Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a scientist, teacher and the 11th
President of India, is one of the most revered public figures to have lived in
independent India. His journey from a humble household from Tamil Nadu’s
Rameshwaram to becoming the ‘Missile Man’ of India, is no mean achievement. Born on October 15, 1931 in Rameshwaram, Kalam’s father
owned just a boat to sustain his family. Young Kalam pitched in by selling newspapers
at the age of five. As a kid, he was intrigued by mathematics and physics.

He attended Saint Joseph’s College, Trichurapally and
earned a degree in physics in 1954. He then enrolled in the Madras Institute of
Technology, where he studied aerospace engineering.

He wished to become a fighter pilot, but lost the
opportunity as he was ninth on the list and the opening was for only eight
spots. In 1960, he joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In an exclusive interview
with Opoyi, on his fifth death anniversary on July 27, his brother’s grandson APJ
MJ Sheikh Saleem, talks about the former president. Saleem is the managing trustee
of the APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and the Managing Trustee of the
House of Kalam.

Opoyi : Abdul Kalam was one
of the simplest person. Can you tell us about your bonding with Kalam sir? 

Sheikh Saleem: He was
people’s president and his death caused great grief and sorrow to everyone in
this country. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with him in
his last five months in New Delhi. Nation was his priority and all the missions,
such as the SLV-III launch, the second mission, and the third Pokhran Test,
were all his act to protect this country.

Read: 5 must-read books by the Missile Man of India

Following this, he was
talking about giving “India Vision 2020”. He wanted to develop six
lakh villages to make India a developed country.

Opoyi : What was the thing
you enjoyed about him ? 

Sheikh Saleem : He did not retire
even after his term as a president ended in 2007. He was as enthusiastic as a
youngster and he wanted 50 crore youth of India to contribute to his “India
Vision 2020″. He was a tireless worker. I was with him when he went into UP.
In the same day, he attended 12 meetings and interacted the students. He was an
early riser who started the day at 6 am.

Opoyi: Tell us about his food
habits?

Sheikh Saleem : He was an uncomplicated
person but yogurt and fruits were a must in his diet.

Opoyi : What was the reason
behind Kalam’s decision to not get married?

Sheikh Saleem: His brother
and father tried very hard to find a match for him. After he started working
for ISRO, his endless working hours made it impossible for him to visit his hometown.
And, after SLV-III launch failed, he dedicated his life to make it a success and
ever since he never thought about having a family.