawan gave Kalam the stage to announce it. This shaped Kalam’s views on leadership: take blame in failure, share credit in success.
The Poet and the Veena Player - APJ Abdul Kalam
Unknown to many, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a poet who wrote in Tamil and English. He also played the veena and found peace in Carnatic music. He read the Quran and Bhagavad Gita with equal respect.
“A true symbol of spiritual and artistic harmony.”
The Sleepless Night with the Team
During a launch preparation, a junior scientist offered to monitor data overnight while Kalam slept. The next morning, Kalam was upset and said, “You had no right to let me sleep while you worked. We’re a team.”
“It wasn’t about pride—it was about responsibility and camaraderie.”
3 Hours in a Village School
On a school visit in a rural village, everyone expected a short stop. But Kalam stayed over 3 hours—reading essays, inspecting science projects, talking to each student.
“If even one child walks away with a dream, my time is well spent,” he said.
Refusing to Promote His Book at a Govt Event
At a government function, organizers offered to promote Kalam’s latest book. He declined, saying, “This event is for the public, not for personal promotion.”
“He stood by his ethics till the very end.”
Conclusion:
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam wasn’t just a brilliant scientist or a beloved President—he was a man of deep compassion, ethical strength, and a role model for generations. These stories remind us that greatness lies in humility, and true leadership comes from service.
Which of these stories touched you the most? Share your thoughts or your favorite Kalam moment in the comments below. Let’s celebrate his legacy together.
