Memories_Incredible_Kalam

Ministry of Defence
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)
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(October 15, 1931 — July 27, 2015)

MEMORIES:
INCREDIBLE
KALAM
2016
Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre
Defence Research and Development Organisation
Ministry of Defence, New Delhi – 110 011

Editor: Gopal Bhushan
Director, DESIDOC
© 2015
Reprint in 2016
Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre
Defence Research & Development Organisation
New Delhi – 110 011.
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Indian
Copyright Act 1957, no part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed or transmitted, stored in a database or a retrieval
system, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the Publisher.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the book are those of authors only.
The Editors / or the Publisher do not assume responsibility for the
statements/opinions expressed by the authors.
Published by Director, DESIDOC, Metcalfe House, Delhi – 110 054

CONTENTS
Foreword
Preface
VII
XI
Contributions
Page No.
Dr S Christopher 1–6
Dr G Satheesh Reddy 7-10
Dr KD Nayak 11-14
Sudhir Mishra 15-18
Dr Tessy Thomas 19-22
Dr Maya Kumari 23-24
SK Sinha 25-34
Dr VS Arunachalam 35-40
Dr VK Aatre 41-44
Dr VK Saraswat 45-58
Dr Avinash Chander 59-68
Dr KG Narayanan 69-74
VP Sandlas 75-98
RN Agarwal 99-114
Lt Gen (Dr) VJ Sundaram 115-120
Dr AS Pillai 121-128
Dr Prahlada 129-134
Dr W Selvamurthy 135-144
Dr V Siddhartha 145-146

Memories: Incredible Kalam
AK Chakrabarti 147-156
Dr SK Salwan 157-164
Dr SK Chaudhuri 165-180
Dr SS Murthy 181-186
AK Checker 187-190
Dr Brahma Singh 191-198
RAdm SR Mohan 199-204
Rajaram Nagappa 205-212
CR Sathya 213-228
B Dattaguru and HS Mukunda 229-234
Dr Srikanto Bandyopadhyay 235-240
Dr Dodda Jagan Mohan 241-244
Devyani Sinha 245-247
vi

Foreword
In the spirit of things, this work really needs no
foreword. It is an emotional and honest tribute by the
personnel of DRDO to one of the revered sons of India,
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who emerged from modest beginnings
to become Nation’s renowned scientist statesman.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam gave the manthra, ‘strength respects
strength’ to the Nation and brought about a renaissance in
defence preparedness with his Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP); the rest of the World
started looking up at India as an ‘Emerging Regional Super
Power’ soon after that. He demonstrated the power of Group
Dynamics in realising his ambitious missile programmes by
effectively networking the national resource-centres across
rigid corporate barriers and that set the trend for other
programmes to follow and ‘win by the collective wisdom’.
He took care of spin-off benefits from high-end technologies
to serve in the down-to-earth societal purposes.
Dr Kalam dreamt of a ‘Developed India’ by 2020 through
structured indigenous R&D together with appropriate
collaboration with advanced nations. He wanted India
to become economically strong, self-reliant in defence
technologies, and, stand tall among advanced countries of
the world. His devotion, dedication and hard work set a
new yardstick for ‘performance for results’ in whatever one

Memories: Incredible Kalam
was doing, and this ‘fever’ caught up every group that was
engaged in any national development activity subsequently.
His simplicity, humility and concern for young Indians
earned him the honour as the ‘People’s President’.
He staunchly believed that grooming of the young Indian
minds held the key for a brighter India of the future.
Personally, I was overawed by Dr Kalam’s keen eye
for details in R&D projects. He took extraordinary interest
in making sure how the Rajendra radar of LRDE was
married to the air defence missile, Akash, of DRDL to be
an effective operational system. Dr Kalam literally believed
and practised that he was on Nation’s duty all 24 hours of
the day! He arrived almost in the middle of the night of
December 19, 1997 to inaugurate the Automated Planar
Near-Field Measurement (APNFM) Facility at LRDE to the
jubilation of scientists, who were eagerly waiting for him.
The APNFM facility was to be extensively used to calibrate
and evaluate performance of Rajendra, the indigenous
radar for the Akash Missile system.
We remember with sorrow, the January 12, 1999, on
which day, four of our DRDO scientists together with four
of our IAF officers sacrificed their lives in an air accident
to the Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP) prototype near
Arakkonam, while pursuing the final phase of flight trials
of their indigenous radar. Dr Kalam, the Secretary and DG,
DRDO, came rushing to Bangalore on that occasion, to be
with the grieving relatives and colleagues at the Community
Hall in the DRDO Township. The solemn words he spoke
on that day still reverberate in my ears: ‘The young scientists
laid down their precious lives in the pursuit of the Nation’s
scientific goals. We shall honour them by carrying on the
unfinished work and delivering the fruit of their labour to
the waiting Nation.’
viii

Foreword
I met him in his house on June 06, 2015 after I had
taken over the Secretary and DG, DRDO, a post which
he held a long time ago. The purpose of my visit was to
obtain his advice to run this organisation. He welcomed me
warmly and said, “Now you are the boss of the empire”
and I replied saying, “I am the caretaker now of the empire
created by you”. He gave a broad laugh and discussed about
my previous work. When I said that there is possibility for
export of AEW&C system, he was happy but stated that our
need should not take any back seat. Then both of us recalled
the ASP crash at Arakkonam in 1999. He presented me the
book, written by him, in which he has brought out these
events. At that time I never knew that was going to be my
last meeting with him.
This compilation of memories and recollections by
those who had personally and professionally interacted with
Dr Kalam will help readers capture the many dimensions of
his personality as a man, as a scientist and as a statesman.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, will continue to inspire every Indian
for a long, long time to come!
I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to
the Director, DESIDOC, and contributors of articles, for
their keenness and efforts to bring out this publication as a
token of their abundant love for Dr Abdul Kalam.
New Delhi
Dr S Christopher
Secretary, Dept of Defence R&D and
DG, DRDO
ix

Preface
This book is a tribute to the iconic “Missile Man” -
Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or better known
as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam or simply Kalam. It’s a testimony of
personal experiences of many greats who worked with him
during his time in, DRDO, ISRO and elsewhere.
Dr Kalam’s professional life spans four decades as a
physicist, aerospace engineer and technocrat with the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO). Dr Kalam’s great
contribution to develop India’s first indigenous Satellite
Launch Vehicle made India a member of the elite Space
Club. At DRDO, his work in the field of missile technology
and his contribution to Pokhran II are well known. He was
instrumental in making India a nuclear weapon State and
gave a thrust to self-reliance in defence systems and mission
mode projects. His special relationship continued with
DRDO until the very end of his life.
Dr Kalam was full of concern for the country’s
progress and development. He had a vision and was very
determined to transform India into a developed nation.
He wanted India to be economically strong and self reliant in
national security and technologies, and wanted the country

Memories: Incredible Kalam
to attain a high standing amongst the advanced countries in
the world. As President of India and in his post-Presidency
years, Dr Kalam spent a significant amount of his time
inspiring students through his blueprint the ‘India 2020’.
Dr Kalam took genuine interest in everyone he met;
listening and encouraging them in such a way as to give
them confidence in their own ability. His love for children
whom he considered tomorrow’s citizens is well known.
He wanted under privileged children to be nourished and
educated. He often said, “let us sacrifice our today so that
our children can have a better tomorrow”.
He was also a great educationist and spreading
scientific literacy was his passion. He toured and lectured
at educational institutions and advocated for an education
system that would create ‘employment’ rather than
‘employment-seekers’. He believed in empowering youths
to take risks and in expanding the boundaries of science
and technology to generate employment and accelerate the
country’s economic growth. His books, “Wings of Fire”,
“India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium”, “My
journey” and “Ignited Minds - Unleashing the power within
India” made him a household name in India and abroad.
Dr Kalam was sustained by the belief that improvement
was always possible as long as the necessary effort was put
in; and in making that effort he did not spare himself, right
up to the very end.
The book offers the reader a never before insight on
Dr Kalam. This is an engrossing volume which presents
a view into the world of Dr Kalam which he held us
spellbound with for close to four decades! The roles played
xii

Preface
by the “Missile Man” are delineated in very graphic detail
by his admires, friends and critics. The book will reveal
many fascinating facts of the life of Dr Kalam who is no
longer in our midst but will remain in everyone’s heart.
I take the opportunity to thank the contributors for their
enthusiasm and the prompt delivery of their contributions
which, in some cases, were very short notice indeed.
The fact that so many people have contributed is evidence
of the influence Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had on those who
knew him and worked with him. There are many more, who
would have loved to share their stories and experiences; but,
regrettably, could not be contacted due to time constraints.
I thank Dr S Christopher, Secretary DD R&D & DG,
DRDO and Dr CP Ramanarayanan, Distinguished Scientist
and Chief Controller R&D (Human Resource) for their
encouragement, suggestion and editing. My special thanks
to Dr Christopher for taking time off to write the foreword
and his personal anecdotes with Dr Kalam.
I wish to thank you my colleagues in DESIDOC who
have generously helped with their individual contributions
whichever way I had requested; very specially to
Balasubramaniam Nityanand for his invaluable and untiring
efforts in coordinating activities spanning across various
divisions of DESIDOC in spite of his full time devotion
to office duties; Ms. Kavita Narwal for her very sincere
efforts in compiling the book and designing the cover with
Ms. Gunjan Bakshi; and, likewise other officers and staff of
the DESIDOC for tracking down several greats of DRDO,
who have since retired, for their individual reminiscences
Needless to mention that compilation of this book was a
xiii

Memories: Incredible Kalam
great opportunity for me to reconnect with the legends of
DRDO. It was a wonderful feeling to interact with them
once again after so many years.
I conclude with the quote of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam,
“Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.”
New Delhi
Gopal Bhushan
Director, DESIDOC
xiv

Development of Rajendra Radar for Akash Missile
1
Development of Rajendra Radar
for Akash Missile brought me
close to Dr Kalam
DR S CHRISTOPHER
SECRETARY, DD R&D & DG, DRDO
Dr Kalam’s Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme (IGMDP) at Defence Research &
Development Laboratory (DRDL) was a major leap
forward for the Nation, boosting its defence preparedness
significantly. ‘Akash’ Air Defence Missile was developed
under the IGMDP for the Indian Armed Forces. Rajendra,
India’s first multi-function electronically scanned
phased array Radar developed at Electronics Research &
Development Establishment (LRDE), was slated to be the
primary sensor at the flight level for the Akash missile.
A scientist with an eye for details, Dr Kalam evinced
keen interest in the integration of the Rajendra radar with
the Akash missile. He held several technical reviews and
1

Memories: Incredible Kalam
pushed the programme. He directly interacted with me
during this exercise, though I was a junior scientist at LRDE.
At one point, we were stuck for want of an entirely new
type of measurement facility, namely, Automated Planar
Near-Field Measurement (APNFM) facility, to validate
Rajendra’s antenna design. Fortunately, the requirement
coincided with my doctoral work at IIT, Madras.
The theoretical knowledge, however, had to be translated
into a viable measurement facility in a hurry. Dr Kalam
enthusiastically supported development of the facility at
LRDE. We spent a very small amount for development
of the hardware and wrote in-house the entire range
of software for APNFM. The APNFM indoor antenna
evaluation facility was soon ready.
It was decided that Dr Kalam would inaugurate the
APNFM facility on December 19, 1997. Unluckily, his flight
to Bangalore on that day got inordinately delayed and yet
Dr Kalam arrived well past mid-night and inaugurated the
facility to the delight of LRDE personnel, who were eagerly
waiting for him. For a scientist, who was on nation’s duty
24 hours a day, it was just another day, or night, of work!
Dr Kalam spent considerable time at the APNFM facility
appreciating each and every feature of its design.
The APNFM facility, the first of its kind in Asia in
1997, was extensively used to calibrate the Rajendra radar
and evaluate performance of Akash, the state-of-the-art
indigenous Air Defence Missile system. During the whole
exercise, Dr Kalam was a great guide leading the team
to realise the project objectives. Personally for me, this
association with the visionary scientist was a memorable
experience.
2

Development of Rajendra Radar for Akash Missile
We remember with sorrow the January 12, 1999, on
which day four DRDO scientists, two each from LRDE
and Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), together with
four IAF officers sacrificed their lives in an air accident to
the Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP) prototype near
Arakkonam, while pursuing the final phase of flight trials
of their indigenous radar. Dr Kalam, the Secretary and DG
DRDO, came rushing to Bangalore on that occasion, to be
with the grieving relatives and colleagues at the Community
Hall in the DRDO Township. The solemn words he spoke
on that day still reverberate in my ears: ‘The young scientists
laid down their precious lives in pursuit of the Nation’s
scientific goals. We shall honour them by carrying on the
unfinished work and delivering the fruit of their labour to
the waiting Nation.’
I called on Dr Kalam at his Rajaji Marg residence soon
after taking over as Secretary and DG, DRDO. The purpose
of my meeting him was to have his counsel on management
of the organisation. He welcomed me warmly and said,
“Now you are the boss of the empire” and I replied,
“I am the caretaker now of the empire shaped by you, sir!”
He gave a hearty laugh and enquired about the status of the
AEW&C programme at CABS. When I said that there were
possibilities for export of the ‘AEW&C India’ surveillance
system, he was pleased, but cautioned, “Ensure that our
national requirement does not take a back seat”. Dr Kalam
presented me a copy of his book with his autograph.
When I thanked him for his time and took leave of him,
I did not realise that it was destined to be our last meeting.
•••
3

Memories: Incredible Kalam
Rajendra Radar
APNFM Facility
4

Development of Rajendra Radar for Akash Missile
5

Missile Man Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Reminiscing Memories
2
Missile Man
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam:
Reminiscing Memories
DR G SATHEESH REDDY
SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR TO RAKSHA MANTRI,
DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST & DIRECTOR, RCI
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s simple, down-to-earth life,
inspiring words and indomitable leadership will ever
remain etched in the memory of anyone, who worked with
him. My mind is filled with such countless memories of
interactions with Dr Kalam, the man who formulated the
Integrated Missile Programme of the country and made
India emerge as a Missile power.
Dr Kalam, though went on to become the “People’s
President” winning the hearts of one and all, we, his old
associates from the Missile Complex will always remember
him as our Guru and Mentor.
7

Memories: Incredible Kalam
Many establishments and facilities were conceptualised
and created under this Great Visionary. A favorite brainchild
of Dr Kalam is the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). Dr Kalam
conceived and steered RCI as a generator of critical missile
technologies essentially needed but denied to India. Ever
since its inception, RCI has been nurtured to pursue R&D
in the cutting edge technologies which ultimately resulted
in development of not just missiles, but many other hi-tech
weapon systems and platforms in the country, transforming
his dreams into reality. Dr Kalam’s inspiring memories
are indelibly imprinted in not just hearts of the people in
the Missile Complex, but in the air and soil of the place,
especially the RCI.
I remember, when I was taking over as Director, RCI,
I was fortunate to have Dr Kalam in RCI, who narrated that
while establishing RCI, it was his dream to see it flourish as
one of the futuristic advanced research centres in the world
and entrusted me the task of attaining self-reliance in each
of the mandated technology areas and develop first of its
kind products.
It was indeed a proud and poignant moment for me
to unveil, on behalf of RCI and Missile Complex fraternity,
a statue of Dr Kalam on August 10, 2015 near the Faculty
House in the Residential Complex of RCI. The sight of his
statue at a place, where Dr Kalam used to live as Director
during those dare-devil days, will surely inspire the youth
for generations - to dream big, aim big and fulfill the dreams
with focus, hard work and dedication. I am grateful to all
the eminent missile scientists who graced the occasion and
paid tributes to the “Missile Man” and shared their fond
memories of their association with Dr Kalam.
I am sure that the reminiscence of inspirational words
of Dr Kalam will always keep motivating the scientific
8

Missile Man Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Reminiscing Memories
fraternity to aspire for greater heights and to set new
benchmarks in the years to come. His dreams were never
ending. The greatest tribute that we can pay to him is to
fulfill his dreams and realise the vision set by him for the
country.
•••
9

Kalam an Inspirational Light Forever
3
Kalam an Inspirational
Light Forever
DR KD NAYAK
DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST & DG (MED & COS), DRDO
Kalam Sir, India’s most visionary leader, had something
truly inspiring to say about everything, which usually
brought life-altering metamorphism in individuals. Almost
like an Alchemist, he transformed normal individuals
to future leaders with his everlasting smile, zeal for
perfectionism, un-daunting courage to face the greatest of
the perils and the unique mind-set to receive highest of the
laurels with utmost humility.
I had the honour and privilege of meeting him and of
working under his guidance. His sense of commitment and
overwhelming devotion to nation, his work and his methods
were something that had left an indelible mark on my life.
One thing that I remember the most was his immense
capacity to work, which to me was almost unbelievable.
11

Memories: Incredible Kalam
I remember once he came to Defence Electronics and
Applications Laboratory (DEAL) for Akash and Trishul
reviews. He must have started from Delhi at around 4 am to
reach DEAL at around 9:30 am and he immediately started
taking the review which lasted till 6 pm in the evening.
At that time, he mentioned that he had committed to meet
the scientists at ITM Mussoorie. Hence he requested people
that the review can be resumed at 10 pm and left for ITM.
He reached DEAL back at 10 pm and took the review
till 11:30 pm. After that, since he had committed to meet
scientists at IRDE, he went to meet them at around 12:00
midnight. He again travelled early in the morning to reach
Delhi headquarters to be on time for his daily work. This is
one of the many instances which elucidated his commitment
and his energy level, which to me, even this day, seems
incredible.
Another facet about Dr Kalam was that he always kept
himself appraised with the ground truths. I remember when
I was Scientist D in DEAL, he used to have lunch with young
scientists. He would then have a friendly chat and understand
from them the ground truths about the projects such as the
reasons for delays, problems faced in the execution and
other administrative issues. A simple but efficient method,
which kept him informed of project realities and gave him
an edge on the problems to resolve them. He believed in
young scientists and had great faith in them.
During operationalisation of SITAR foundry,
Dr Kalam called me one Sunday to get the technical
scenario of the microelectronics ecosystem in India and
its current capabilities. I presented the same in the DRDO
Review Council (DRC) and he suggested me to present an
12

Kalam an Inspirational Light Forever
implementation road map to senior scientists. Subsequently,
he asked me to give him a print out of my hand written
implementation plan and used the same for his review and
orchestration of the plan, clearly indicating his great faith
in youth power. The same day, he had one-to-one lunch
with me at Asiad Village Guest House in his room when he
shared his views on life and humanity. That was, without
doubt, one of the most cherished moments of my life.
Another aspect of Kalam sir was his belief that
knowledge and training are useless till the time they are put
to practice or more eloquently orchestrated in operational
implementation plans. I remember he initiated a strategic
programme to groom future directors by systematically
training them on a management programme at IIM, of
which I was one of the selected candidates. He came to IIM at
10 pm on the concluding day and started interacting with us
on various aspects of the course. Subsequently, he asked us
to write in our own handwriting a one page note detailing
an implementation plan utilising the training imparted at
the IIM chalking out a future road map for DRDO in specific
fields of the candidates. I remember the same road maps
were given to us for implementation when the candidates
were selected to be directors. It was this nature of his,
which, without doubt, was one of the key factors for him
being an inspiration for the youth of this country in general
and DRDO in particular.
Dr Kalam was a true leader, an inspirational senior,
a majestic Guru and a glorious person, who mesmerised the
world with his humility.
“RIP – Return If Possible”, Kalam Sir!
•••
13

Memories: Incredible Kalam
14

Dr Kalam – The Founding Father of BrahMos
4
Dr Kalam – The Founding
Father of BrahMos
SUDHIR MISHRA
OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST & CC R&D (BRAHMOS) &
CEO & MD, BRAHMOS AEROSPACE
Dr Kalam is rightly regarded as the Father of BrahMos
Project. It was his vision in the early 90’s which had
foreseen the capabilities a supersonic cruise missile would
possess. During his numerous visits to Russia, in particular
to the NPOM, he was shown the liquid ramjet engine.
He immediately proposed a joint venture for design and
development of a supersonic cruise missile which was
christened as BrahMos in 1998 after the signing of the
Inter-Governmental Agreement by him as the Secretary,
Department of Defence R&D from the Indian side. As the
DG, DRDO he was the first shareholder of BrahMos and
it was during his tenure, all the bureaucratic hurdles in
India as well as in Russia overcame and the Joint Venture
(JV) started functioning as a Government owned Privately
Operated Company.
15

