Monday 27 July 2015

"End of an Era: 'Missile Man' A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931 - 2015)” ―Professor M.S.Rao











India lost an inspiring intellectual, visionary, scientist and legend with the demise of APJ Abdul Kalam who was known as people’s president.  He added value to the office of presidency with his knowledge, charm and dignity. He connected with people especially the youth and students with his inspiring speeches. He provided right direction to the people with his simplicity and humility. There are a number of leadership lessons we can learn from him.
  1. Simplicity. He was a symbol of simplicity. He led a simple life with full of struggles and sacrifices. He was down to earth. He was the first vegetarian bachelor to become president of India.
  2. Honesty. He was straightforward and honest in his approach and style. He emphasized on achieving success with integrity. He valued more on means than ends.
  3. Humility. If there were any definition for Kalam, it would be humility. He respected everyone. He didn’t differentiate people on caste, class, region, religion and community.  He knew value of life and respected everyone.
  4. Visionary. He saw what could not be seen by others whether it is about the economic progress of India or the world. He crafted his own vision to build a better India.
  5. Persistence. As a scientist, he encountered lots of failures. But he never gave up. He believed in what he did and took Indian space and technology to great heights globally. He put India on the global map with his amazing contributions.  

Kalam spread fame during success and accepted blame during failures. He was a self-made scientist.  He was gracious to give permission to incorporate his pledge in my award-winning book ‘Student Leaders: Growing From Students To CEOshttp://www.amazon.co.uk/Student-Leaders-Growing-Students-CEOS/dp/9351101630  and http://www.amazon.com/Student-Leaders-Growing-Students-CEOs/dp/9351101630. I am not fortunate to receive his foreword for my upcoming leadership book.

Roland Sullivan who wrote foreword for one of my 30 leadership books titled ‘Short Stories on Life Leadership: Life is Beautiful!’ (to be released soon globally) unveils about Kalam as follows: “Master Sivananda inspired, and lifted His Excellency, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India when he was depressed in his youth. Sivananda gifted Dr. Kalam 20 of his books filled with stories of how to live a beautiful life. Dr. Kalam gave credit to Sivananda for his leadership success. Reading books can change lives.”

Kalam was a multifaceted personality - a scientist, president and an author. He was rightly named as Kalam (pen). He was a great orator who inspired beyond national boundaries. The void created due to his demise cannot be filled by anyone.

Kalam rose from humble origins and provided a ray of hope for poor people. He showed that people with perseverance can reach to the highest office of presidency. He was a role model for many people, and continues to inspire India in future. Let us learn leadership lessons from him to build a better India, and to become better global citizens.  Although he is not available physically, he lives in the hearts of all Indians forever. Jai Hind!



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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Listed in Marquis Who's Who in the World in 2013
Vision 2030 Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBCO-gWmTRk
Twitter: @professormsrao  
21 Success Sutras for Leaders: Top 10 Leadership Books of the Year (San Diego University) Amazon URL: http://www.amazon.com/21-Success-Sutras-Leaders-ebook/dp/B00AK98ELI




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1 comment:

  1. A very inspiring post on Kalam and his leadership lessons Sir. You always inspire students. Kalam lived for students but you are born for students because you think about shaping students as leaders throughout the day. I am proud to be your die-hard follower. It is a great honor to be one of your one million global leaders. Academic leaders like you must become President of India to lead this country to become a Super Power. Jai Hind!

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