Memories: Incredible Kalam
All through these years right from the starting of the
joint venture in 1999 and till his last breath, he was always
keen to know the progress of BrahMos. During my posting
to Embassy of India, Moscow as Counsellor Defence
Technology in 2003, Dr Kalam as President of India paid
a state visit to Moscow. I was assigned official duty which
did not involve personal interaction with the visiting
President. However, during an interactive session my wife
spoke to him and mentioned about our stay at Moscow.
He immediately called me from a distance and started
interacting. He shared his unhappiness for abandoning
missile Research & Development. He was not aware of my
posting at Moscow. I conveyed him about the background of
my posting to Moscow to coordinate Research & Development
of joint venture BrahMos. Dr Kalam was satisfied with my
answer and called my family for a photograph with him.
It was a humane and out of protocol gesture which only
Dr Kalam could do.
Dr Kalam had always mentioned about BrahMos
in the International arena. In the year 2007, the deliveries
of BrahMos land attack missiles were to be commenced.
Dr Kalam was requested to be the Chief Guest of the Function
and he readily accepted our invitation to hand over the first
set of systems commencing the deliveries to Indian Army.
It was an ideal situation that the Supreme Commander of
the Armed Forces handed over the BrahMos weapon system
to the Chief of Army Staff. During the Ceremony, Dr Kalam
said “By giving the supersonic cruise missile, which is first
of its kind in the world, BrahMos team (Russian and Indian)
have successfully broken the Fifth Nation Syndrome”.
BrahMos Headquarters Complex has a Founders’
Gallery. This Gallery, named as “Mission of Life”, gives
16

Dr Kalam – The Founding Father of BrahMos
a complete virtual tour of the Life Sketch of Dr Kalam.
The Gallery has been displayed with the contributions
made by Dr Kalam in space, defence, nuclear, and BrahMos
Programme of India as a great scientist, his interactions with
the world leader as the Statesman and his contributions to
the society and igniting of young minds as a fellow human
being. The gallery is also been decorated with the National
and International Awards received by Dr Kalam and
selected souvenirs and mementos given by the institutions
of various fields.
Every year, 12 th of June is being celebrated as the
BrahMos Annual Day, the day we launched the very first
BrahMos missile. Whenever we approached Dr Kalam to
be the Chief Guest of the BrahMos Day function, he always
accepted to come and grace the occasion. His presence
always gave us more strength and he always motivated the
gathering with his innovative ideas.
This year also, on June 13, 2015, we invited Dr Kalam
as the Chief Guest for BrahMos Annual Day Celebrations.
He readily agreed. On the day, after welcoming him, we had
taken him to the Founders’ Gallery located in the Ground
Floor of BrahMos Hqrs. Complex. His visit to the museum
got extended to more than half an hour against the scheduled
time of 10 minutes as Dr Kalam started recollecting his various
stages of eventful days. Dr Kalam was briefed about the
successful demonstration of long range steep dive capability
for land attack supersonic cruise missile in the world. He was
happy and reminded us of his vision of developing reusable
hypersonic long range cruise missile.
Dr Kalam always had a bubbling energy which he used
to transmit to others. He was full of positive energy and
wanted the young energetic talented force to work for the
17

Memories: Incredible Kalam
development of the Nation. Dr Kalam was briefed about the
young engineers posted in BrahMos for the development of
technologies in niche areas. He was overwhelmed on hearing
this and congratulated the young team of BrahMos and
wished them for more success in their endeavours. BrahMos
was always next to his heart and he always mentioned
about this successful partnership in numerous International
forums.
In the memory of a great human being, a visionary
leader and the missile man of India, BrahMos has proposed
its future Hypersonic Missile in his name.
•••
18

Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
5
Tribute to
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
DR TESSY THOMAS
OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST & DIRECTOR, ASL
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was a great personality - a true
illustration of “Simple Living and High Thinking”.
On behalf of the scientific community, I express my heartfelt
gratitude for his contribution to science and humanity.
He was a true human being, who made DRDO one of the
renowned organisations in the world. It is true that we are
going to miss a great visionary genius, but at the same time,
we should resolve to continue our work with the same spirit
drawing inspiration from the legacy he has left behind.
He showed us that determination and hard work will render
and define our life the way we want it to be.
Dr Kalam was first and foremost a dedicated
educationist, who was keen to teach and interact with the
19

Memories: Incredible Kalam
youth of the nation so that he could guide them on the path
of achieving their dreams.
My first interaction with Dr Kalam was when I was
posted as Scientist ‘B’ in DRDL, Hyderabad. Dr Kalam
asked me what was my area of specialisation and project
work in M.E. (Guided Missiles). I replied, “Gyro less
Inertial Navigation System”. Dr Kalam decided and said,
“Then, you join the Navigation Group that is working on
the guidance systems for the missiles.” I thus joined the
Navigation Group and was assigned the task, ‘Design of
Guidance Law for All-Solid-Propulsion Systems’, for which
thrust termination was not possible. Efficient guidance
design makes the missile seek the target very accurately.
My contribution to development of the Guidance Law
for the missiles was very successful and that would not
have been possible without the constant support of the
Director, Dr Kalam. Subsequently, my responsibilities
progressively extended into design of critical subsystems
for strategic missiles. Growing up with DRDO gave me
many opportunities.
My latest and last interaction with Dr Kalam was at the
recently launched National Programme, Rashtriya Avishkar
Abhiyan, in July 2015. The unique concept developed by
the Ministry of HRD aims at inculcating a spirit of inquiry,
creativity and love for Science & Mathematics in school
children. At the inaugural session - it still resounds in my
ears - Dr Kalam introduced me to the audience of 3000
students and other dignitaries. It was a great privilege and
cherished moment of my life. He said – “I want to introduce
to you two great innovators and inventors, who are not
on the dais but seated amongst the audience here – one
is Dr Tessy Thomas, the Agni-V lady. She is the designer,
20

Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
developer and maker of Agni-V series missiles and the
other one is Mrs Nandini Harinath from ISRO.”
The only fitting tribute we can pay to Dr Kalam is:
Apart from fulfilling his dream of ‘Technology Vision
2020’, we - scientists and engineers - also draw up a ’Kalam
Vision 2050’ and work on his long term goals of ‘Prosperity
through Technology’.
Dr Kalam will continue to inspire India and Indians
for years to come and would be remembered for teaching
us the values of both Karma and Rajdharma.
•••
21

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Man Who Lived in the Lives of Millions
6
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man
who Lived in the
Lives of Millions
DR MAYA KUMARI
SCIENTIST D, O/O DG LIFE SCIENCES, DRDO HQ
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was a noble soul, an inspired
personality, and a saint scientist who never died.
He will always live in the hearts of the citizens of India.
He not only enlightened the people of India but spread
knowledge in the world. He never rested till he met his
end. As the President of India he won many hearts.
He was very rightly called “Peoples’ President” because of
his involvement with the people of India of all age groups.
He was loved by children, youngsters and elders alike.
He devoted his life for the welfare and enlightenment of
the humanity.
I don’t have much to share on the life of Dr Kalam
except for a personal experience of mine. It was in 2013,
when Dr APJ Abdul Kalam visited Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
23

Memories: Incredible Kalam
On behest of Dr Zakwan Ahmed, the then Director of Defence
Institute of Bioenergy Research (DIBER). Dr Ahmed met
Dr Kalam and requested him to pay a short visit to DIBER,
which he promptly accepted to much of our delight and joy,
and what an experience that was! I felt blessed.
His trip to the lab was for 45 minutes during which,
he delivered a talk covering his favourite topics, like,
corruption, education policy, women empowerment,
female education, and the role of teachers in building the
future of the nation. The talk was followed by an interaction
with the school students. I could not directly interact with
him as I was conducting the programme; but still I could
manage to move with him for a while as he passed by the
exhibits at the exhibition gallery and explain to him about
some of the products.
I was totally in awe by the energy and aura of
Dr Kalam. All of us at DIBER could never get over those
moments we spent with Dr Kalam. I shared this memorable
event with my friends and family. A man of such stature is
born once in the millennium. I pay my deepest homage to
Dr Kalam, who lived amongst us and will continue to live
in our hearts.
•••
Visit of Dr Kalam at DIBER, Haldwani, Uttarakhand
24

7
deZ;ksxh dyke] rqEgsa esjk lyke
’kSysUnz dqekj flUgk
j{kk oSKkfud lwpuk rFkk izys[ku dsUnz ¼MslhMkWd½] fnYyh
Hkkjrh; xkSjo dk xfjeke;h O;fDrRo
dyke lkgc dk tUe rfeyukMq jkT; ds jkes’oje dLcs
esa ,d e/;e oxhZ; rfey ifjokj esa 15 vDVwcj 1931 dks gqvk
FkkA buds firk tSuqykcnhu vkSj eka vkf’k;Eek vfr lk/kkj.k ,oa
vYi f’kf{kr ifjokj ls FkhaA jkes’oje dh efLt+n okyh xyh esa
iys c

Memories: Incredible Kalam
esjh eka
d;ker ds fnu
feysxk rq>ls fQj rsjk dyke
eka rq>s lykeA**
thou dk u;k eksM+
;g ?kVuk o’kks± igys ?kVh] tc ;qok vcqy vkB o’kZ ds FksA
muds ppsjs HkkbZtku ’kelqn~nhu ^fnuef.k* uked lekpkj i= ds
,dek= forjd FksA og jsyos LVs’ku ls 1000 lekpkj i=ksa dks
forfjr djrs FksA ppsjs HkkbZtku ds vpkud dke ij tkus ij
vcqy us v[kckj forfjr djus dk ftEek fy;kA v[kckjksa dks
LVs’ku ls ykdj] fQj forfjr djuk mudk jkst dk dke FkkA
1939 esa vpkud fo’o ;q) ds [krjs ls ns’k esa vkikrdky ?kksf’kr
dj fn;k x;k] urhtu] jkes’oje LVs’ku ij xkM+h dk Bgjuk can
dj fn;k x;kA ,slh fLFkfr esa v[kckjksa ds caMy jkes’oje vkSj
/kuq’k dksfM ds chp pyrh Vªsu ls fxjk fn, tkrs FksA vcqy izR;sd
izkr% Qsdrs gq, v[kckjksa dks jkdsV dh n`f’V ls ns[krs FksA ,d
fnu v[kckjksa dk caMy [kqyus ij v[kckj fc[kj x,A tc vcqy
v[kckjksa dks ,d= dj jgk Fkk rHkh mldh fuxkg v[kckj ds ,d
ys[k ij iM+h ftldk ’kh’kZd Fkk ^f}rh; fo’o ;q) esa yM+kdw foeku
dh Hkwfedk*A mlus bl ys[k dks ckj&ckj i

deZ;ksxh dyke] rqEgsa esjk lyke
^^ehyksa pyrs Fks ge
igqaprs fdj.kksa ls igys
dHkh tkrs efUnj ysus Lokeh ls Kku
dHkh ekSykuk ds ikl ysus vjch dk lcd]
LVs’ku dks vkrh jsr Hkjh lM+d]
ckaVs Fks v[kckj eSaus
pyrs iyrs lk;s esa rsjsA**
MkW- dyke dks u dsoy jkdsV Kku esa izoh.krk gkfly gS
vfirq fo’o dh vdsyh egk’kfDr vesfjdk ds fo:) Hkkjr dh
voKk dk izrhd Hkh gSA Hkkjr esa la;qDr jkT; ds fy, fu;qDr
rRdkyhu jktnwr feLVj ÝSad fctuj dh v?kksf’kr /kedh ds
ckotwn MkW- dyke ds usr`Ro esa ^i`Foh* felkby dk lQy ijh{k.k
fd;k x;kA
MkW- dyke us vfXu ds lQy iz{ksi.k ls fo’o dks lans’k ns
fn;k fd Hkkjr vius fgrksa dh j{kk ds fy, dke dj ldrk gSA
vfXu lfgr Hkkjr ds iz{ksikL= dk;ZØe ds tud
ijek.kq oSKkfud Mk- dyke ^vfXu* iz{ksikL= dks ’k=q dks Mjkus
okyk ugha vfirq Hkkjr ds xkSjo dh fdj.k ekurs gSaA vfXu
iz{ksikL= ds lQy iz{ksi.k ds ckn mUgksaus fy[kk gS%&
^^vfXu esa er

Memories: Incredible Kalam
thou ifjp; la{ksi esa
MkW- dyke us jkeukFkiqje ds ,d fe’kujh fo|ky; esa f’k{kk
gkfly dhA mlds ckn tkslsQ dkyst ls b.Vj dh ijh{kk vftZr
dhA enzkl izks|ksfxdh laLFkku ls mUgksaus ok;q ¼,sjk½ bathfu;jh
esa fo’ks’kKrk gkfly dh vkSj 1958 esa j{kk vuqla/kku ,oa fodkl
laxBu MhvkjMhvks ls viuk dSfj;j ’kq: fd;kA ikap o’kZ ds ckn
1963 esa os Hkkjr varfj{k vuqla/kku laxBu ¼bljks½ esa ,l ,y
oh&3 ds ifj;kstuk funs’kd cu x,A ;gka ij mUgksaus Hkkjr ds
igys Lons’kh mixzg iz{ksi.k ;ku dk fMtkbu] fodkl vkSj izcU/ku
dk dke fd;kA ckn esa jksfg.kh mixzg dk lQyrk iwoZd iz{ksi.k
fd;kA 1982 esa dyke okil MhvkjMhvks esa vk x,A tqykbZ 1992
ls fnlEcj 1999 rd mUgksaus j{kk ea=h ds oSKkfud lykgdkj ,oa
Mh-vkj-Mh-vks ds lfpo dk in Hkkj laHkkykA blds ckn og Hkkjr
ljdkj ds izeq[k oSKkfud lykgdkj in ij jgsA
Hkkoqd {k.k
vfXu] i`Foh vkSj ukx tSls ?kkrd iz{ksikL=ksa dh [kkst dh
dgkuh dqN vkSj gh gksrh ;fn iz[;kr oSKkfud MkW dyke lkfgc
dh cfgu tksgjk us mudh f’k{kk ds fy, vius lksus ds daxu vkSj
ekyk fxjoh u j[ks gksrs rFkk mudh gkSlyk vQtkbZ u dh gksrhA
ckr ml le; dh gS tc dyke lkfgc ,jksuksfVdy
bathfu;j cuuk pkgrs FksA og enzkl izks|ksfxdh laLFkku esa pqus
x;s ysfdu izos’k ds fy, ,d gtkj #i;s dh t:jr Fkh vkSj
muds firk bruh jkf’k nsus dh fLFkfr esa ugha FksA dyke lkfgc
viuh ue vka[kksa ds lkFk viuh vkRedFkk esa fy[krs gSa fd ml
le; esjh cgu tksgjk esjs lkFk [kM+h gqbZ vkSj mUgksaus lksus ds
daxu vkSj ekyk fxjoh j[k nhA eSa bl ckr ls dkQh Hkkoqd gks
mBk fd esjh cgu us eq>s f’kf{kr ns[kus ds fy, fdruh bPNk’kfDr
dk ifjp; fn;k vkSj esjh {kerkvksa ij Hkjkslk fd;k vkSj eSa
,jksfVdy bathfu;j cukA
28

deZ;ksxh dyke] rqEgsa esjk lyke
y{;
I;kjs cPpksa] ,d vkSj fe’ku dh vksj eSa vki dks ys tkuk
pkgrk gwa og gS ftruk gks lds nwljksa ds psgjksa ij eqLdku ykus
dk fe’kuA lHkh cPps ,d ladYi ysa fd vkt ls eSa viuh eka dks
[kq’k j[kwaxkA tc eka [kq’k gksxh rks iwjk ?kj [kq’k gksxkA iwjs ?kj ds
[kq’k jgus ls lekt [kq’k gksxk vkSj lekt ds [kq’k jgus ls ns’k
vkSj fQj iwjh nqfu;ka [kq’k gks tk,xhA
eNqvkjk ifjokj esa tUes bl ’kkdkgkjh oSKkfud dh ’kkL=h;
laxhr esa xgu :fp gSA dyke dfo Hkh gSa vkSj oh.kk oknd HkhA
dyke lkfgc dh egku miyfC/k;ksa dks ns[krs gq, Hkkjr ljdkj
us mUgsa ^^Hkkjr jRu** ls lEefur fd;k x;kA vc og iqjLdkj
Hkh vius dks lkSHkkX;’kkyh ekuus yxs gksaxs tks dyke lkgc dks
fn;s x;sA
dyke lkgc dh lkgfld lksp
ijek.kq iz{ksi.k dh fojkV lQyrk ij vesfjdk }kjk ukjktxh
izdV djus ds ,ot esa vesfjdk fLFkr lHkh Hkkjrh; oSKkfudksa
dks fu’dkflr dj fn;k FkkA rc MkW- dyke us cM+h lgtrk ls
dgk Fkk fd fu’dkflr Hkkjrh; oSKkfudksa dh la[;k ek= 20 gS
budksa Hkkjr esa gh ukSdjh nh tk,xh vkSj lkFk esa mu ns’kksa dk
rg&,&fny ls ’kqfØ;k vnk fd;k fd bu ns’kksa us gesa LokoyEch
cuus esa gekjh enn dhA
’kqHk eqgwrZ
jk’Vªifr in dh mEehnokjh ds fy, ’kqHk eqgwrZ esa ukekadu
Hkjus ds fy, iwNk x;k rks MkW- dyke us dgk] ^^i`Foh viuh
/kqjh ij ?kwerh gS] ftlls fnu vkSj jkr gksrs gSaA lw;Z ds pkjksa vksj
i`Foh dh ifjØek ls o’kZ curk gSA tc rd ;s nks T;ksfr’kh;
ugha] cfYd [kxksyh; ?kVuk;sa gksrh jgsaxh] rc rd gj le; esjs
fy, ’kqHk gSA**
29

Memories: Incredible Kalam
dqN jkspd laLej.k
dyke lkgc ’kknh rks djuk pkgrs Fks] ysfdu vR;kf/kd
dk;Z dh O;Lrrk ls og NqV~Vh ysdj vius iSr`d xkao ugha tk
ldsA ckr bl izdkj ls gS fd dyke lkgc ds cM+s HkkbZ ds vuqlkj
dyke lkgc fr:okuUriqje fLFkr FkqEck esa dke dj jgs Fks ml
le; og rhl lky ds Fks] dyke lkgc ds cM+s HkkbZ us ogka lxkbZ
dh rkjh[k crkrs gq, NqV~Vh ysdj ?kj pyus dks dgk] ysfdu fdUrq
dke dh vf/kdrk ls dyke us mUgsa okil Hkst fn;k] ij og 10
fnu nsj ls ?kj igqapsA rc muds HkkbZtku vkSj HkkHkhtku nksuksa
chekj Fks rks dyke lkgc us dgk] fd ,sls esa lxkbZ] fudkg dh
ckr u c

deZ;ksxh dyke] rqEgsa esjk lyke
ftuds vuqlkj tc vki fdlh ls rksgQk ysrs gSa rks ,d ,glku
ds uhps nc tkrs gSa] blfy, fdlh ls x+Sj okft+c rksgQk ugha ysuk
pkfg,A euqLe`fr esa Hkh dgk x;k gS fd rksgQk ysus ls e;kZnk de
gksrh gSA ;g ,d okD;k vkSj blls feyh lh[k eq>s ftanxh Hkj
;kn jghA bl ,d ?kVuk ls irk pyrk gS fd firk dk cPpksa dh
ftanxh ij D;k vlj gksrk gSSA
dyke lkgc] varr% lQyrk dh vkf[kjh pksVh ij igqaps
MkW- dyke us vius Lons’kh euu ,oa fpUru ls lewps Hkkjr
dh lsok dh] vkSj ftUgksaus lewps fo’o esa Hkkjrh; irkdk dks
ygjk;k] ml fojkV O;fDrRo dks lkjk jk’Vª ueu djus dks ck/;
gqvk vkSj 90 izfr’kr turk ds vlhe lg;ksx ls og jk’Vªifr ds
in ij fuokZfpr gq,A
jk’Vªifr in ij ’kiFk xzg.k ds ckn jk’Vªxku ds ckn vius
igys lEcks/ku esa vfgUnh Hkk’kh gksrs gq, Hkh egkefge jk’Vªifr
th us ^^ueLrs** dg dj lcdks Hkko&foHkksj dj fn;k vkSj vius
dn dks Åaps ls Åapk mBk fn;kA egkefge jk’Vªifr MkW- dyke
us fo’ks’k :i ls vkeaf=r lHkh cPpksa dks lEeku djrs gq, mudks
Hkkjr ds Hkfo’; dks laokjus dks dgkA
egkefge jk’Vªifr us ns’k dks vkRefuHkZj ,oa fo’o dh
egk’fDr cukus ds fy, ns’k dh turk dk vkokg~u fd;k] fd
Hkkjr tSls egku laLÑfr;ksa okys ns’k esa ,d ls ,d egku
bathfu;j MkWDVj ,oa oSKkfud gSa rks D;wa ugha ge fo’o dh lqij
’kfDr cu ldrs\
ifjikVh dk lq[kn vUr
egkefge jk’Vªifr MkW ,ihts vCnqy dyke] egkRek xka/
kh dks viuh izFke J)katfy nsus ds fy, jkt?kkV igqaps rks o’kks±
ls pyh vk jgh ifjikVh ds vuqlkj jk’Vªifr igys ls fuf’pr
,d dqlhZ ij cSBrs gSa vkSj v/khuLFk deZpkjh muds twrs mrkjrk
31

Memories: Incredible Kalam
gS ij] MkW dyke us bl ifjikVh dk lq[kn var djrs gq,] vius
twrs Lo;a mrkj dj lekf/k LFky dh ifjØek dh] jk’Vªfirk dks
,d vge~ lEeku nsrs gq, ml fnu dsoy mUgha dks J)katfy
nhA blds vxys fnu vU; fnoaxr vkRekvksa dh lekf/k;ksa ij
J)katfy vfiZr djus ls iwoZ gh vius twrs dkj esa mrkj dj gh
uaxs ikao ifjØek dhA bl rjg mUgksaus fouezrk ds lkFk yEcs
le; ls pyh vk jgh ifjikVh dk lq[kn var fd;kA
dyke lkgc ds vuqlkj] esjs ikl u /ku gS u lEifr gS]
dksbZ ifjokj ugha] csVk csVh ugha] u eSaus dqN bdV~Bk fd;k] dqN
ugha cuk;k tks ,sfrgkfld gks] ’kkunkj gks] vkyh’kku gksA
dyke lkgc vkf[kj esa viuh vkRedFkk&^^foaxl~ vkWQ
Qk;j** esa fy[krs gSa fd eSa ugha pkgrk fd eSa mnkgj.k cuwa ij
dqN yksx esjh bl dgkuh ls izsj.kk ys ldrs gSaA
vkb, bl egkure oSKkfud ds liuksa dks iwjk djsaA
dyke— vkidks ’kr~ ’kr~ iz.kke
iqu’p% j{kk oSKkfud lwpuk ,oa izys[ku dsUnz ¼MslhMkWd½
ifjokj tks fd MhvkjMhvks j{kk ea=ky; ds v/khu fnYyh esa fLFkr
,d izeq[k laLFkk dk lkSHkkX; jgk gS fd j{kk ea=h ds oSKkfud
lykgdkj ds in ij vklhu jgs MkW dyke us ;gka ls vf/kdre
:i ls dke djok;k x;k ftlesa eYVh ehfM;k fMfotu izeq[k Fkk
ftlesa eSa Hkh ,d vnuk lk fgLlk jgkA
dyke lkgc dh miyfC/k;ksa ,oa dk;Z djus dh ’kSyh ls eSa
O;fDrxr :i ls izHkkfor gqvk] ftl lanHkZ ;g lfp= y?kq&if=dk
,d dksf’k’k ek= gS] tks fd cPpksa esa ,d mRlkgo)Zu djsxhA
•••
32

Dr Abdul Kalam: The Man and His Mission
8
Dr Abdul Kalam:
The Man and his Mission
DR VS ARUNACHALAM
FORMER SECRETARY DD R&D, SA TO RM & DG, DRDO
AND FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
CENTER FOR STUDY OF SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY & POLICY, BENGALURU
first met Dr Abdul Kalam when he came to the Defence
I Metallurgical Research Laboratory, where I was then
working, looking for a precision Magnesium casting for
his SLV-3 programme. I was able to help him out and
from then blossomed a friendship for over four decades.
After a few months of our first meeting, Dr Kalam again
visited my laboratory where he talked of his desire to work
in DRDO. After much persuasion, Prof Satish Dhawan
agreed to part with his priced asset. Thus, Dr Kalam joined
me in Hyderabad as Director of Defence Research and
Development Laboratory (DRDL). Soon after, I moved to
the Capital as Scientific Adviser.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Instead of continuing the projects that were
ongoing at DRDL we, with the enthusiastic support from
Venkataraman, who was then the Defence Minister,
developed a detailed programme for design and
development of a portfolio of guided missiles.
The programme was to make four classes of missiles from
surface-to-air to anti-tank. Along with development of
technologies, this programme also designed administrative
and financial approval procedures that eliminated
bureaucratic structure of approvals. In this, Dr Kalam
worked along with us to provide valuable inputs from his
learning from ISRO and developed three stages of approval
with appropriate empowerment. The design of these three
boards was so effective and far reaching that they are still
in place not only for this programme but also other major
programmes such as Tejas.
What made Dr Kalam so successful? Instead of
spending time looking at all details of every programme,
he created the posts of Project Directors and entrusted them
with necessary power and responsibilities. This structure
made Project Directors perform effectively and provide
the country with a new generation of techno-managers.
Dr Kalam also understood the critical areas where his
contributions were vital and focussed on them. For over
a decade we worked together with full understanding
between us. Occasional differences were sorted out amicably
and with cheer.
I came to know Dr Kalam more in those years and
learnt about his interests, his desire to learn Carnatic music
and classical Tamil literature. Often, when he was in Delhi,
we ate our lunch together at my home. He claimed that
our kind of vegetarian food suited him better! I saw he
36

Dr Abdul Kalam: The Man and His Mission
could relate to children and students readily speaking their
language and sharing their interests and concerns.
Dr Kalam helped me reshape many paths of DRDO,
breaking away meaningless administrative and financial
controls that were resident as remnants of the Second World
War. We travelled to many countries together and he was
often a star attraction at the laboratories he visited. He was
not overawed about the achievement of western countries;
if anything he was mildly xenophobic. This, however, did
not prevent him from learning new technologies that he
could transplant in our laboratories. From these visits, we
initiated new electronic warfare programmes, sophisticated
strategic defence systems, sophisticated AI computer
systems and materials that could stand searing re-entry
temperatures. Over this decade, DRDO grew many times.
Not only were there new laboratories but also a culture of
collaboration, working with a large number of organisations,
universities, and research laboratories. For instance, many
parts of the missile guidance systems were designed and
developed at Jadhavpur University and the Indian Institute
of Science was a major partner in validating missile designs.
Dr Kalam was welcomed in all institutions for he
disseminated the “can do” spirit wherever he visit.
I cannot resist citing an instance when Dr Kalam came
forward to assume responsibilities for the difficulties we
had in firing Agni missile. The country looked disappointed
with launch failures and there were mounting criticisms on
the alleged failure of missile programme. When I assumed
responsibility for the failure and offered to resign, Dr Kalam
felt it was his duty to resign; he added humorously that a
bachelor could more easily manage being unemployed.
When I discussed this with Arun Singh, the former minister
37

Memories: Incredible Kalam
and a friend of ours, he insisted that our responsibility
should be to prove ourselves by successfully launching
the missile rather than resigning and walking out of the
problem. The third launch was a successful one and the
country soon forgot the earlier failures. Dr Kalam and I
saved our jobs!
I still cannot believe that ten years as the Chief of
DRDO with wonderful colleagues like Dr Kalam would
run so fast; it was time for my sabbatical. I could convince
the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister that the
organisation was robust and it could indeed benefit from
a change in leadership. Dr Kalam was at first reluctant to
become Scientific Advisor claiming his preference to accept
an invitation to become a Vice-Chancellor. He changed his
decision at the last minute. The country was benefitted with
an outstanding technologist at the helm.
Some months ago, I had an occasion to meet him at
a music function, where he spoke publicly of the warm
relationship between us and also told me in private of his
wanting to spend his last years teaching students. He had
this desire fulfilled even to his last day.
•••
38

Dr Abdul Kalam: The Man and His Mission
39

Memories: Incredible Kalam
40

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
9
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
DR VK AATRE
FORMER SECRETARY DD R&D, SA TO RM & DG, DRDO
had the privilege of being Dr Kalams’ colleague for over 20
I years and virtually being his second in command for 7 to 8
years of those. I joined DRDO in 1980 at Naval Physical and
Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) and became its Director
in 1984. Dr Kalam rejoined DRDO in 1982 as Director of
DRDL. Early eighties were in some sense a historic period
in DRDO. Two of its flagship programmes viz IGMDP and
LCA were initiated during the first of half of 80’s under
Dr VS Arunachalam, then SA to RM, and Dr Kalam headed
the missile programme. During this period, NPOL was
flying high with the success of APSOH and several naval
sonar programmes, and the lab itself was considered as one
of the successful technological laboratories of DRDO.
It was in this circumstance I met Dr Kalam for the
first time in VSA’s room. Though we met several times and
sometimes discussed about DRDO and its programmes,
41

Memories: Incredible Kalam
I felt that in some sense Dr Kalam had a single track mind
and used to talk about missile programmes only. Though
he used to pass through Kochi several times enroute to
VSSC, he never visited NPOL and see the major systems
that the lab had delivered to Indian Navy. My interaction
with Dr Kalam was in some sense thus perfunctory till
I moved to Delhi. However, I had come to understand and
appreciate the leadership and managerial qualities of Kalam
in building a powerful team. One of the things we often
used to discuss was how to bring the best out of everybody
and that leadership/managerial qualities can overcome
scientific and technological limitations.
When Dr Kalam took over from VSA as SA to RM
in 1992, I was the senior most CC R&D at DRDO HQ and
thus our interaction was on a daily basis till 1999 when
I became the SA to RM. I felt that Dr Kalam was a democrat
at heart and I had the full freedom to operate and manage
the Electronic and Naval group of labs (later on CABS
was also added to my responsibility). Not that we always
agreed; but his view was I was the CC in-charge and the final
decision was to be mine. This attitude of Dr Kalam allowed
us to operate comfortably in spite of different approaches
and views.
Over the years I came to understand and appreciate
certain good qualities of Dr Kalam. He was an extremely
good listener and would allow all and everybody does
speak and make presentation to their hearts content. This
being the case DRC (the council of DRDO which used to
meet regularly on Monday afternoons and invite one or
two laboratories to discuss their programmes, projects and
problems) used to run for over six to seven hours as the
scientists made full use of this quality of Dr Kalam. Many
42

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
discussions I had with him regarding this, indicating the
fact that labs used to bring out unnecessary details and
facts, did not result in any change of this unending DRCs.
Dr Kalam hardly used to lose his temper and his annoyance
was only shown by calling the others ‘You funny guys’. Of
course, this was good enough indication that the boss was
upset. All in all I felt that everybody was heard and went
back with reasonable satisfaction.
One other area that I felt that Dr Kalam did not pay
too much of attention was the areas of human resource
development. Of course one could argue that the DRDO
HQ itself did not pay sufficient attention to HRD and few
people like me were quite unhappy about this. I must
concede such differences did not interfere with the overall
performance of DRDO.
Dr Kalam went on to become Principle Scientific
Adviser to the Government and then the President of
India. I feel that after he became the President there was
a metamorphosis in his personality. Some of the qualities
he displayed as President were not visible as SA to RM.
His liking for the much younger generation, which
seemed to have become an obsession later on, and love
for teaching (any way he was not involved in regular class
room and curriculum oriented teaching) were at least not
demonstrated while he was SA to RM and were not visible
to me. However, it is true that he was the most popular
President of India ever. His simplicity, unassuming nature,
easy accessibility (which were always there), his patriotism
and passion towards converting India to a developed
country, and his belief that youth of India would make this
dream come true, and finally lack of any specific political
dogma and leaning were the qualities which catapulted him
to the unbelievable status he attained at the end. .
43
•••

Memories: Incredible Kalam
44

My Days with Dr Kalam
10
My Days with Dr Kalam
DR VK SARASWAT
FORMER SECRETARY DD R&D, SA TO RM & DG, DRDO
AND MEMBER, NITI AAYOG
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the most inspiring person,
a great scientist, the best citizen and a human being
of impeccable character. He made efforts to blossom
young minds – full of thoughts, the thoughts of all round
prosperity and indeed thoughts of transforming and
developing India into a developed India. Four qualities –
clarity, determination, hard work and humility helped him
to achieve the impossible.
DR KALAM’S ENTRY INTO DRDO
I saw Dr Kalam for the first time at close
quarters during his visit to DMRL on the invitation of
Dr Arunachalam, the then Director, DMRL, after successful
launch of SLV-3 in 1980-81. He showcased the details of
SLV-3 mission through a slide presentation to Hyderabad
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
based DRDO community. May be, it was the beginning of a
series of lessons in Project Management by Dr Kalam that he
delivered during IGMDP phase in a matter of fact manner.
Immediately after this visit, Dr Kalam’s journey back home
to DRDO started and, after many deliberations in different
quarters in GoI, he joined as Director, DRDL in 1982.
MY FIRST LESSON IN RANGE SAFETY
During 1972-79, I had participated in many flight
tests of Devil (SAM-2) missiles as part of the indigenous
development of SAM-2 but was never exposed to the
requirement of Range Safety and Mission Safety. While
preparing for the surface-to-surface missile version of
SAM-2 (SA 45) to evaluate strap down navigation system
in 1983-84, a pet project of Late P Banerjee, Dr Kalam
insisted on having a review of all aspects of Range Safety
and expressed concern about handling of propellants,
pyros and high pressure systems in the missile. DRDL had
never paid much attention to these aspects. I do not know
why, but he nominated me to interact with SHAR team
and to work out the details in consultation with them.
During this campaign, I learned all about Mission Safety
and came to establish great relationship with SHAR Safety
Chief Shankar. Many conflicting situations arose due to
differences in approach to safety in DRDL and that at SHAR.
Dr Kalam keenly observed my approach particularly when
Shankar followed the attitude of a big brother reducing
DRDL team many times to ridicule. Dr Kalam’s presence
and win-win approach to conflict resolution helped to
resolve all of them. For me it was a crash course in “Safety
Engineering” and “Managing Conflicts”. This is how Dr
Kalam trained his team from DRDL to take up leadership
46

My Days with Dr Kalam
role in multi-organisational Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP).
DR KALAM AND LIQUID PROPULSION
While his reservations about liquid Propulsion
technology were first witnessed by me during his visit
to DRDL in 1973 as a member of the team lead by
Prof Satish Dhawan to review SAM-2 (Devil) project,
I faced the same when he first reviewed the configuration
of Prithvi Missile in 1983 after taking over as Director,
DRDL and Programme Director, IGMDP. By then we
had already static tested the Boiler Plate Version of
Propulsion Stage of Prithvi. He felt that LP System was
too complex and less reliable hence we should switch
over to Solid Propulsion. I explained the benefits of LP
System for Prithvi Mission in terms of variable total
impulse to achieve variability of range (40 km to 150 km).
He was convinced but suggested that the status of LP System
be reviewed by a national team of experts. First time in the
history of DRDO, an external expert Committee reviewed
a design. Thus started the system of formal reviews as part
of mission mode development projects in DRDO despite
a lot of opposition from all of us. Review Committee
set up a target for demo of repeatable performance of
the engine within the specification consecutively in five
static tests. After demonstrating four successful tests, the
fifth test schedule coincided with the visit of Honourable
Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi. Being a tech-savvy person
and a pilot he showed lot of interest in test and stayed
overtime to witness it. As the luck would have it, the engine
underperformed and Rajeev Gandhi left after making some
consolatory remarks. Dr Kalam encouraged the team with
47

Memories: Incredible Kalam
his smile and citation of such experiences during the SLV-
3 days. He laughed and said it is VIP effect: Go ahead and
treat it as blessing in disguise to identify the weakness in
the system.
He would not give up his preference for solid
propulsion for Prithvi when the issues with reference to
repeatability of performance of LP engine continued for
some more time. He said “Friend you are now Deputy
Project Director and not head Liquid Propulsion Division
(LPD). Your goal is Prithvi Mission not LP Technology
alone. You need to make a choice of technology that would
ensure success of your mission.” What a message for a
budding Mission/Programme Director “Focus on Mission
Success with reliable and matured technology choices”.
DR KALAM AND HIS GURUS: CONTINUITY OF
LESSONS
Dr Kalam often told that he had three Gurus, namely,
Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Satish Dhawan, and Dr Brahm
Prakash. He always acknowledged their contribution in his
growth. He said:
“From Dynamic Sarabhai he learnt the importance of
having vision. From the no-nonsense Dhawan he fathomed
how to convert vision into a mission and evolve fail-safe
systems. And from the soft spoken Brahm Prakash, the first
Director of VSSC, he learnt the art of converting the mission
on hand into achievable goals.”
All these qualities made Dr Kalam an outstanding
manager of technology – a rare quality.
Importantly, his mentors taught Dr Kalam how to
handle failure. First SLV-3 flight in 1979 tumbled into the
Bay of Bengal. Dr Dhawan shouldered all the blame and
48

My Days with Dr Kalam
shielded Dr Kalam who wanted to resign. Dhawan then
taught Dr Kalam how to ensure a rigorous quality control
system. A year later SLV-3 flew successfully, making India
only the sixth nation to have the ability to launch a satellite.
Dhawan stepped aside and allowed Dr Kalam to hog the
limelight.
All these lessons were not forgotten when he was
leading IGMDP. The following incident demonstrates how
seriously Dr Kalam followed the preachings of his Gurus:
When Prithvi-08 flight lifted off from a mobile launcher
and tumbled in Bay of Bengal after reaching a height of
only 1 km, and fell at a distance of only 400 meters from
Launch pad, jeopardising the safety of the Launch pad and
Launch console. Dr Kalam shouldered all the blame when
Dr Arunachalam was trying to fire the project team (I was
Project Director) and SHAR Range was sceptical about
allowing future launches of Prithvi from SHAR. I was
crestfallen and did not know how to handle the situation.
Dr Kalam advised me to constitute immediately a rescue
and recovery team under the guidance of a safety team
chaired by Shankar, SHAR Safety Chief.
He visited all the Range Stations with me and studied
the telemetry data to identify the cause of failure. We could
fathom some idea of the cause of failure. Dr Arunachalam
was very eager and insisted that we issue a report within
24 hours. Dr Kalam acted as a shield and saved the project
team from the onslaught. Fortunately, we could carry out
a preliminary analysis and present the technical details to
Dr Arunachalam who flew to Delhi to convey the same to RM.
Dr Kalam was not satisfied and he constituted a
National Failure Analysis Board. He personally participated
in all the deliberations ensuring that the weakness in the
49

Memories: Incredible Kalam
design could be identified. After three months of extensive
simulation and testing, the reason for failure could be
reproduced and corrective actions were taken by subsystem
designers and upgraded Prithvi could be successfully
launched from a mobile launcher, mobile Launch Control
Centre and from a new Flight Test Range – DRDO’s Interim
Test Range at Orissa.
Immediately he organised press/media interviews
for General Sundaram, Late JC Bhattacharya and myself,
projecting us as the pillars of the success of Prithvi. He made
sure that good work of all scientists was duly rewarded and
recognised by the nation.
DR KALAM AND ANGER
Dr Kalam was regarded as a father figure by all.
His style was never confrontational and he had vast
reserve of patience. He always worked towards building a
consensus rather than ramming down decisions. He rarely
lost his cool. If someone upset him, all he would say is:
“Funny Guy” or “Who is the hero?” And at times: “get me
that famous mechanic.”
But his style of showing displeasure was unique.
Prithvi-03 flight had a hang fire due to inadequate power
supply to engine Pyros. Since the situation on Launch Pad
was unsafe, he requested the safety team to ensure safe
retrieval of the missile and bring it back to Hyderabad.
We did the same and started analysing the failure and
refurbishing the missile. It was a saturday afternoon when
Dr Kalam walked into the assembly building and started
discussing the reason for failure. I saw signs of unhappiness
on his face but not even a single harsh word was uttered.
He asked me to travel with him in the car. During the journey
50

My Days with Dr Kalam
from RCI to DRDL Guest House, a distance of 6–7 km, he
gave me a lesson on what precautions were to be taken
while designing the pyro-firing circuit, and as a Programme
Director, I should have a group of independent electrical
experts to ensure that no flaw remains undetected in such
critical subsystems of a missile. I will always remember that
friendly dressing down in the car. This is how Dr Kalam
gave you lessons in project management.
DR KALAM – A SERVANT LEADER
The first launch of Prithvi was planned from SHAR.
As per the rules, the range authorities had to clear the
mission from safety considerations. During a review by
SHAR, apprehensions were raised about the design of
the launcher with respect to survivability of deflector and
the likelihood of flame deflecting back into the missile.
Review team recommended that the deflector design be
analysed for heat transfer and gas-dynamic performance
and presented to Launch Authorisation Board (LAB). The
analysis had to be done within a short span of three days, as
the launch date/slot was already finalised by the LAB. I and
one of my colleagues, Late VK Venugopal, were working
on the analysis of deflector late into the night one day.
As the practice was, I did not meet Dr Kalam to brief him
on the progress of work that evening. At about 9.30 pm,
Dr Kalam walked into our room and enquired as to why
we were working so late. Having understood the urgency
and complexity of the job, he went away to his residence
in DRDL Guest House. To our pleasant surprise Dr Kalam
appeared again at 11.30 pm with a flask of hot tea and
served the same to both of us. We were emotionally moved
and realised the importance of humility and concern for his
team members in a successful leader.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
A CARING DR KALAM
Launch campaigns are high tension, time consuming
exercises which keep the launch teams away from families
for long. During one such launch campaign, Dr Kalam came
to chair the LAB meeting in the late evening and straight
came to the Launch Pad. I started explaining to him the status
of the missile preparation cycle and countdown activities.
Just then, I received a call from my wife informing me that
my younger daughter had suffered an epileptic fit. I made
some telephone calls to my friends and doctors to manage
the medical care for my daughter. Dr Kalam overheard the
telephonic conversation and noticed signs of tension on
my face. I explained to him that none of the neuro doctors
in Hyderabad is able to bring relief to my daughter. He put
his hands on my shoulders and we became busy with the
campaign as the launch was scheduled within next two days.
One week after the launch, Dr Kalam called me to his
office and informed that he had fixed an appointment for my
daughter with India’s best neuro surgeon Dr Ramamurthy
at Chennai, and, I should immediately take her there.
I was moved by his concern and timely help for his team
mate. That is how he cared for his team. There are various
incidents of this type, where Dr Kalam’s humane approach
to life came out so vividly as part of his personality.
DISCOVERING DRDL
When Dr Kalam joined DRDL in 1982 as Director,
DRDL was facing leadership crisis, low levels of confidence
in the capabilities of the institution and behaved as a totally
fragmented set up.
Dr Kalam rejuvenated DRDL into a cohesive
workforce of technology developers through his leadership,
coordination skills, humility, inspiration and motivational
52

My Days with Dr Kalam
skills, and demonstration of his passion for making India a
Missile Force. He made DRDL scientists to believe in their
technical and managerial capabilities and directed them to
develop advance missile systems for our country. Success of
IGMDP is a testimony of Dr Kalam’s capability to manage
and coordinate Scientists, Bureaucrats, Academicians,
Industry Members, Armed Forces of different hues into
a cohesive workforce. It was the only programme in our
country where people of diverse opinions, working styles
and ambitions worked together for the success of a complex
mission. We used to comment that Dr Kalam could make
even North Pole and South Pole to talk to each other.
His voice always hit the core of the heart of the people
because it was pure, selfless and at times divine. For DRDL
he was like Jamwant (the Bear Mantri of Lord Rama in
Ramayana, who reminded Hanuman of his extraordinary
hidden powers which enabled Hanuman to go over to Lanka
to rescue Sita) who made DRDL discover its technological
strengths.
DR KALAM AND MTCR
After the successful launch of Prithvi in 1988 and
Agni in 1989, US imposed MTCR and cut off supply of
all raw materials, components and sensors to India. Even
CNC Machines were denied by a group of countries viz.,
US, Germany, Japan, France and Russia. Dr Kalam worked
out a strategy to combat MTCR by developing the denied
technologies in Mission Mode using the expertise available
in academia, national labs, and industry. We developed
servo valves, magnesium castings, hydraulic pumps,
hardened computers, phase shifters, evolved strategies to
use commercial components by hardening the package.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
He converted this crisis into an opportunity and made
the country self-reliant in many technologies. Developed
countries watched this closely and slowly started relaxing
the MTCR. He always said “Let the problem not defeat you,
we should defeat the problem. Self-belief is the answer!!
Strength respects strength.”
DR KALAM AND BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE (BMD)
He was a great visionary. Even when the IGMDP
projects were underway he started nucleating the idea of
Ballistic Missile Defence. By 1995, he strongly believed
in India possessing a BMD capability and put in his best
efforts to convince the then Government, Military leaders
and Scientists, and ensured that the programme was
sanctioned in 1998 despite lots of reservations in different
quarters of Government. Today India has BMD capability.
I was fortunate to have worked with him all through the
BMD Mission right from inception. Programme was
discussed with Shri Gujral as PM and later with Vajpayeeji
as PM. Both the Prime Ministers were highly impressed
by Dr Kalam and believed in his leadership qualities and
capabilities to transform India into a technologically strong
nation for National Security. I remember that one day
I and Dr Kalam went to PMO to get the BMD file signed.
I waited outside the Office of PM and Dr Kalam went in to
discuss the BMD case. He came out gleefully, happy with
the signatures of PM on file.
MY LAST MEETING WITH DR KALAM
Three or four weeks before his untimely demise I
had my last interaction with him. He made me walk in the
hot sun at 16:00 hours in the compound of 10 Rajaji Marg.
54

My Days with Dr Kalam
We talked about many missions for Aerospace and Defence
and he reminded me of my promise that I had made to him
of converting Agni-5 into a MIRV missile. I told him that,
now, since I am in NITI Aayog he should suggest a mission
that would make a lasting impression on the masses of this
country and help them to tide over some of the problems.
After a long pause, he suggested that I should work on a
mission to provide Roof Top Solar Power Systems to 200
million houses in the country. This programme should be
planned and implemented in mission mode involving all the
stake holders viz., Ministries, Industries, State Governments,
Panchayats, NGOs, and Research Institutions. You should
create a national team to execute this mission and start the
project for the houses at the bottom of the economy pyramid
of our country. What a dream!! I was moved and decided to
take up this mission as a challenge.
Friends I invite all of you to join me in realising the
great mission of Dr Kalam our leader, friend, motivator,
inspirer, and great human being. Let his spirit motivate us
to carry forward his mission “Technology in the Service of
Humanity and National Security”.
EPILOGUE
Dr Kalam was promoted to the post of SA to RM and
DG, DRDO. He continued his Spartan life style and his
practice of staying in a single room in the DRDO Guest
House at Khel Gaon Village though he was entitled to a
Union Secretary-level Bungalow in Delhi.
Dr IK Gujral, the then Prime Minister admired
Dr Kalam’s work and austere life style and referred to him
as the “Sadhu of Indian Science”.
Dr Kalam’s life style was an extraordinary narrative:
A humble boat owner’s son, who overcame penury and
55

Memories: Incredible Kalam
discrimination to first rise to the top of scientific hierarchy
and to contribute substantially to making India a space,
missile and nuclear power. He was then nominated to
the nation’s highest office where he earned the sobriquet
of being the “People’s President” with his humility and
accessibility. All this made Dr Kalam a true Indian icon.
Dr Kalam, we miss you.
Reference
“The Sadhu of Science” by Raj Chengappa in India Today,
Dated 16.08.2015
•••
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My Days with Dr Kalam
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
58

Dr APJ Kalam
11
Dr APJ Kalam
DR AVINASH CHANDER
FORMER SECRETARY DD R&D, SA TO RM & DG, DRDO
Death is inevitable we all know but there are some
people we can never reconcile with their departure.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is one such person. In his demise, is
the passing away of an icon, a man who became a symbol
of hope and long forgotten values for the 1250 million
people. He was a man who gave new meaning and brought
respect to every chair he adorned. How does one see
Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam - the Scientist,
the People’s President, the Statesman, the teacher, or
simply Kalam the human? So much has been written about
him in so many ways. For me he was the eternal Guru, we
often referred to him as ‘boss’ which in a way is surprising
because he was the least like a boss. He was our mentor,
guide and in many ways what I am today is a reflection of
learning under him, with him.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
My first major interaction with Dr Kalam was in June,
1982 during the testing of SS-45, a platform created for
testing the first Indian strap down navigation system using
a SAM-2 missile modified to work in the surface-to-surface
mode. Dr Kalam had recently taken over as Director,
DRDL anticipating the IGMDP, coming from the success of
SLV-3 and was still new to us. We had spent the whole
night calibrating the system. Unfortunately, when we
started the pre-launch system checks on the launch day, the
calibration was so good that all error parameters showed
zero, a scenario which was never encountered earlier.
P. Bannerji, who was our head and Project Leader, got
panicky. As system-in-charge, the onus was on me.
We debated and then based on raw data in telemetry we
cleared the flight. During the entire process Dr Kalam was
closely observing but with complete calm. Only once he
asked “are you sure or you would like to check anything else”.
The first vital milestone establishing navigation capability
was achieved, and also imprinted was his success mantra:
Pick the team with care and then trust.
Years went on. IGMDP was sanctioned in 1983, created
huge national interest with the success of Prithvi. Every day
was learning. We saw Dr Kalam involving every member.
He had a knack of getting the best out of poorest prospects.
His motto was simple even 5 per cent contribution is better
than no contribution. He was a great team builder, bringing
people together. Merging the experience and knowledge
base of ISRO and the enthusiasm and work culture of DRDL
started yielding results. For the first time in DRDO, multi
lab efforts were launched and his handling of different,
often difficult, partners at this stage was an experience for
us. He believed in youth. The first five Project Directors
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Dr APJ Kalam
for IGMDP often called Panch Pandavas and their deputies
were all in the 35 to 45 year age group. He gave them full
freedom with total control, a very difficult task but he was a
master of handling complex often contradictory situations.
The three tier management, empowered boards, integrated
finance and the matrix management introduced by him, are
till today the core structure in all programmes.
I think first flight test of Agni was the most trying
period for DRDO as well as for Dr Kalam. Success of Prithvi
had created high level of expectations; Agni the “technology
demonstrator” was to be the precursor for long range nuclear
delivery capability. Designed to test the key technologies
of re-entry heat shield structure and the inertial guidance,
the vehicle was designed in tight secrecy. Minimising the
risk Dr Kalam decided to use proven technology of solid
propulsion first stage of ISRO with modified liquid stage of
Prithvi. Re-entry heat shield and inertial guidance were the
core technologies. Dr Kalam himself was an active designer.
He had an uncanny sense for problems and risks. The incisive
queries and the excellent insight of Dr Kalam challenging,
probing, amending and encouraging the designers were
the daily 6 pm meetings’ highlight, which kept all of us on
tenterhooks. With him nothing could be taken for granted,
everything needed to be justified. He would seek opinions
from various quarters but he had an excellent filtering
mechanism separating chaff from wheat and he would
never hesitate to take the final decision. He drove us to
extreme efforts and he was always personally there. I don’t
have a count of late night sessions he spent with us during
this time. Programme was being monitored at the highest
level. Launch schedule changes were becoming a serious
concern. Dr Kalam then brought a single minded focus.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
All the PDs became an integral part of Agni Programme for
those last six months. This convergence of diverse talents
without conflict was a master stroke.
THE LAUNCH
The Agni launches brought out the true strength of
Dr Kalam. Two successive attempts to launch the missile
in April failed with malfunctions in the last few seconds.
There was tremendous sense of disappointment; the launch
was being monitored from Delhi with consequent pressure
to succeed. But during all this period, working teams were
never stressed. No doubt, the gravity of the situation was
known to all, but there was to be no scapegoats, no short
cuts and the cohesive, positive work environment sustained.
The entire pressure of failures was borne by Dr Kalam, who
buffered his young team. During the third attempt he was
practically carrying his resignation letter in his pocket. Agni
succeeded catapulting India into the big league. There have
been many successes and several failures but the lessons
from first Agni launch have been the guiding and our
tempering by fire. The rest is history.
Dr Kalam was outstanding in conflict management.
Getting different perceptions together, conflicting goals
and events and yet give a feeling of satisfaction. I have seen
him being soft and persuasive; I have seen him firm and use
authority when needed. But in all this, I never saw him raise
his voice, appear angry. Simple words: “fantastic”, “funny
guy”, “who is the hero today” were enough to convey that
he was happy or otherwise.
Dr Kalam’s most vital characteristic was his humane
nature, He was always looking to use defence technology
for human benefit applications. His saying was “let my
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Dr APJ Kalam
brain alleviate your pain”. He motivated and drove our
composite team to develop light weight orthocalippers, use
of materials to develop low cost stent aimed at providing
low cost heart care for the poor, developing an indigenous
pacemaker integrating the missile processer capability
with biocompatible materials. He would interact with a
vast variety of specialists, bringing ideas across the field
to create new capabilities. He constantly urged people in
various segments of industry, healthcare, administrators
and political leaders to set mechanisms to help the poor.
His initiatives resulted in several benefits to the needy.
Dr Kalam became the Scientific Advisor to Raksha
Mantri in 1992 and Agni weaponisation started in 1995.
Midnight reviews became a way of life. It was surprising to
see his energy levels and he seemed to become more active
with the passage of evening. This energy level, ability to
learn from every interaction and from every introduction
was an inherent part of his nature. He had an insatiable
curiosity which could allow him to mingle freely and be at
home with all segments of the work force. He could switch
fields without dropping a note, an avid follower of cricket
I remember once in the middle of a speech he announced
the latest score and continued with his speech without a
pause. He had the simplicity of heart that minimised his
personal needs. He was meticulous in his preparation for
all his meetings, talks and public addresses. ‘What is the
message?’ was the common phrase of his. He always took
these opportunities to seed new ideas. His usual greeting
‘what’s happening’ made people open out. He had a
phenomenal memory about people, their work and their
interests. I have seen him meet some worker after several
years and yet discuss about his work in detail.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Dr Kalam as President continued to be equally
enthusiastic and involved. I remember his call when he
conveyed his interest to see our just started motor casting
facility. Due protocol had to be followed and he visited it
showing the same old sharpness and awareness. I used to
brief him on the general progress and every time he would
suggest some higher goals which kept us active. He visited
the Wheeler Island a few days prior to the first Agni-3 launch.
While walking in the Island towards the launch pad, he
looked around and very quietly said “you know Avinash,
I feel I know every stone, every leaf here”. This was his
level of belongingness in the Missile Programme and also
with Nature. The first launch of Agni-3 developed a snag
after 61 sec of flight due to aero propulsion interaction not
understood till then. And then I saw what true leadership
means. Dr Pranab Mukherji, current President and the then
Defence Minister was with us at the launch pad. He was
the first one to say that “for me this flight is a success, you
have come here and launched, the missile has travelled.
I am sure you will be able to find the fault”. Second was
from Dr Kalam, then President, he tracked me in one of our
monitoring stations, and said “Don’t worry. Tell me what
and whom you need to help you in the analysis and I will
ensure that they are available”. These two statements from
two great leaders in that hour of difficulty boosted us back
and within 9 months we developed new analytical tools,
solved the problem and succeeded.
Agni-5 launch made him truly happy. We had realised
his long term desire of ICBM capability. This was the true
Indian success he was waiting for since the seeds for the
programme were sown in 1983. The success of Agni 5
truly gave him immense satisfaction. Dr Kalam was a true
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Dr APJ Kalam
Karmyogi. He believed in action, in the goodness of deed, he
believed in human beings, he was the proverbial touchstone
who transformed people bringing out the best in them.
He created many leaders and many disciples. He was a
great man unaffected by his greatness.
There were personal moments when he visited my
daughter’s marriage, everyone present their claimed to have
shaken hands with him. He was with me on my farewell
from DRDO and he would continue to be with me in my
thinking, in my actions and in my commitment. People like
Dr Kalam do not die; they live forever through what they
have created, what they have changed. And Dr Kalam’s
footprints are there in space, missiles, aeronautics, science
and foremost in the minds of all those who had the fortune
to be with him. He is in the mind of the ignited resurgent
India. He always strived for a strong India; DRDO’s real
tribute to Dr Kalam will be translating his dreams into
reality.
•••
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
66

Dr APJ Kalam
67

Memories: Incredible Kalam
68

Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam
12
Remembering
APJ Abdul Kalam
DR KG NARAYANAN
FORMER CHIEF ADVISER (TECHNOLOGIES), DRDO
Like so many of us in DRDO and ISRO, I was also fortunate
to have worked closely with Dr Abdul Kalam and to have
observed him in a variety of situations – programme reviews,
field visits, celebrations of success and sadder occasions.
I travelled with him in India and abroad. Wherever he was,
his extraordinary dedication to work and missionary zeal
always stood out - qualities that were greatly admired by all
who worked with him. His ability to inspire and motivate
young Indians during his later years in Rashtrapathi Bhavan
and afterwards is now the stuff of legend.
I was privileged to see him in “action” in some
unusual circumstances as well. One of them was when
he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of the
Parliament (PAC) sometime in 1998-99. The C&AG had
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
reported adversely on the delayed progress of one of our
aerospace projects and PAC had selected it for oral evidence
to be given by the Ministry. Dr CGK Nair, Chairman, HAL,
and I (Director, ADE) accompanied Dr Kalam to the PAC
meeting to assist him. It was a serious affair and not an
occasion to look forward to. In our preparatory briefing
meetings, Dr Kalam seemed to be quite satisfied with
our answers to possible questions except the one which
concerned the aspect of “fixing responsibility” for the lapse.
I was confused as to how we would handle this tricky issue.
I certainly had my trepidations as we entered the hall “to
appear before” the PAC. To my utter surprise and great
delight, I saw the Chairman and members of the Committee
rise from their seats to welcome the Bharat Ratna!
The Chairman said the Committee was delighted to meet
Dr Kalam, the scientist; it would however seek clarifications
from him in his capacity of a Secretary to Government.
Dr Kalam acknowledged the unusual situation most
gracefully and proceeded to answer the queries of the
members. He was happy to let most of the answers be given
by the Chairman of HAL and myself – but swung in smoothly
when the responsibility question popped up. Seeking the
permission of the Chairman of the PAC to narrate an incident
from his own past experience, he informed the PAC how his
earlier boss, Prof Satish Dhawan assumed responsibility for
the failed launch vehicle mission for which Kalam was the
Mission Director. He added, in his inimitable style, that his
career would have been different if responsibility for failure
had been fixed on the mission director that day. PAC recorded
its satisfaction on the clarification given by the Secretary on
this issue! I was indeed fortunate to have had a ringside seat
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Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam
to a master class in skilful – and entirely sincere – handling of
an awkward situation.
Tragedy overtook DRDO in 1999 when we lost eight
of our colleagues in an air accident connected with one of
our projects. Kalam rushed to Bangalore and I accompanied
him on his visit to meet each of the bereaved families, ahead
of the funeral. As we were returning to the guest house after
this exhausting and emotionally draining experience, an
enterprising representative of the media intercepted him to
get his comments even before we could sit down for a quick
lunch. As the local host, I persuaded the media person to
leave us alone at this moment of grief. I was indeed taken
aback when Dr Kalam stepped out, spoke to the media and
returned to finish his lunch. Again, it was an object lesson
to me in attaching due importance to what matters in public
office even in moments of intense personal stress.
To end these reminiscences on a happier note, I recall
with great pleasure a dinner party he attended in my house
in 1989, Dr VS Arunachalam and Gen K Sundarji being
among the other guests. As it was just a few weeks after the
successful Agni missile launch, the conversation inevitably
hovered around it. After some mild persuasion, Dr Kalam
asked me for a sheet of paper and wrote a four line poem
in Tamil on the Agni missile. It is a remarkable poem by the
bachelor scientist acknowledging the contributions of the
families of the missile team. It is also remarkable for the use
of the phrase, agginikunju or the little fire, originally used by
the great poet Subramanya Bharathi in an entirely different
context. I think this poem has appeared in the collection of
his poems published later. It is a pleasure for me to share an
image of the original which he penned that evening.
•••
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
72

Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam
73

13
My 48 Long Years of
Association with
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
VED PRAKASH SANDLAS
FORMER DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST &
CHIEF CONTROLLER R&D, DRDO
Yes, I have had 48 long years of professional, friendly and
privileged association with Abdul Kalam – longer than
any of my other relationships or associations – longer than
even with my own parents. My first meeting with him was on
October 27, 1967, the day I joined TERLS (Thumba Equatorial
Rocket Launching Station) near Thiruvananthapuram.
He was most informally dressed: V shape bathroom
slippers, dull-white shirt and shining-blue Terylene pants.
I was in leather-soled pointed shoes, drain-pipe lightgrey
pants and snow-white full-sleeved formal office shirt
with stiff collar. He seemed to feel as if I was not properly
dressed to do hard-core rocket work – one of those Delhi/
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Bombay type boys. Kalam (as every one called him – first/
pet name calling was the norm at Thumba) was the Head
of the Range Engineering Division (RED) responsible for
Mechanical Integration of Sounding Rocket Payloads.
I joined ELDR (Electronics Division – Rockets) responsible
for Electrical Integration and Checkout of such Payloads.
We were always in perpetual race: trying to beat each other
in finishing work earlier – so as to avoid blames for any
delays in rocket launching schedules. In fact, professional
rivalries were quite common at Thumba, till such time
that a Rocket Recreation Club (RRC) was created in 1968,
to promote social interactions and some diversions from
official hard work.
RRC also provided options to compete in other ways:
we would play Bonzi-Badminton-Matches, where the looser
would pay 25 Paise each for fresh lime juice to the winner and
all on-lookers. Kalam was mostly the first one to occupy the
Badminton court in the evening, and would not let others play
till he won at least one match. But if he won the first match,
he would stop playing. Sometimes he would play Chess.
Once I and he reached the finals of the Chess tournament;
he opted to toss and decide but I refused, and he preferred
to resign and claimed the first runner-up prize. Kalam
continued his regular playful visits to RRC until October
1972 when he was appointed as the Project Manager of
SLV-3 Project, the first Satellite Launch Vehicle of India, and
the, then, most expensive, glamorous and ambitious project
of ISRO. SLV-3 development made him a workaholic of the
highest order, no more RRC, no more plays and no more
entertainment for rest of his life.
Just before Kalam was made responsible for the
SLV-3 Project, for about 8 months during January-
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
September 1972, we stayed as neighbours in the Indira
Bhawan Lodge, where he stayed throughout his
20-year stay in Thiruvananthapuram (1962-1982). During
this period, we spent a lot of time together. He told
me about his childhood, his humble background and
his ambitions. He was surprised to note that my own
background was almost similar, perhaps more humbler:
one-room house with no toilet or electricity, until my first
9 years and up to 4 th class, and all-through local Government
School education followed by merit cum means scholarship
in college. He became very affectionate and fond of me;
I felt as if he was my natural mentor, and I learnt a lot from
him. One of his favorite authors was Ayn Rand; I borrowed
his personal copies of ‘Atlas Shrugged’, ‘The Fountain
Head’, and ‘The Virtue of Selfishness’ from him for reading.
I had already known and worked with him for about
5 years, and did learn much about his style of working,
particularly in relation to the cut-throat competition with
his pears at Thumba, to excel and outsmart others. But
reading Ayn Rand gave me a better understanding of
Kalam’s philosophy. Ayn Rand developed the concept and
philosophy of ‘Objectivism’: “Human beings have direct
contact with reality through sense perception, that one can
attain objective knowledge from perception through the
process of concept formation and inductive logic, that the
proper moral purpose of one’s life is the pursuit of one’s
own happiness (rational self-interest), that the only social
system consistent with this morality is one that displays
full respect for individual rights embodied in laissez-faire
capitalism.”
Kalam appeared to have modified Ayn Rand’s
philosophy to be consistent with his modest upbringing
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
and Indian (perhaps even Eastern) value system which
emphasized ‘sacrifice’ of personal pleasures, needs, present
and even future: fasting, celibacy, Ahimsa, Brahmacharya,
Vanaprastha, Sannyasa, Tapasya, etc., hoping for direct or
indirect, real or virtual benefits for society in general, for
near and dear ones, for Pralok and Moksha. This kind of
philosophical living is not limited to spiritually minded
persons in Indian subcontinent. Even normal householders
and middle class parents would sacrifice their own needs
for children’s needs. They sacrifice for their old parents by
spending life-long savings, or by taking loans, during their
illness and hospitalisation. Of course, Ayn Rand would
have limited her thoughts to the needs of the ‘Western
Capitalist Economy’. Some of Kalam’s colleagues felt that
he was getting some kind of sadistic or perverse pleasure,
by inflicting pain on himself by over working, frugal living
and slave driving his subordinates; but could never imagine
Kalam leapfrogging up to the top only by such philosophical
and physical actions.
I remember 1973 remarks of Indira Bhawan helper
about the frugal-living of Kalam. I and my wife used to
occasionally visit Jyoti Bhawan, a small restaurant near the
Statue Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, for late evening
snacks, when it was too late to cook dinner at home.
The helper remembered me from my Indira Bhawan days
of 1972, particularly his occasional pillion-rides on my
motorcycle, and my liberal tips whenever he enthusiastically
ran errands for me and my like-minded friends during rather
late-night post-movie sessions. His eyes became moist with
happiness on seeing me with my wife and daughter; there
was no earlier occasion for him to see us all three together.
He raised his hands to the heavens, and exclaimed in
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Malayalam about my well being and happiness level, and
then, remarked about the ‘ill fate’ of Kalam Sir, particularly
showing me his ‘dinner’ by unfolding the top-end of his
lungi at his waist to show one Vada folded in a piece of
banana-leaf and one small banana. He also remarked about
all his other friends from Indira Bhawan getting married
and happily settling down, shamelessly leaving Kalam
Sir behind without making any effort to get him married.
He particularly requested my wife to find a girl for Kalam
Sir with help from other well wishers.
He was a highly self-motivated person, and would
assume responsibilities, on his own, to perform tasks which
were beyond and higher than his official responsibilities.
As the Head RED, Kalam thought he was responsible for
the entire technical management of TERLS. Any statement
or promise made by the Director TERLS, HGS Murthy,
was promptly owned up by him as his responsibility
and modified by him to serve his plans and wishes.
Any contrary proposals or competitive actions by any other
one were considered by him as against the overall interests
of TERLS. Murthy, being convinced about Kalam’s sincerity
of purpose, was always more than willing to let him have
his way.
After 1972, under Kalam’s core team, SLV-3 starting
taking shape as a matrix managed system: subsystem
responsibilities exercised by various Divisions of VSSC.
As a member of the Electronics Division, I was responsible for
Pulse Code Modulation Telemetry and related subsystems.
On July 1, 1975, just after ISRO became a Government
Department, I was asked to join SLV-3 Project on full
time basis, as the Project Engineer, Electrical Integration
& Checkout (EIC), and Technology Payload Integration
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
(TPI), making Kalam my immediate formal boss. My next
five years of professional association with him is very well
covered in his book, ‘Wings of Fire’.
After the first successful launch of SLV-3 on July 18,
1980, I was asked to take over as the Project Director for
the subsequent two successful launches of SLV-3 with
Rohini Satellites on May 31, 1981 and April 17, 1983. Kalam
continued to guide and oversee as the head of the newly
created Aerospace Dynamics and Design Group; which
was very important and useful for me since I was quite
junior – mere 35 years old – and had to manage through
many seniors, who were earlier Kalam’s peers. I expressed
my wish to improve SLV-3 design through as many as 21
Optimisation Work Packages (OWPs) for better performance
and minimum guaranteed life of satellites. Kalam
encouraged me and went on a lobbying mission to get me
approvals, despite many reservations about the essentiality
of such pursuits, since these would distort priorities and
may derail other projects like ASLV and PSLV. Kalam was
always very protective and possessive of his subordinate
and younger colleagues; their professional happiness was
his first priority, even at the risk of displeasure to his peers
and seniors.
Very soon we were ready for the next SLV-3 launch on
May 31, 1981. On Kalam’s insistence, I was appointed as the
Mission Director; he was against the appointment of any
other senior as the mission chief – which might distort and
dilute the decision making process in difficult situations
needing urgent actions with full personal knowledge and
appreciations of implications and consequences. During
the final countdown, Kalam was provided seat in the VIP
Gallery, where ISRO Chairman, Directors, and other seniors
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
were also seated for any last moment advice or consultations.
During the final automatic countdown sequence, at about
T-2 minutes, the fourth stage umbilical (for providing power
to the satellite) did not retract automatically and got struck.
I imposed a forced countdown-hold, and authorised manual
retraction: Pappaiah, a technician who used to regularly
climb the launch tower for maintenance, volunteered to
climb up and release the umbilical manually. However,
Kalam was not happy to let him take the risk – all alone –
by climbing up the fully charged SLV-3, ready for launch
with all safety locks disabled; he insisted the he should also
be allowed to stand on the launch pad; MR Kurup, Head
of the ISRO Safety Office also opted to accompany Kalam
for this risky operation. After the successful launch, Kalam
was unusually quite: I learnt later that he was unhappy
about being kept in the VIP Gallery (he called it ‘visitors’
gallery’ in his ‘Wings of Fire’ where he remarked, “This was
the first time I witnessed a launch from outside the Control
Centre. Was I hurt at the coldness of the new environment?
Perhaps yes, but I was willing to accept what I could not
change… And the reality which I had to confront was that
my becoming the focus of media attention had created
bitterness among some of my senior colleagues.”) I tried
my best to reason out with him: that he was unnecessarily
making it an issue and taking it to his heart; if there was any
bitterness or jealousy, it had nothing to do with team SLV
and his seat in the VIP Gallery.
Subsequently, he moved over to DRDO on June 1, 1982
as the Director, DRDL; the evening before shifting, he gave
a talk at the ISRO HQ about his vision about Indian Space
Programme Profile-2000; he did not agree for any other
farewell function or meeting. During my next SLV-3 launch
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
on April 17, 1983 he was a prominent absentee, making me,
my team and Prof Satish Dhawan quite sad and unhappy,
particularly since this event was attended by the Prime
Minister, Indira Gandhi and full complement of Press and
Media – almost a mini-celebration before concluding the
SLV-3 Phase. I did express my unhappiness to him, but he
tried to justify: his desire to avoid any criticism of ‘Indian
Defence Man’s Presence’ in ‘peaceful’ Indian space venture.
It is true that his shifting from ISRO to DRDL did raise some
eyebrows and criticism in Press and Media (like in my case
also, when I shifted from ISRO to DEAL), but I was not
satisfied by his justifications.
I continued to meet him and visit DRDL and ITR,
Balasore for reviews of Missile programs, learning about
management and philosophical differences between ISRO
and DRDO. During my first visit to DRDL in 1983, he
arranged special VIP treatment for me: LO, VIP guest room
in the mess, serving of breakfast in the room, polishing of
shoes, reception at the gate, driver picking up my brief case,
etc. – things not-done and considered undesirable in ISRO –
causing me much embarrassment. In the morning, stepping
into his office, shocked and surprised – noticing a woman
PA: I said, “I have come to meet Kalam.” – Not yet trained
to address him as Mr, Shri or Dr (he had already been
conferred with honorary D.Sc. by the Anna University) –
Kalam exclaimed, “What! Do you need permission of my
PA to see me?” He had opened the door and was standing
there to pull me into his room.
Destiny brought us together as colleagues in September
1986 when I joined DRDO as the Director DEAL, Dehradun.
Few days before joining DEAL, Dr Kalam invited me to
attend a meeting at Hyderabad, with SA to RM, senior
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
DRDO Directors, and the Minister of State for Defence,
Arun Singh. He introduced me as ‘my friend Ved Prakash’,
Director designate DEAL, and the youngest ever Scientist
‘G’ of DRDO (mere 41 years old). Shri Arun Singh was
almost my age, and when I asked him if I was too young,
he said, “no problem, you just say Sir to every one grayer
than you, and address all service officers as General, Air
Marshal or Admiral, and you won’t have any difficulty.”
Dr Kalam assumed the role of my self-appointed mentor,
advising and guiding me on many DRDO methods.
He seemed to be very lonely, not mixing much with other
senior colleagues or CCR&Ds, as if there was some kind
of a firewall between him and others; however, there was
one notable exception: Gen KN Singh, who was building
his missile complexes very efficiently. I noticed that he was
extra affectionate towards me, much more than in the SLV-3
days of 1975-1980. Many times we shared room in the Asiad
guest house; and would eat together at the Woodlands in
Sujan Singh Park, which was being managed by our old
friend Rangamani of Thumba vintage; we would always go
Dutch, a habit maintained from our earlier days. On several
occasions when he visited DEAL and IRDE, he would sneak
out from the guest house to join me for dinner at my house,
happily preferring to be picked up and dropped by myself,
driving my own car. We would continue to talk till late in
the night, mostly about Thumba days, my wife Brij also
joining, one of the few ladies he used to call by first name.
As the Director DEAL, I assumed responsibilities to
develop Satellite-based communication and surveillance
systems for the Defence Services, and to develop missilehead
seekers for Akash (35 GHz) and Nag (94 GHz).
Because of non-existent communication facilities at ITR,
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
I used my Amateur Radio experience to set up HF Radio
links between ITR, DRDL, DEAL and other IGMDP work
centres. Dr Kalam somehow roped me in for tasks related
to Agni Missile, particularly because of commonalities
with the first stage of SLV-3 and my experience with
Integration, Checkout, and Mission management. I was also
made a member of the Agni Launch Authorization Board
(LAB). So much so that I was almost full time working for
Agni during April-May, 1992, up to the final successful
launch on May 22, 1989, when the Defence Minister,
KC Pant described the event as ‘Irreversible Forward Step’.
During Agni campaign, I built life-long friendship with
missile team members. Dr Kalam would often confide in
me about some technical differences among the Agni team
and related management problems and we would discuss
work around plans. Once we were taking a post-dinner
walk in the launch complex, when we noticed a group of
scientists discussing and arguing on some issue; Dr Kalam
asked me, “come, let’s throw some water on them.” After
reaching near them, he asked in his usual way, “What is
happening?” The discussion stopped immediately and they
all went away, resuming their tasks. They seemed to be
scared of him; many Agni team members were relatively
young, almost of my age – they would sometimes open up
and share their agony with me.
During 1989-91, the success of Agni brought much
praise and laurels for DRDO and Dr Kalam. DEAL also
became significantly visible because of the limelight related
to the use of Satellite Terminals for IPKF operations in Sri
Lanka, HF Communication links to the Middle East for
MEA and the Silver Jubilee celebrations. Dr Kalam started
aggressively pushing the growth of missiles and related
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
people. I recall one of those RAC meetings for the promotion
of Scientist ‘E’ to ‘F’: Dr Kalam came out telling me, “I have
successfully defended my five guys. What about you?”
I replied in a lighter vein, “I had only two candidates, they
took care of themselves.” Dr VS Arunachalam, then SA to
RM started showing high affection towards me, sometimes
lifting me to high heavens; which was highly scaring for me;
I would rather lie-low and fly-low, always thinking: ‘high
flying is very risky – falling from grace can be very painful!’
I was also involved in the committee to evolve personnel
policies for DRDO, and being the youngest member, I did
a lot of running around to correlate with ISRO and DRDO
policies and for drafting of the recommendations. I expressed
my feelings and worries to Dr Kalam. He thoughtfully
advised, “I have just about one year left for my retirement,
I am happy with my achievements; I am looking forward
to go back to Rameshwaram and teach school students;
I have no reason to worry. You have 15 years ahead of you;
be careful; don’t waste your energy in things like personnel
policies – Delhi fellows may be happy with such work from
you, but you would achieve nothing. Do your own work,
for which you are responsible and accountable; that alone
would give you real credit.”
The next Agni launch in May 29, 1992 was an anticlimax.
During the LAB meeting, a day before the launch,
I noticed some deficiencies in the modified inter-stage
between first and second stages; I did not get any satisfactory
explanations from the designers or related review team.
I did not make it an issue at such an advanced stage in the
countdown sequence, but quietly expressed my worries to
Dr Kalam and Dr Arunachalam. Agni broke up at that interstage
at about T+50 sec due to control-structure interactions
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during the maximum dynamic pressure: sending burning
pieces flying all around. International media speculated,
calling it the test of Indian MIRV (Multiple Independently
Targetable Re-entry Vehicle). Dr Arunachalam was literary
in tears, “You told us, we did not listen! We should have held
it up.” “No. It was fully charged with liquid propellants and
control fuels – holding it on the ground would be messy –
good it was allowed to be launched. I would have not kept
quite if it was advisable to hold,” I consoled. He went back
to Delhi, leaving me behind with instructions to take care
of Dr Kalam, and to remain with him at ITR, or during the
return to Hyderabad or Delhi – obliquely hinting about him
being the next SA to RM.
Next morning we decided to go to Calcutta by train.
Half way through, at Kharagpur, the train was cancelled
because of some agitation. We changed to a Local Train
which was also stopped because of the agitation. I went
down to the Station Master to enquire about the prospects of
moving, since we had to catch Delhi flight at 5 pm; initially
he expressed helplessness, but on learning about Dr Kalam
sitting in the train, without any security escort, he cleared
the line and ordered the Guard to move. Surprisingly, the
train went non-stop, all the way to Howrah. Because of
the agitation, there were no Taxis at Railway Station; we
walked across the Hooghly River, over the Howrah Bridge,
then to the left for about another km or so and got a Taxi
to the Airport. The silver lining was that Dr Kalam totally
forgot about his pain and agony from Agni failure. Also we
had full 10 hours or so to ourselves to discuss the Bhagavad
Gita philosophy: Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kada
Chana – I insisting that there is some distortion in its
interpretation regarding ‘rights to the fruits of the labour’.
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
My interpretation being: if you do your work well – to
the best of your ability and truthfully – you don’t have to
worry about the results (fruits), which would accrue to you
automatically. After much analytical assessment, Dr Kalam
concluded, “You are fantastic.”
A couple of months earlier, in the beginning of
March, 1992, Dr Arunachalam mentioned to me his desire
to quit, as he was ‘running short of new ideas’. He wished
to recommend Dr Kalam as the next SA to RM, who was
not at all agreeing, in fact he was out-right rejecting any
such suggestion. He asked me to try to put in my bit of
arguments with Dr Kalam, whom he considered as my
‘close friend’. On one of those Saturdays - when we were
together at the RAC – I representing my candidates and
Dr Kalam ‘defending’ his candidates, he came out beaming
and smiling with much happiness. He asked, “What is
happening?” “I was waiting to talk to you,” I got up and
replied. “Come; join me for lunch as my guest.” He took
me to the 5-Star Taj Ambassador near Sujan Singh Park,
straight to the top floor. He ordered just Fresh Lime and
one Bonda for himself, and asked me to order my pick.
I was hungry and hoping for some substantial food, but
since he was paying, I thought it odd to order much more
than him; just asked for 2 Bondas. I went straight to the
point and said, “Why don’t you agree to be the SA to RM?”
“I don’t want to come to Delhi: full of dirty fellows, no
friends, no nothing. In any case I have been invited to
become the Vice Chancellor of the Madras University.”
I increased the force of arguments, “Madras University!
I don’t think you could fit there; you will be an unknown
person there, it is too late for you to generate new friends.
Perhaps, Madras Institute of Technology may be better –
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
nearer to your genetic code – your Alma Mater. I remember
your remarks, when I joined you in the SLV-3 Project:
I will generate and give you opportunities; exploiting and
encashing will be your responsibility; I will not spoon feed.
Now you are getting a God given opportunity – on a silver
spoon – don’t miss it and repent for the rest of your life.”
We discussed the subject for more than an hour. He stopped
arguing and became quite. I felt as if he was listening and
may consider.
In July 1992 he took over as the SA to RM; once again
he was my immediate boss; I decided to stop smoking in
his presence. He felt as if Delhi fellows were isolating him
and ill treating him. He started putting pressure on me to
shift to Delhi as CC R&D. I agreed in principle, but asked
for two more years to complete my pending assignments.
In the interim, he made me a member of the DRC, along
with three other Laboratory Directors; which was not
liked by regular DRC members. On some occasions his
style and remarks caused confusions at DRDO HQ. Once
his staff officer took a file to him for approval relating to
DRDO (DEAL and R&DE) participation in the Antarctica
Programme; he asked, “What Antarctica? Is it essential for
DRDO?” – Staff Officer could not explain it as essential.
After a few days, when I visited Delhi, he informed me
about the ‘rejection’ of the proposal. I took the file back
to Dr Kalam and got it approved after explaining the
importance and our interest. The staff officer was surprised;
I explained that Dr Kalam only asked a simple question, he
was not questioning the proposal – you should have briefed
him on the justifications given in the proposal. On another
occasion, a senior scientist took a proposal directly to him
without going through the usual procedures. Dr Kalam did
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
not discourage him and asked him to go ahead and submit
it. After a few days, the scientist submitted the proposal
by remarking that it had been approved by the SA to RM.
Dr Kalam was surprised and asked me about the ‘assumption
of approval’ – I reminded him about his calling the proposal
‘fantastic’.
He decided for me to take over major technical and
administrative responsibilities from Gen KN Singh on his
retirement in June 1995. But this got further postponed
because of my heart-attack in Jan 1995; Gen KN Singh was
given an extension by one year. I took over as CCR&D (S)
on July 8, 1996 and was made responsible for Engineering,
Training and Administrative entities and also functioned as
the Secretary, DRC. Soon I felt as if I was getting isolated
at the DRDO HQ, perhaps because I was spending a lot of
time with Dr Kalam. But, surprisingly, I was getting closer
to Laboratory and HQ Directors, perhaps because of being
younger and nearer to their age group. I noticed with some
concern that Delhi had made Dr Kalam somewhat religious
and god-fearing; he was not a religiously oriented person
during our Thumba days; however, Rashtrapati Bhawan
made him significantly more religious: complete with Rozas
and Namaz. I remember a meeting of June 2007 when I had
taken along a friend – who presented a miniature Bhagawad
Gita to Dr Kalam – he immediately took out a miniature
Quran from his pocket! Once, during DRC meeting, he
suddenly asked, “Who are more corrupt, religious or nonreligious
people?” None of the DRC members answered;
when Dr Kalam specifically asked me, I non-hesitatingly
said, “Of course non-religious people, since they know they
have to take care and protect themselves; they can’t think of
seeking help from God by prayers, confessions or penances!”
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In fact, later on another religiously difficult occasion,
I had gone further and suggested: Public demonstration of
religious orientations of people in high places, particularly
in Government, should be discouraged – they may keep
religion as a purely private affair.
Dr Kalam was nearing 65; most people thought he
would retire on completion of his term. Speculations were
ripe. One assumption was that I would take over; without
thinking and realising that there were three more seniors
than me – by far – within DRDO. Dr Kalam was not happy
about getting extension for one year at a time at the last
moment, not letting him plan for his future; but he had not
identified or recommended his successor. Despite some
indications that he would be asked to continue, he was
quite uncertain. When he received the approval for his
extension till further orders, he was visibly happy. But I
cautioned him, in a lighter vein: ‘till further orders’ does not
mean ‘perpetually’, further orders can come any day. Next
four years were very illuminating and memorable for me,
sometimes quite difficult and tiring, but very rewarding for
DRDO and Dr Kalam.
Some highlights for 1996-99 were: Implementation of
DRTC, bulk recruitment of 300 fresh scientists, conversion
of IAT into a Deemed University, shifting down of SASE
and building of its new complex at Chandigarh, Working in
Hindi with Mulayam Singh Yadav as RM, Pokharan-II on
May 11, 1998, Satellite based Surveillance & Reconnaissance
(SBS), etc. Pay commission created some problems:
Dr Kalam made a presentation on behalf of all scientists –
did not emphasize salary parity with other services, saying
that they wanted better working conditions, etc. Chairman
Pay Commission tried to help, “Here you are expected to
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
demand better salary and perks; Finance and Administrative
experts are here to question you, arguing that you are
already enjoying disproportionately high salaries. As a
judge, I am expected to decide and recommend based upon
the strength of the arguments.” Subsequently we had a
tough time achieving some parity through those Rs 2000
extra for Scientists ‘G’ and two advanced increments for
others, but only for Mission mode DRDO, ISRO, and DAE.
When Mulayam Singh Yadav learned that Dr Kalam
was not knowing Hindi, he consoled by saying that
they could work in Urdu, which, of course, could not be
an alternative. Anyways, Dr Kalam started signing in
Hindi, leaving the rest of the paper work to me, a 100 per
cent down delegation of responsibility. Otherwise also,
Dr Kalam was known for unusual beliefs and trusts in some
of his subordinates, and down delegations of the highest
order; this was his one way of extracting maximum work
from them. Another time, when reviewing and realising
that some major DRDO projects were perpetually getting
delayed, he told Dr Kalam, “Kalam sahib apne schedule zara sahi
or thodi sachchai se banaya karo; baar-baar delay hona bhi ek prakar
ka corruption hai.” Of course Dr Kalam did not understand;
I tried to soften the remark: as his advice for more accurate
scheduling. Accurate scheduling was never a priority for
Dr Kalam. I used to argue with him, even in SLV-3 days, that
while a slightly tight schedule was reasonable for achieving
most cost effective results in the least time frame; but an
unrealistic time schedule leads to distortion of priorities
and eventual delays and cost overruns. His argument to me,
as well as to his peers was: it needs extraordinary courage
to set difficult goals and seek less time based upon success
oriented optimistic programming, rather than leisurely pace
with pessimistic scheduling and adequate built-in cushions
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
for unforeseen delays.
Making Narasimha Rao accept MBT by riding in it
in the Army day parade, success of Missiles, Pokharan-
II, approval for SBS programme for meeting the strategic
needs, extending the tenure of DG ATV, creating additional
posts for promotions of permanently seconded service
officers particularly at the level of Lt General/Air Marshal/
Vice Admiral, clearances for the new DRDO Bhawan and
general praise for DRDO and Dr Kalam (particularly the
award of Bharat Ratna), started generating some kind of
jealousy and resistance from the Service HQs. Surprisingly,
Dr Kalam became very friendly with George Fernandes –
who was appointed as RM on March 19, 1998 – perhaps
because of similar age group and frugal living – which was
a good relief. Dr Kalam was very touchy about any chance
of getting criticism of him or DRDO; he would try his best
to avoid such situations. Of course, the situation changed
completely after Dr Kalam became the President on July 25,
2002, when his staunch critics also became his admirers.
New complications emerged after the success of the
Nuclear-enabled all-solid Agni II on April 11, 1999, related
decision makings, international criticisms and debates on
no-first-use doctrine. The Kargil War during May-July, 1999
brought in new concerns about interrelationships between
Defence Services, DRDO, and Intelligence Agencies.
George Fernandes started putting pressure on him to
recommend his successor, who remained non committal.
Eventually, he was appointed as the first Principal Scientific
Adviser to the Government of India on December 15,
1999; in the rank of a Cabinet Minister and Chairman, exofficio,
of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet.
The Government took another two weeks to appoint
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr VK Aatre as the SA to RM on Dec 29, 1999. Dr Kalam took
along Dr MS Vijayaraghavan, his Staff Officer, and his two PSs,
RK Prasad and H Sheridon to his new office at the Vigyan
Bhawan. During mid-2001, I was asked to formulate NTFO
(National Technical Facility Organisation, later renamed
as NTRO, replacing ‘facility’ by ‘research’) plan and
programme under the coordination of Dr Kalam. When
the report was ready to be submitted, 9/11 occurred, and
the proposed plan of action had to be reformulated taking
in to account new security concerns; it could be finally
presented to the Government only by end of Oct, 2001.
Dr Kalam was very much perturbed by 9/11, particularly
new trends in extreme terrorism: religious fundamentalism
and civilian passenger aircraft used as weapon. Dr Kalam
was surprised when he learnt that I would not be asked to
create and manage NTFO. By November, 2001 Dr Kalam
was getting disillusioned; his proposals such as PURA
(Provision of Urban Amenities in Ruler Areas), India 2020
and other suggestions were not getting adequate attention
and priority. He resigned as the PSA and joined the Anna
University, Chennai as Prof of Technology for Societal
Transformation.
Since 1992, Dr Kalam had been staying at the DRDO
guest house at Asiad, and whenever he was in Delhi, some
of us would meet with him and discuss about good old
days; he would avoid any discussion about DRDO. By June
18, 2002 the whole world knew about his nomination as the
President of India; in his first press conference on that day,
he answered questions about Ayodhya, Gujarat, nuclear
enabled Agni, his non-political training, etc. He returned
from Chennai to Asiad on July 10, 2002; I was there at the
Airport to receive him on behalf of DRDO; but he was
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
mobbed by Media and politicians lead by Pramod Mahajan.
Later in the night we had a long meeting – advising him and
working out strategy for the next few days. At about midnight,
when he was a bit relaxed, I asked him, “Why you
agreed with that press man that you were not a politician
and that you would learn? I feel you are a perfect and ideal
politician. Politics is nothing but organised policy, where
majority view prevails over individual views or differences.
I have known you quite well through the last 35 years –
remember our Thumba PRM (Project Review Meetings of
SLV-3 held on all Tuesdays) – you would first listen to all
of us shouting at each other – pushing to reach consensus
before taking decision, very rarely indicating if yourself
had any conflicting views. A good Politician discards his
own view in favour of the majority view and provides
leadership to motivate the dissenting individuals to adjust
and accept the prevailing majority view. Therefore, I feel
you are a better politician than most others, because of your
education, learning, and management experience.” He was
visibly happy with my remarks and asked me jot down for
him to retain.
The five years of his Presidency were quite eventful
and he has covered this in detail in his book: ‘Turning
Points’. He encouraged me by publically supporting me
on several of my pursuits: formal handing over of the
SAMYUKTA EW System to the Chief of Army Staff on
January 19, 2004; participating in the Ham Radio Satellite
launch by ISRO on May 5, 2005; emphasizing my campaign
about Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards in his formal
lectures; participating in IIT Kharagpur and PAN IIT events;
inaugural first-lecture at the Amity Institute of Space Science
& Technology set up by me, etc. I visited Thumba with
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
him in July, 2005 to celebrate the silver jubilee of the SLV-
3 launch, when I also got a once-in-lifetime opportunity to
visit: the oldest Church in India, St Thomas Syro-Malabar
Catholic Church (established in 52 AD) at Palayur; the
oldest Mosque in India (second oldest in the world – built in
629 AD, during the lifetime of Muhammad) at Kodungallur;
and Adi Shankara’s birth place and the legendary Krishna
Temple (built in 795 AD) at Kalady.
When I superannuated on February 28, 2005 he asked
me to join his PURA mission, since I was a village-born.
But I declined, preferring to contribute to improving life in
cities like Delhi – thinking that future lies in urbanisation;
we should not encourage people to stay back in villages,
depriving them of better urban facilities: education, healthcare,
opportunities, etc. In fact, I called it PAUA (Provision
of Appropriate Amenities in Urban Areas) – jokingly
differentiating from Paua, the quarter bottle. I continued
to interact with him during the last 8 years, particularly
regarding issues on which we have had strongly emotional
views: ISRO and DRDO growth and criticisms, higher
education system in the country, smart cities initiatives,
S&T in India, etc. His habits of frugal eating, overworking
and keeping awake till very late in the night were always of
concern, but he won’t agree and continued to indulge.
The passing away of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is a big national
loss, particularly for the rocket scientists and technologists
of ISRO and DRDO. It will take some time to fully realise
the reality and impact of this loss. He went away the way
he wanted to go: non-stop working and standing, rather
than resting and sleeping! He was an excellent integrator of
Technology & Technologists and Engineering & Engineers.
He motivated people to give out their best and extracted
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
maximum work from them irrespective of level of their
knowledge and expertise. I have learnt a lot from him: Instead
of learning to eat good fish, I learnt fishing from him, even
from dirty water, and learnt to manage ‘fishermen’.
•••
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My 48 Long Years of Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
97

Agni and Abdul Kalam
14
Agni and Abdul Kalam
RN AGARWAL
FORMER DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST & DIRECTOR, ASL
I
graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras
Institute of Technology (MIT), the Alma Mater of
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He was six years senior to me.
My first interaction with Kalam happened in early
1970s at the Indian National Committee for Space
Research (INCOSPAR) that had been setup in 1962 under
Dr Vikram Sarabhai to formulate the Indian Space
Programme. In 1967, the first ‘Experimental Satellite
Communication Earth Station (ESCES)’ located in
Ahmedabad was operationalised. The INCOSPAR was
institutionalised as the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) in 1969 and the Department of Space was created
in the Government of India. In early 1970s the ISRO had
organised an International Conference on Space Research
and Applications, inviting experts from all over the world
and I participated as a member of team from the DRDO.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
It was indeed a congregation of some of the best
minds in the Space Sciences, Aeronautical Engineering and
systems in the country. Prof Satish Dhawan, Chairman
ISRO was very patiently listening and participating in
all the presentations. Dr BD Nag Choudhary, Scientific
Advisor to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM) and Director General
(DG) of DRDO was there along with Air Cmde V Ganesan,
Director of Missiles and Former Director, DRDL and I was
there along with KK Verma, Control Systems Expert. I was
invited perhaps because of my involvement in the design of
a four-stage long range missile system, called ‘Valiant’. The
system was configured around a 30 ton liquid propulsion
motor. A cluster of four motors would make the first stage,
another two motors would make the second stage, and a
single engine third stage to deliver one-ton payload at a
range of 8000 km.
I attended the presentation of Dr Kalam then Project
Director, Satellite Launch Vehicle Programme (SLV-3).
Our first interaction was in the form of certain technical
clarifications. There on, we met again at Indian Institute
of Science (IISc) Bangalore in 1974 to explore whether the
Valiant based subsystems would value add the development
of SLV-3. There were no major common grounds as the SLV-
3 was a solid propulsion system. I asked Dr Kalam why his
project was called SLV-3 and where had been the earlier
two avatars. He said there were no earlier avatars, the suffix
three came out of the third option that Dr Sarabhai picked
from the three given candidates to him for the development
of first Indian Satellite Launch Vehicle as it was evolved
around a proven American System - Scout launch vehicle
first used in the 1960s. The Scout (an acronym for Solid
Controlled Orbital Utility Test system) was designed in
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Agni and Abdul Kalam
1957 at the NASA Langley centre. It was the first, and for
a long time, the only, orbital launch vehicle to be entirely
composed of solid fuel stages. The standard Scout Launch
Vehicle was approximately 75 feet (23 meters) in length
with a launch weight of 47,398 pounds (21,500 kilograms).
The successful launch of SLV-3 in 1980 that came after
overcoming the unsuccessful launch a year earlier made
Dr Kalam a celebrity. On January 26, 1981 Dr Kalam was
conferred the Padma Bhushan and Prof Satish Dhawan was
awarded Padma Vibhushan. The Anna University, Madras
conferred Kalam with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of
Science. He received the degree in the convocation from
Dr Raja Ramanna, the then SA to RM. It was Dr Ramanna
who created necessary conditions for Dr Kalam to join the
DRDO as Director, DRDL, which happened on June 1, 1982.
When Dr Kalam joined DRDL, I was working for the
development of aerodynamic test facilities particularly the
supersonic tunnel, the aeroballistic range, and the integrated
ram-rocket free jet test facility. We were also designing a
high enthalpy test facility for testing models to simulate
conditions of enthalpy and temperature during re-entry of
long range missiles and vehicle sizing and configuration
design of liquid propulsion based long range ballistic
missile system – Valiant.
From the day one of Kalam taking over the reins of
DRDL, the culture of closing hours changed. People started
working late evenings along with the boss Dr Kalam on
their own. After about a year of hard work, the Integrated
Guided Missiles Development Programme (IGMDP) was
born out of the vision of Raksha Mantri R. Venkataraman
and Dr VS Arunachalam (who took over as SA to RM from
Dr Raja Ramanna) and Dr Kalam.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
In July 1984 Mrs. Indira Gandhi launched the IGMDP at
DRDL. I was given the responsibility of Agni a Technology
Demonstrator Re-entry Vehicle for Long Range Systems.
Dr Kalam perhaps knew from his experience at SLV-3 that
scientist-engineers were indeed very vulnerable people.
As they do their own little work involving high stakes at
the end-product level, they work under great anxiety and
insecurity. Once they stumble, it becomes difficult for them
to pull themselves up. It was important that everybody is
onboard.
In those days, there was no forum in DRDL where
issues of general importance could be openly discussed and
decisions debated. In the very first meeting of the Science
Council (started by Kalam), a senior scientist MN Rao got
up and asked Dr Kalam, “On what basis did you select these
Panch Pandavas?” He meant the five project directors that
Dr Kalam had handpicked. Dr Kalam gave a very patient
answer. I recall here his answer about Agni.
“For Agni I wanted a person who would share deep
insights into developing strategic systems. I had two buddies
from MIT, viz., K Rama Rao and RN Agarwal. As Agarwal
was heading the aerodynamic test facility and working
on valiant system design he would therefore understand
best the design needs of re-entry payload. Agarwal should
therefore head Agni Project.”
Dr Kalam appointed K Rama Rao, as Chief of
Composites with a focus on the design of re-entry stage
wherein the closely guarded technology of carbon-carbon
composites would be used.
Interactions with Dr Kalam grew from a weekly to daily
to an hourly basis. I was asked to give a detailed presentation
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Agni and Abdul Kalam
to Missile Technology Committee (MTC) comprising of
about forty senior experts of the DRDL. The subject was high
enthalpy facility and re-entry test vehicle. I had to take the
grilling from members for more than two hours.
As the work started progressing there would be hardly
any time for senior people to be together at one place,
Dr Kalam preferred a slot of 7 pm to 9 pm to meet the five
project directors and discuss solutions to their problems.
Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, and Nag were all staff projects
and I felt they were getting the major share of resources
and priorities. In case of Agni, a technology demonstration
project, whenever I asked for manpower, Dr Kalam would
say that he himself was working for me. One day, I retorted
“Sir, if you and I alone could make Agni, every household
in India would have ICBMs.” He laughed and relented to
give me a good team of my choice.
Sometime in early 1984, Dr Kalam had organised
a two-day conference for status review of IGMDP. All
senior scientists in the Aerospace field in the country were
invited. The Project presentations included Dr Kalam’s
agenda of developing a new Research Centre Imarat for
design and development of avionics systems, test facilities
for environmental tests, integration and phase checks of
all the Missiles. Dr Vasant Gowariker then Director VSSC
appreciated the need for the centre and mentioned that this
is the best project proposed by Kalam.
It was decided to utilise the anti-tank missile test
range in Pahadi-Sharif area, and work was initiated for
the development of Research Centre Imarat (RCI), which
would be a world class centre in Aerospace technology
development. MVS Suryakantha Rao was made the Project
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Director to develop and equip RCI with all advanced
facilities for inertial and control systems, EMI/ EMC,
vibration facilities, acoustic chambers, HILS, integration
& checkout facilities for Missile Systems, Composites and
Carbon-Carbon Centres. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had
laid the foundation stone at RCI Imarat Kancha in August
1985. The RCI was conceptualised to serve the integration
and testing needs of the five missile projects of IGMDP.
The Re-entry Test Vehicle configuration was
initially to carry a 150 kg payload with extensive onboard
instrumentation to monitor ablation, char, and
communication blackout, etc. A future weaponisation in
mind, the configuration was changed to a full scale oneton
payload system as the programme progressed. The
implications were severe needing larger propulsion stages.
It was not a welcome change initially because almost two
years of hard work had to be redone with large technological
and financial implications. However, in course of time,
I thanked Dr Kalam from the core of my heart that we were
working for a full fledged delivery system, saving lot of
time and finances as also without making publicity.
Dr Kalam helped me immensely by bringing in
G Madhavan Nair his erstwhile team member in SLV-3
and a very thorough launch vehicle expert on the Project
Management Board of Agni. He contributed in a big way
in the design and development of avionics and electrical
integration of the multistage system. Similarly, MR Kurup,
Director, SHAR and S Rajaram Nagappa and their team
made great contribution in the design and development
of large solid propellant rocket motors. MK Abdul Majeed
another ISRO expert contributed immensely in the aerospace
mechanisms.
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Agni and Abdul Kalam
Dr Kalam came to DRDL/DRDO as a great blessing.
He was a team-builder and integrator. Earlier DRDO had
the culture of not opening out and conveniently adopted
secrecy path perhaps to hide failures. Dr Kalam brought
in the culture of openness and reviews by outside experts
from ISRO/National Labs and Academic Institutions.
Dr Kalam used to accept disagreement without any feelings
of ill-will and vengeance; a great quality, I have rarely seen
in any boss.
During flight vehicle integration and phase checks he
used to be a part of us at RCI, Agni integration and checkout
lab. Once it was 7 am when we completed checks. Kalam
saw the watch and said, “Agarwal you are a funny guy. It is
7 am now. Please give rest to the people, OK! And we will
assemble back at 9 am.”
In the first Agni flight, we had multi-node computer
based checkout and Launch Control System. Once the power
cord was wrongly connected to the high voltage input, the
entire checkout system got burnt; Dr Kalam said we must
make the system serviceable and use it before the external
world comes to know. He came next day at about 3 pm on
Sunday to see the progress. There was no one; I was alone
inside the checkout room, he asked where the others were.
I said, “Sir, they have gone for lunch; the system is ready
and will finally be checked before us today. This was his
true involvement in the project and not a remote controlled
leadership.
First launch of Agni technology demonstrator had 36
hours of countdown time, the flight vehicle was ready after
launch pad phase checks and charged with propellants,
pneumatics and armed. On April 20, 1989, the flight vehicle
was erected and all checks were completed. The final launch
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countdown T-20 minutes started when all stations were
ready: “All OK; auto launch T-6 minutes, when computer
takes over the entire operations”. At T-2 minutes 30 seconds,
a computer generated ‘HOLD’ appeared on consoles of
the Vehicle Director and the Mission Director triggering
confusion and panic. We were being watched very closely
in real time – by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in Delhi and
the Raksha Mantri KC Pant, TN Seshan, Naresh Chandra,
Dr Arunachalam, and Dr Kalam right over our shoulders.
As the Mission Director, I aborted the launch.
Loose ends were tied up and rechecked. We went for
the second launch attempt on May 1989. At T-10 seconds
again, the ‘HOLD’ appeared. The Mission was once again
aborted. This time there was a problem in the first stage
control system, where the strontium per chlorate had leaked
out before lift-off. Dr Kalam told me, “Don’t worry buddy,
you have your missile right in front of you, fix it, take your
time. I was not as lucky. Lost my first SLV-3 in the Bay of
Bengal.” It was great leadership!
We rectified the first stage control system, checked
and rechecked the entire sequence and rescheduled the
launch for May 22, 1989. In the previous night at about
2 am, I was walking from the launch pad to block house after
checking the missile health. Suddenly, I felt a gentle tap on
my shoulder from behind, I turned back, it was Dr Kalam.
He said, “Why are you worried? I said “Sir! People and media
are making fun of us and world is watching. Bosses in Delhi
are anxious. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
Kalam said, “Have faith in you.” Then, he pointed to the
full moon in the sky, “See, God is watching your hard work.
You will succeed tomorrow.”
Next morning, on May 22, 1989 at 0720 hrs, the Agni
missile took off majestically from the launcher and followed
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the designed trajectory and all mission sequences. Everyone
was all cheers. Faith of my superiors, hard work of my
colleagues, and above all faith in God, created history.
For the second flight on May 29, 1992, we had made
major changes in the flight vehicle to increase the range.
All the ground environmental and phase checks went
through well, the launch campaign went unbelievably
smooth creating doubts in my mind that there was
something seriously wrong in the system beneath this
smooth progress. I asked Sekaran, the Vehicle Director,
“How is it that the campaign is going so effortlessly?”
He replied, ‘Everything is OK, Sir!’ Till the last minute we
saw everything OK.
The lift-off was smooth but at about T+40 seconds,
the missile took a dip and fell into the Bay of Bengal.
The mission had failed. The post flight analysis was carried
out by a joint team of experts from ISRO, IISc, Jadhavpur
University, and DRDO. Within two days the cause of failure
was identified. A dynamically simulated dummy flight
vehicle with control and navigation sensors was prepared
and excited to simulate control-structure interaction.
It was first time in the history that such a test was carried
out reproducing the flight failure. Everyone was more
than satisfied. Modifications were made and dynamic tests
proved that the system was alright. If the vehicle had per
chance flown successfully, it would have continued to carry
the weakness of the control-structure interaction (TWD:
Tail Wags Dog) and would have remained prone to failure
anytime. Failures indeed make you perfect!
By July 10, 1992, Dr Kalam moved to Delhi as SA to
RM. We had prepared for the third and last flight test of
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Agni Technology Demonstrator on February 19, 1994, to
assess MARV (Manoeuvring Re-entry Vehicle). All checks
were made and flight vehicle was moved to launch pad for
phase checks and arming. During checks, it was realised
that the system is 1800 out of phase on the TEL (Transporter
– Erecter – Launcher) and had to be corrected. I had already
invited Dr Kalam to reach by next day morning for LAB
(Launch Authorisation Board) to clear the launch. I called
him by 2 pm, “Sir! We have a problem and need two more
days. He kept his cool despite its implications with the
Government. Various options for positioning the missile
in correct orientation along with risks involved were
discussed. Finally, we decided to try reversal of orientation
by moving on the limited rail track at the Wheeler Island.
We had to cut some trees, clear them, and try. “It may or
may not work”, we thought; but it worked. By 6 pm, the
missile was in the correct orientation for the launch. I called
Dr Kalam again not to change his scheduled programme as
well as of RM and come as per the original schedule. The
mission was successful establishing the new technology
of MARV. Dr Kalam expressed in clear terms “This is our
strength; everyone unites to solve the problem”. Raksha
Mantri George Fernandes and Prime Minister Vajpayee
were all praise for the team.
Later on Missile System Quality Assurance Team
had organised a Symposium ‘Quest 96’. Dr Kalam was the
Chief Guest. Previous night, he called me from Delhi Guest
House, “Guy! What are you talking about tomorrow?”
I said “Failures are hidden treasures of successes”. He said,
“You are a funny guy!” But, next morning in his opening
remarks, he said, “I asked Agarwal about his topic last
night. He told me he would be talking about the failures
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and not about the successes. See the merit in his statement
in the light of our experience. After the second flight test,
how much knowledge and insight that failure has given us
for future successes!”
He often inspired us by saying we have to beat Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and succeed. ‘Strength
respects strength’ was his mantra. From Delhi, he would
check every night like for the final station checks before the
Auto Launch.
With the three flight tests we had established most of
the critical technologies including the All–composite Reentry
Vehicle structure. Now we need to make the system
operational as a weapon. We all knew that to make it a
weapon we had to make the second stage solid propellant
based. We had designed and developed the solid propulsion
rocket motor, carried out static tests. We prepared the flight
vehicle with all stages solid propellant based and the RCS /
VTP system for final injection liquid propellant based.
The dummy payload of warhead simulating all
electrical/electronic features and dynamic mass and size
was integrated to make the first flight test of Agni-2 capable
of carrying one-ton payload with a range of 2000 km.
Thereafter, series of flight tests for Agni-2 were carried out
successfully.
However, for some time, we felt that we need to be
self dependent for making solid rocket motors in numbers.
Dr Kalam held our hand in every act to create the facilities
within DRDO and in the Industry. The direction was “To
build-develop-integrate crucial systems such as mixers,
casting pits, curing autoclaves, NDT equipment, test stand
and capability for making propellant raw materials in
required quantities.
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Towards the end of 1999, Dr Kalam moved out of DRDO
as Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of
India – we felt a great vacuum. We had become conditioned
to his 24x7 presence in our work. Dr Kalam was so keen
about this Solid Fuel Complex. He visited the Site in 2004
as President of India to ensure that everything was in place
and working smoothly with due considerations on safety
aspects.
The development of Agni-3 had already begun,
propulsion stages were being developed for higher payload
and a lot of design and development work was done on the
new technology of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry
Vehicles (MIRV). Meanwhile the need for Agni-1 as a
strategic system took priority and we had to divert resources.
I am sure that the MIRV would have been realised and made
operational by now, if Dr Kalam had remained a part of the
development organisation. The country has lost already 12
years in realising this essential technology of MIRV. Instead
of concentrating on crucial systems and technologies, the
effort, I feel rather sadly, had perhaps shifted to publicity
and personal image building.
My personal admiration and gratitude to Late Dr APJ
Abdul Kalam go beyond my personal feelings. Without
Dr Kalam, I doubt whether the country would have Agni
Missiles at all today. Everybody departs from this world,
so did he. But the great deeds done in this world remain
forever. Kalam is indeed immortalised by the Agni Missile.
My salute to the great leader - KALAM KO SALAAM!
•••
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Agni and Abdul Kalam
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114

Dr Kalam’s Funny Guys
15
Dr Kalam’s Funny Guys
LT GEN (DR) (RETD) VJ SUNDARAM,
PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Dr Kalam and I (both Librans) became engineers in
1957. Dr Kalam joined Defence Science and I joined
the Army, moving to DRDL in 1968. Our paths crossed 15
years later (1972) at Space Science and Technology Centre
when he was Project Director of SLV-3 and I was working
on stress analysis of Solid Propellant Rockets as part of my
project at IISc. I was brought back as a Major to DRDL in
November 1972 by AVM VS Narayanan, a firm believer in
indigenization of imported missiles, who recruited young
engineers like VK Saraswat and Avinash Chander and built
basic infrastructure for fabrication of missiles.
Dr Arunachalam (SA to RM) and Dr Kalam, who
joined as Director DRDL in 1982, went a step further
to “Indigenous Design, Development, and Production
of Missiles” in India with the sanction of IGMDP on
July 26, 1983. Dr Kalam was willing to listen and you could
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disagree with him. He would listen with an open mind and
if you could convince him he would change his opinion.
I would like to give a few examples.
He asked me to lead the Prithvi Flight Vehicle Design
Team and then be its Project Director (PD). I said that
I would have to ask my wife, Nalini. Being a bachelor,
he felt that here was a funny guy. I explained to him that
over the last five years I was not only Head of Stuctures,
Missile Assembly and Environmental Testing but was
working also on my PhD at IISc, Bangalore as an external
registrant without any study leave, utilising whatever spare
time and leave I could muster. This had led to neglect of
family needs. As a PD, the pattern would continue with the
PD’s responsibility for overall system design, development
and productionisation using maximum indigenous content.
Dr Kalam appreciated the need to bring the family also on
board and it was done.
When I presented the project schedules, showing
4 years 6 months for the first full system flight of Prithvi and
11 years for completion of user trials, Dr Kalam felt it should
be less but when we presented to him the work package
details and activity charts, he consented to our schedules as
realistic and helped us to meet the targets.
One major doubt for him was the liquid propulsion
technology initiated by Air Cmde Gopalaswamy. The LP
engine funny guys led by VK Saraswat, P Venugopalan,
and LHS Rao dispelled his fears by developing a very
reliable engine with excellent propellant/pneumatic storage
hardware and structure given by Kaushik’s Structures
group, meeting the configuration finalised by Paneerselvam
and Dr Balakrishnan. Instrumentation support from
SP Dash validated results and thereafter Dr Kalam
supported its production wholeheartedly.
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Dr Kalam’s Funny Guys
The Inertial Navigation System (INS) was considered
the most critical area for Prithvi. The French had agreed to
the transfer of technology (TOT) for the gyros to HAL but
when the French team came to Lucknow, they stated that
they were willing for TOT of the entire INS but not just the
gyros. HAL was very happy but I did not agree and said
that we want only the gyros. The French refused and went
back. I returned to Hyderabad and informed Dr Kalam who
felt very strongly that I should have accepted the French
offer and that I was “sticking my neck out”. I could only
reply that I had only one neck. I then explained to him that
what they were offering for INS was obsolete technology.
I said that I was confident that we could make an integrated
digital, strap down, control-navigation-guidance system
with just one computer. He pointed out that no such system
had been made in India, even by ISRO. I expressed my
confidence that our funny guys in these areas – Banerjee,
Avinash Chander, Wg CDr Sarma, Ramana Sai, NV Kadam,
SK Chaudhuri, Vidyasagar, Chakravarthy, N Prabhakar and
our young software engineers guided by JC Bhattacharya
would be able to do it. I had full faith. We could also take
parallel action with HAL, BEL, and Tatas. Dr Kalam agreed
and four teams worked in parallel. A very reliable integrated
strap down system was developed and with appropriate
updates it is one of our strong points with younger scientists
like Satheesh Reddy.
Integration guys were Sai Reddy and DS Reddy with
Lakshminarayan for power supplies and coordination by
HS Venkatraman, Dr Sundararajan, Wg CDr Babu and
Majors MP Singh and PS Shankar of Artillery. The Prithvi
was on the launch pad for its first flight. Almost everyone
present was very confident that with so many indigenous
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components it would fail. After all, a first launch had never
succeeded. The test was a complete success and Dr Kalam
exclaimed “Funny Guys. They have done it !” It was
4 years, 6 months and 3 weeks. The user trials were
completed with 95 per cent indigenous content and all
systems from production agencies in 10 years, 10 months.
Prithvi was the first Indian Missile to enter service.
In spite of all his activities, Dr Kalam still found time
for music and poetry. He wrote poems (in Tamil) which he
shared not only with the extended workforce of the missile
programme but also their families, as well as students and
their teachers, to motivate them to feel part of such long,
difficult projects.
It was time for me to leave the missile programme
and at my farewell in 1997 I confessed my dream to build
Palmtops - micro air vehicles which could be flown from
one’s palm to gather information for disaster management.
Everyone smiled, including Dr Kalam, but he quietly
supported me. Today, Palmtops are a reality.
The last few times, when I met him, he would tell me
“You must write a book”. That is one task I have to complete
in his memory.
•••
After the First Flight of Prithvi, February 1988
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Dr Kalam’s Funny Guys
Dr Kalam with Maj Gen. Bala, DLRL and
Smt Nalini, Kendriya Vidyalaya
Dr Kalam with Chiefs of Army, Navy, Air Force; Admiral VS Shekhawat,
Gen BC Joshi, Dr Abdul Kalam, Air Chief Marshal BM Kaul,
Lt Gen VJ Sundaram (Retd), Chairman, PMB
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The Indomitable Spirit
16
The Indomitable Spirit
DR A SIVATHANU PILLAI
HONORARY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR, DOS/ISRO
FOUNDER, BRAHMOS AEROSPACE
FORMER CC R&D DRDO
INTRODUCTION
Mankind is the marvelous creation of God. Every
individual has enormous power residing in him/
her to excel with great deeds for which he/she will be
remembered forever. The life of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is
one such great event in the history of mankind, as he will
be remembered for his contribution to make India a great
Nation. He created an encyclopedia for everyone to learn
and achieve extraordinary results through his life, defining
the purpose of living on the planet earth. He gave the
value of hard work, great thinking, simplicity in life and
above all righteousness. He lived with purpose establishing
that Nation is bigger than Individual. On the night of
July 27, 2015, every Indian, irrespective of religion, caste,
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age, felt that he/she lost his/her own mentor, and it created
vacuum inside him/her which cannot be filled by any means.
Dr Kalam’s life proved that he is definitely one in a billion
of Indians.
ISRO/DRDO DAYS
I recall my association with Dr Kalam, from 1970 when
I started my career at ISRO Trivandrum. From then on,
I undertook a long journey with him during his good and
bad days, learnt from failures and understood how to
make them success, convert difficulties into opportunities
and network human resources capabilities for achieving
valuable results. Also I talked to the youth about the
success stories of India and so on. Dr Vikram Sarabhai,
Prof Satish Dhawan, Dr Brahm Prakash – the three great
personalities of ISRO were the teachers, who moulded
Dr Kalam into a successful leader during development
of the Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV-3 and its systems.
The successful launch of SLV-3 E(02) on July 18, 1980
brought good name to Dr Kalam; but he passed through
many critical moments. I was the one with him during those
difficult days in 1981-82, when he was made Group Director
for Aeronautics. Suddenly events turned. He was also made
Director, Launch Vehicle Systems - Programme Office at
ISRO HQ to hold as a parallel assignment, reporting to
Chairman, ISRO. This gave a relief. We contributed in a big
way for the PSLV configuration and mission studies, giving
a reliable work horse for ISRO.
Thoughts got shaped for him to part with ISRO to
undertake design and development of guided missiles at
DRDO. During 1982-83 he was Director, DRDL. I continued
in ISRO as Prof Satish Dhawan was not willing to send
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The Indomitable Spirit
me to DRDO on deputation, in spite of the best efforts of
Dr Kalam. So Dr Kalam used to come to Bangalore on most
of the Sundays to meet me and discuss the formulation of
IGMDP and its management structure, with a vegetarian
lunch at Hotel Woodlands. In 1986, he was successful in
taking me to DRDO after Prof Satish Dhawan’s retirement
and I was given the task of reorganising DRDL for taking
up the IGMDP. Particularly, he gave highest priority to
indigenously develop critical technologies to combat the
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) imposed
by industrially developed nations to restrict technology
progress. Dr Kalam’s innovative human resources
management capability resulted in the creation of a network
of academic institutions and industries to contribute in
developing critical missile technologies in the country.
It was not an easy task. I have met several top leaders of the
world at Harvard Business School, like Sam Waltson, Steve
Jobs and so on. But no one could stand before Dr Kalam,
who proved to be an outstanding technology leader of this
country, who succeeded in developing denied technologies
from ground zero with great ‘will power’. He exhibited the
same indomitable spirit when the nation conducted nuclear
experiments in May 1998 and tested intermediate range
ballistic missile, Agni.
BRAHMOS
Formation of India-Russia Joint Venture, BrahMos,
signifies great friendship and trust between the two countries
in high technology cooperation. BrahMos is unique and
it outsmarted the developed world making India the first
nation to possess supersonic cruise missiles in all its three
services. The path breaking formation of the Joint Venture,
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a first of its kind, was not an easy task. Dr Kalam, and
Dr Yefremov had great liking for each other, which
propelled the JV to become a reality. BrahMos is a live
example of missile leadership, system design, system
engineering, system integration, system management,
large scale production in industry, deliveries in time,
quality management, and product support with associated
infrastructure and, above all, the programme established
confidence in all stake holders including Indian Armed
Forces. Dr Kalam wrote in his Foreword to the book,
‘Success Mantra of BrahMos’: “BrahMos has made a page
in the history of the world and Dr Pillai is synonymous with
BrahMos”. We learnt from the experience of BrahMos. “If we
are expected to achieve results never before accomplished,
we must employ methods never before attempted, but with
utmost honesty.”
HYERSONIC REUSABLE MISSILE
Dr Kalam envisioned India to possess hypersonic
technologies and reusability in launch vehicles and missiles
to achieve yet another unique position in the world.
He inaugurated ‘Centre of Hypersonics’ at IISc and declared
that India would make hypersonic re-usable systems
with greater speed and extra-ordinary performance cost
effectively, due to reusability. Let his dream come true.
CONCLUSION
Bhagavad Gita gives a beautiful message to the
Humanity. Lord Krishna says to Arjuna –
“See the flower, how generously it distributes
fragrance, perfume and honey to all and gives freely of
its love to the human kind, birds and animals and makes
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The Indomitable Spirit
everyone happy. When its work is done, it falls away and
disappears quietly. Be like a flower”.
Dr Kalam lived like a Parijatha flower, giving ever
remaining fragrance, knowledge, message, and vision to all
Indians, especially to the youth. He left us quietly like the
flower after proving himself as one of the greatest sons of
India. His unfinished task given to us is “to see smile on the
faces of a billion+ people of India”. We cherish his dreams
and will live up to his expectations.
•••
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The Indomitable Spirit
127

What a Man, What a Life
17
What A Man, What A Life
DR PRAHLADA
FORMER DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST
CHIEF CONTROLLER R&D, DRDO &
VICE CHANCELLOR, DIAT
Many thousands of people have met and interacted
with Dr Kalam and would have written on his
life, education, humility, success stories, anecdotes,
achievements, his love for children, etc. It is really
difficult to capture him and his life in a single canvas as
it would be too great a spread and impractical to capture
in an article. As I had worked with him extremely closely
from 1982 to 2002 and with less intensity thereafter,
I am bringing out his personality which made him an
endeared Human Being, Scientist, Leader, President, and
Technologist.
It was extremely heartening and touching to see his
photos and images in all corners of the country – in villages,
market places, small lanes and by lanes, chawls and bastis,
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
all sorts of schools and colleges, industrial associations,
workers welfare organisations, offices of NGOs, small
teashops, academic councils, scientific bodies, all sorts
of places commemorating him and remembering him
and missing him. As an individual, I have not seen such
coverage, not sponsored by government or any political
party, across the country. It is an unprecedented expression
and show of love, respect, recognition, and gratitude.
24×7 FOR THE COUNTRY
In this article, I would like to touch on the first thing that
comes to my mind, “If anybody would like to achieve the
extraordinary results, he/she should put in extraordinary
efforts”. I saw, Dr Kalam, putting in great efforts and
he achieved great heights.
Sometimes I even feel that he did not get married for
the same reason – he would have realised that marriage
would not allow him to put in all his efforts with no brakes
and hindrances. He would have to devote some of his time
for the family and he had no time to spare. His 24 hour
got committed to work, people and working with people.
The whole country benefitted from this sacrifice of his.
SPEECHES AND SPEECHES
I remember the efforts he used to put in during 1980s
and 90s for his invited talks. He would consult all his
known friends and well wishers, discuss with colleagues
like me over several days and collect maximum information
relevant to his talk. He will also carefully collect data on
who will be the audience, what is the set up on the dais for
the talk, who will assist him for the talk, who will prepare
his presentations and who will verify all the facts and
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What a Man, What a Life
figures that he would cover. This would make him totally
comfortable and well informed.
He will prepare 2-3 drafts over several nights and
correct both presentations and his text of talks. I was
fortunate to work with him for several talks in several
institutions and prepare slides and speeches. Finally on the
day of his talk, he would be carrying his printed speech
with him which he would be correcting even on the dais.
And finally, when the speech would get delivered, it would
be perfect with the most appropriate title and chosen words
with maximum impact. His speeches were always perfect in
content and delivery.
REVIEWS AND REVIEWS
His project management style was centered on reviews.
He would constitute a review team for any issue, it could
be a design problem or a failure case or an experimental
result or an anomaly or readiness to conduct a flight, he
would bank on multiple reviews by multiple teams and
get convinced that all possible inputs have been obtained
and the team has reached reasonable conclusions. Only
then he would clear the next action. He thus would have
integrated academicians, scientists, managers and industry
engineers in the process and each one would have felt that
he or she is a party to problem solving and decision making.
Quite rightly, the solutions would have emerged during the
elaborate and painstaking reviews by a collective body of
experts, young and old.
IDENTIFYING “THE MAN”
He was of the conviction that everyone has some
strength which is very strong and unique with him/her.
He will identify, capture it and keep in mind to utilise at the
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correct time and for the correct task. Right in the beginning
at DRDL he decided to create a new facility for missile
integration and testing. He picked MV Suryakantarao, one of
the senior scientists of DRDL and instrumentation specialist
as the leader of the team to help him create the facility
ab-initio like a Greenfield project. Rao did a wonderful job
from land acquisition onwards and created a brand new
laboratory looking totally different from any other DRDO
lab at that time, well spread out, with distinctly different
architecture, scientist cottages, living quarters, etc., He even
got the name finalised as Research Centre Imarat, a totally
new lab name different from existing labs like DMRL,
DRDL, DLRL, DLJ, DRDE, etc., He also designed the lab
logo depicting system integration as its main activity.
Dr Kalam had picked the right man! Similarly he picked
project directors, administrative chiefs (Late Major General
Swaminathan), networking stalwarts, etc. This allowed him
to get things done fast and efficiently and he himself could
find time for other activities.
POTENTIAL OF ACADEMY
There used to be a lot of hesitation for DRDO labs
approaching academic institutions like IISc, IITs, Universities,
etc. Firstly fear of security and also apprehension whether
professors can bring in ideas and solutions appropriate to
defence. Dr Kalam transformed this thinking. He involved
IISc, Osmania University, Jadhavpur University and IITs in
a big way. He brought out that scientific and technological
analysis and solutions are not secret, only applications need
to be classified. He got professors involved in reviews,
failure analysis, innovative solutions, ground testing, etc.,
and demonstrated on how value addition takes place.
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Academic interactions of DRDO before Kalam and
after Kalam make an interesting case study. He, in this
process inducted the vast young student community
into DRDO activities. DRDO solutions got the stamp of
credibility by academicians and full support of intellectuals
in various forums.
GENERATING FUTURE LEADERS
This is one characteristic that definitely distinguishes
him from many leaders. He was all the time looking for
young, bright, dynamic personalities who could become
future leaders. He would talk about them, introduce them
to bigger personalities and ministers, praise them profusely
and recommend including them in important activities and
committees. He also would support them and hold their
hands when needed professionally or personally. Many of
his finds have occupied positions of importance all over the
country and brought laurels to the nation.
With all that, he was so simple, so humane, so accessible
and easy to work with. He worked for the country without
looking for anything for himself.
As is said, he entered Rashtapathi Bhavan with a
suitcase and exited with the same suitcase. !
•••
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134

Excellence in Life: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
18
Excellence in Life:
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
DR W SELVAMURTHY
FORMER DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST AND
CHIEF CONTROLLER R&D, DRDO
When we think of excellence, we think of an
outstanding aspect, a model of its kind - the very best
there is. Excellence describes the furthest end of the quality
spectrum. It is not an attribute but a way of life which comes
to us through constant knowledge of self and the outside
world and practice of high standards. A quote by John
Gardner truly explains what excellence is - “Excellence is
doing ordinary things extraordinarily well”.
Excellence in life brings about perfection and the
highest level of quality in life. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, late
former President of India, was a personification of all round
excellence as a human being, great scientist, exceptional
leader, an iconic president, a true friend, and model teacher.
It takes a great deal of hard work, dedication, spirituality,
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
love for the mankind and nature to become a role model to
half a billion population of a nation that is, Youth of India.
MAN OF ETHOS AND VALUES
Dr Kalam was one of those persons who possessed
all exceptional human values. Words are not enough to
personify his great character; he can simply be considered as
an epitome of Integrity, Compassion, Simplicity, Humility,
and Spirituality.
Integrity: Dr Kalam was a total integrated personality
with unification of thoughts, words, and deeds. He was
a Man of Integrity who never compromised even for his
own kith and kin. He never used his official position for
his personal needs. Even when his elder brother came to
Rashtrapathi Bhavan with some family members, Dr Kalam
insisted on paying the rent for their stay. As the President
of The Republic of India, he had received numerous gifts
even on his personal capacity, which were all donated to the
museum and kept as official property. He refused gifts from
his own friends.
On another occasion, a wet grinder for making Dosa
/Idli was ordered by his office to a vendor in Chennai.
The vendor wanted to gift it; but Dr Kalam insisted that he
will not accept it. So the vendor reluctantly accepted the
cheque. However, the vendor did not encash the cheque;
Dr Kalam told his staff not to use the gadget till the cheque
is encashed. His office reminded the vendor to deposit the
cheque and only after the cheque was cleared, he allowed
the grinder to be used.
Compassion: All those people with whom
Dr Kalam was ever associated would vouch for his utmost
compassion and sympathy for the one in need. He always
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helped his personal aids in the hour of need. During his time
as the Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and Secretary,
Department of Defence Research and Development, an
aircraft accident involving young pilots and crew who
were flying a system developed by DRDO happened.
The same day, he flew to Bangalore to meet and console the
family members of the deceased and spent time with them
helping them recover from the trauma and shock. He could
not tolerate seeing somebody in tears and would empathise
with such people and help them to to the maximum extent.
Whenever national disasters occurred like the earthquake
in Bhuj and Latur or Orissa super cyclone or Tsunami, he
took prompt actions for relief and rescue operations using
DRDO technologies and personnel. He had deputed me on
those occasions either as a leader or a team member giving
clear instructions to provide all necessary support at any
cost. He had utmost level of compassion for victims of
disaster.
Simplicity: In spite of the numerous laurels or
accomplished positions occupied by Dr Kalam, he always
remained simple. Earlier, he used to have some pairs of Dark
blue shirt - grey trousers and white shirt – trousers; he used
to be seen in chappals occasionally in the laboratory. Even
complex issues were resoled by him in simple and elegant
manner. He really proved to be worthy of the proverb “Man
of Simple living and high thinking”.
Humility: Besides being simple, Dr Kalam was
equally humble; he never showed any anger and ego.
He never shouted on anyone and maintained the emotional
stability in success, failure, in adverse situations. I have
observed him many times when after any delegation/
guest visited DRDO labs or he visited a lab; after lunch/
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dinner, Dr Kalam made it a point to talk to the cook and
waiters who arranged the lunch and appreciated them
with an equal expression of gratitude. In official meetings,
he used to seek the opinion of all the attendees without
distinguishing between young or old, whether the person
held a high or low position in hierarchy. He could interact
with Prime minister/ President/ dignitaries/ Excellencies
from across the globe and also a simple staff in his office
with the same ease and comfort. Sometimes when he was
angry on a person, he would give a big smile and say,”
You are a fantastic guy I say”. The “fantastic” conveyed
a different meaning which tells the receiver of the comment
that Dr Kalam is not happy with that person.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER
In his book Transcendence, Dr Kalam writes: “There
is no such thing as defeat in non-violence... Non-violence
is the most powerful strategy to maximise the meaning of
our lives. Non-violence means living your life sincerely
... listening to the harmonies of the universe.” Dr Kalam
believed that in order to transform India from a developing
country into a developed country, it is necessary to focus on
five important areas: Education & Healthcare, Agriculture,
Information & Communication, Infrastructure and Critical
Technology. He believed, in order to make this vision a
reality, we must have “enlightened” citizens which can
only be realised through faith in God and developing
people through spirituality. Dr Kalam felt that to transform
India, we should first create a spiritual tradition, make
people spiritual and then embark upon our vision or focus
on important areas for national development. Together
with your academic and scientific efforts, he emphasized
on imparting spiritual training in schools and colleges.
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THE MISSILE MAN OF INDIA
In his early professional life, after training as an
aeronautical engineer, Dr Kalam worked at India’s Defence
Research and Development Organisation and the Indian
Space Research Organisation as a rocket scientist who was
responsible for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle and
India’s ballistic missile systems. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the
11 th President of India was a pioneer of India’s space and
missile initiatives. He was fondly called the ‘Missile Man’
and was a big reason behind the advances India has made
in missile technology creating a spectrum of missiles like
Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, BrahMos, Interceptor Missile,
etc. India’s position and threat perception would have
been miserable but for Dr Kalam’s vision and self-reliance
attitude, through which he infused fresh blood, gave shape
to new ideas and transformed India’s defence systems.
Dr Kalam made significant contribution as Project Director
to develop India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SLV-3) which successfully injected the Rohini
satellite in a near Earth orbit in July 1980 and made India
an exclusive member of Space Club. He was responsible
for the evolution of ISRO’s launch vehicle programme,
particularly the PSLV configuration. After working for two
decades in ISRO and mastering launch vehicle technologies,
Dr Kalam took up the responsibility of developing Indigenous
Guided Missiles at Defence Research and Development
Organisation as the Chief Executive of Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). He was
responsible for the development and operationalisation
of Agni and Prithvi missiles and for building indigenous
capability in critical technologies through networking
of multiple institutions. As Scientific Adviser to Raksha
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Mantri and Secretary, Department of Defence Research &
Development, he led the weaponisation of strategic missile
systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration
with Department of Atomic Energy, which made India a
nuclear weapon State. He also gave thrust to self-reliance
in defence systems by progressing multiple development
tasks and mission projects such as Light Combat Aircraft,
Main Battle Tank, Radars, etc. He spearheaded with the
help of 500 experts to arrive at Technology Vision 2020
giving a road map for transforming India from the present
developing status to a developed nation. His contribution
to the scientific advancement of India is quite unparalleled.
He dedicated his life moving India forward not only in the
field of science and technology but also as someone who
lived a life as an example to everyone around him. Besides
his scientific temperament, Dr Kalam was a mentor to
numerous scientists. Each one of his colleagues learnt a
good number of attributes which they inculcated either in
their profession or in personal lives. He excelled as a great
scientist who acclaimed global recognition for him and also
Government of India decorating him with Bharat Ratna, the
highest National Civilian Award.
AN UNMATCHED LEADER
He was a true leader not just for being a successful
and intellectual Indian President in tough times but being
a true humanitarian in every sense. His work for various
NGOs in India to help those who were less fortunate with a
true commitment to make a difference really showed in his
words and his actions. He had millions of followers across
the globe who admired his vision, mission, and passion.
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Excellence in Life: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
AN EXCEPTIONAL ORATOR
Dr Kalam was an exceptional orator and had a way
with words. Through his numerous speeches addressing the
students all over India, he motivated generations of Indians
to not only to dream but also work towards converting this
into thoughts and materialise them into productive actions.
He will continue to inspire us in the time to come as well
through his ideas and quotes like “Dream, Dream, Dream;
Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result
in action.” and “Dream is not the one that you see while
sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”
A MOTIVATIONAL WRITER
Dr Kalam’s books - “Wings of Fire”, “India 2020 - A
Vision for the New Millennium”, “My journey” and “Ignited
Minds - Unleashing the power within India” have become
household names in India and among the Indian nationals
abroad. These books have been translated in many Indian
languages. He motivated young generation and has left a
huge legacy that will live in bright lights through the youth
who see him as a role model and will strive to make his
and every Indians’ dream of seeing India as a “Knowledge
Superpower” a reality. Dr Kalam had a holistic development
as a human being maintaining good health throughout his
life with excellent lifestyle and he maintained a “Child”
in him. I have had the privilege of walking with him in
Mughal Gardens on many occasions. He looked at rabbits
and there pups and used to ask me to count their numbers
and used to run behind them and I used to follow the suit.
On one such occasion, he observed that one of the Peacocks
dancing in the garden was limping, he immediately called
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the Veterinary doctor of Rashtrapathi Bhavan for the bird’s
immediate care and he personally updated himself about
its well being. Above all he, took up a mission to ignite the
young minds for national development by meeting school
students across the country. Dr Kalam had also written
many poems, I had sung some of his poems in different fora.
He loved to teach and enjoy his interactions particularly
with students. Dr Kalam also loved playing the harmonies
on his Veena, the string instrument, which he cherished for
years. Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was one such leader who
through his great success and exceptional thoughts has
become an inspiration to many. He was not only a great
scientist but also an excellent human being, who was full of
vitality. He has left a rich legacy to the people of India and
an even richer legacy to the world. Dr Kalam was a man
for all seasons and a lover of all knowledge. Dr Kalam was
undoubtedly the most non-political and non-traditional
person ever to become India’s President. His love of
nation and peaceful celebratory co-existence of multiple
faiths is an enduring lesson of humility and tolerance
while the world today stumbles towards a religion-based
conflagration. From the individual-extraordinary to the
majestic-individual, President Kalam served the public
good and showed the hubris-laden world humility is better.
In a sea of anguish, sufferings and disappointments, he was
truly an inspirational voice that provided positive energy to
the common man especially the youth. Throughout his life,
Dr Kalam played numerous roles which helped in shaping
India’s future as well as nurturing the future of India, our
young minds. Even he departed this world on July 27, 2015
in an excellent manner while addressing students in North
Eastern part of India. Excellence was manifested in every
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Excellence in Life: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
dimension in the life portrait of Dr Abdul Kalam. Best
tribute the humanity this society can pay to the departed
soul will be by walking in the path shown by this great
“Avatar.”
•••
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144

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: SA to RM to President
19
APJ Abdul Kalam:
SA to RM To President
DR V SIDDHARTHA
FORMER EMERITUS SCIENTIST, DRDO
When late IK Gujral was PM, and the present Governor
of J&K, NN Vohra was his Principal Secretary.
The Patents (Amendment) Bill was doing the inter-
Ministerial consultation rounds. In SA’s Secretariat at the
time, I was particularly concerned with a Security Exception
Clause -- that was yet compliant with our TRIPS obligations
-- should be incorporated in the Bill. I drafted a clause, and
that draft clause was sent-in formally as our requirement.
Needless to say, that caused a hungama. Principal
Secretary to PM called an inter-Ministerial meeting, prior
to which I explained to Kalam the need for the clause by
using a ‘Lego’ model. Kalam asked me to take the model
with me to the meeting in the PMO! The bag containing
the plastic model was checked through security scanners
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at the PMO, much to the amusement of the security staff.
I explained at the PMO meeting with that plastic model the
need for the Security Exception clause. Principal Secretary
Vohra overruled all remaining objections and the clause
was incorporated in the draft Bill.
By the time the consensus Amendments made their
way to Parliament, the Government had changed. Under
the new Minister of Industries, when the draft Bill camearound
a second time, I detected an attempt at sabotage of
the Security Exception clause. That attempt was defeated
by the new Principal Secretary to PM, Brajesh Mishra.
(The minister concerned was subsequently sacked). The
Bill, as passed by Parliament, was sent to (by now) President
Kalam for his assent, usually a formality.
But, no. President Kalam telephoned this little man
in SA’s Secretariat directly -- and asked if that Security
Exception clause was OK, and it was alright for him to
assent!
I said, yes Sir, it was. And that is how the Patents
(Amendments) Act came to be.
•••
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Dr Kalam – The Maker of Modern India
20
Dr Kalam – The Maker of
Modern India
AK CHAKRABARTI
FORMER OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST & DIRECTOR, DRDL
Rarely in the history of human civilisation a person, in
flesh and blood, could touch the heart of every citizen
irrespective of trade, culture, and religion. A few individuals
with divine interventions made permanent presence in the
hearts of people and were often considered as incarnation of
God. Some others like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther
King, touched the hearts of people through their dedicated
service to the society. Dr Kalam joins this later group firstly
through exemplary contribution in professional career, and
later as a teacher and mentor.
Much is known and written about Dr Kalam as a
Scientist, a People’s President and a great Motivator,
particularly for younger generation. Every person in the
country loves and respects him for his simplicity even as the
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Head of the State, for his untiring effort to reach the youth
with a great message to love his or her Nation and make it
powerful, rich, and vibrant. But not much is discussed and
written about his contribution in building the modern India
with self sufficiency in technology, industries equipped with
latest manufacturing techniques, academia taking lead role
in design and research and finally creating wealth though
technology. Dr Kalam made such contribution throughout
his professional career starting as an aeronautical engineer
in DRDO, then moulding into a space and missile scientist,
and ending as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime
Minister. Though India has made excellent progress in the
economic front, which is a matter of great pride for all of
us, but only a few in the country is really conscious of the
stigma that we carry of being recognised as a developing
nation. Unfortunately many even in the top echelons never
debated the issue of India’s chances of being recognised as
a developed nation. A developed nation is internationally
recognised as one that earns a sizeable portion of its wealth
though high technology means. Strength in technology gives
the confidence to liberate the nation from backwardness.
Dr Kalam dedicated his life for this cause: ‘Freedom from
Backwardness’, ‘Strength Respects Strength’ – Dr Kalam
was very fond of these words. We observed marks of pain
on his face when he had to approve any import. ‘Is this
the best in the world?’ or ‘Can’t we make it at par with
the best in the world?’ – He often said these whenever
scientists demonstrated their work to him. Our great master
and youth icon, Swami Vivekanada always preached
for ‘freedom from backwardness’ to build a strong India.
A few others, like Sir M Viveswaraiah, Homi Bhabha,
Vikram Sarabhai, and Jamsethji Tata, could think about
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Dr Kalam – The Maker of Modern India
technology to build a modern India. A non-technologist who
thought of technology was our first Prime Minister, Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru. In his book, The Discovery of India,
Panditji mentioned that ‘An industrially backward country
will continually upset world equilibrium and encourage the
aggressive tendencies of more developed countries’.
Dr Kalam was the torch bearer of Nehru’s thoughts and
dedicated his entire professional career to build advanced
technologies for the nation through many scientific missions.
It is very interesting to note that every scientific mission that
Dr Kalam initiated finally ended with an excellent product
that generated huge business for indigenous industries and
employment for many. Manufacturing in India has taken a
back seat. Its contribution to GDP is stuck at around 15 per
cent for the past few years. This surely is a matter of great
concern, particularly for the ‘Make in India’ programme of
our Prime Minister. What Nehru thought and what Dr Kalam
did in his professional career are surely most relevant at this
juncture. Policy makers, central bank, economists, policy
research groups, business analysts and industrialists need
to pay attention to issues in building indigenous high-tech
manufacturing capability. Along with other socio-economic
and political factors, it is the emerging technologies which
will steer the growth of world economy in the 21 st century.
In this regard, a thorough study of Dr Kalam’s achievements
will generate a large number of case studies and that
surely will give many vital clues to rejuvenate indigenous
initiatives to develop high-end technologies and products.
To analyse Dr Kalam’s professional excellence, it may
be appropriate to peep into his school and college days,
which should give us a glimpse of his personality and
character development that influenced his achievements in
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the professional career. In this article an attempt is made to
highlight his core strength which enabled him to achieve a
very rare distinction of being a technology leader in almost
every front-end technology field – the space missions,
missile programmes, fighter aircraft development, nuclear
submarine design and many others of military and industrial
importance. The article is broadly divided in six parts – two
parts, Dr Kalam as student and four parts, as an inventor,
professional technology manager and a leader.
A LITTLE BOY WHO CHANGED THE MINDSET OF AN
ORTHODOX HINDU FAMILY
A boy with a cap on head from a middle class devout
Muslim family attracted the attention of a Brahmin teacher
who thought that the boy had the potential, and needed
some extra coaching to be at par with the students of good
city schools. The teacher decided on special classes for him
in his house after the school hours. But situation at home
in the Agraharam, a residency of Brahmins, was entirely
different with total reluctance to give entry to this boy into
the premises for evening classes. The boy hardly could have
realised that the extraordinary charm he possessed would
finally move the heart of the orthodox housewife not only to
give him permission to enter the house but also accept him
as one of their family members very soon.
Dr Kalam had the unique capability to change people’s
mind and make them believe that everybody is capable of doing
the extraordinary
DETERMINATION TO FULFILL A DREAM
Dr Kalam very often said that ‘A low aim is a crime’.
He had been a dreamer throughout his life. As a small boy,
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Dr Kalam – The Maker of Modern India
he wondered how the birds fly, keenly observing them
over the sea around his island town. He dreamt to become
a pilot, but finally could manage to study aeronautics,
a subject very few students heard about those days.
Dr Kalam‘s middle class family gave him a wonderful
support from their meager resources. Dr K Rama Rao,
a retired senior scientist of DRDO and his classmate in
aeronautical engineering, recalls that ‘Dr Kalam was an
average student so far as the result was concerned, but
had a very keen sense of observation, carried always a
note book keeping a note on various things’. This unique
quality helped him to become a great observer of things.
Dr Kalam used to read thoroughly all reports irrespective of
technology-related or not, and used to offer crisp comments
on critical issues.
A boy who dreamt to fly finally became a leading
expert in aeronautical engineering, displaying great
determination in his pursuits
DR KALAM AS AN INNOVATOR
Dr Kalam joined DRDO after completing graduation
in aeronautical engineering and was given the task of
designing aircraft with composite material. He later joined
a team to develop a hovercraft and he himself piloted it
to demonstrate its performance to Dr MGK Menon, who,
incidentally, was instrumental for his joining the space
organisation. The innovative skills of Dr Kalam proved to
be a great asset to work on a wide range of technologies and
products at VSSC.
Dr Kalam believed that innovation is the key to develop
high-end technologies and products.
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DR KALAM AS A TECHNOLOGY LEADER WITH
GREAT DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM
Dr Kalam’s sense of innovation, positive attitude, and
urge to achieve excellence attracted the attention of the top
management of ISRO, and when a Project Director was to
be appointed for India’s first major space project, SLV-3,
Dr Satish Dhawan never hesitated to select Dr Kalam, only a
graduate in engineering, from among a big group of highly
qualified scientists with PhD and experience of having
worked abroad. That was a huge opportunity for Dr Kalam.
He graduated himself to be a true professional manager
integrating internal teams, academia, and industries into the
programme. The successful launch of SLV-3, demonstrated
that even with modest technology and industrial base of
1970s in India, it was possible to accomplish a major space
mission. That was a great display of resourcefulness and
professionalism.
The nation has moved much ahead since 1970s. Our
industries are now well equipped. India has many academic
institutes of great repute. Indian economy has flourished to
be one of the largest in the world. But, unfortunately our
manufacturing index is stuck at 15 per cent, way behind
of Chinese at 40 per cent. Nobody in the country seems to
be paying attention to issues like, why we are not able to
develop a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (MRI)
when many of its technologies are already developed in the
indigenous space and military programmes. The answer
is very simple: we in India need many more professional
technology managers like Dr Kalam.
Our policy makers, economists, administrators, financial
institutes, industries and the researchers in business management
should take note of it and make efforts to understand Dr Kalam
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Dr Kalam – The Maker of Modern India
RECOGNISING STRENGTH OF PEOPLE AND
DECISION MAKING
When Dr Kalam joined DRDL in 1982, the laboratory
was well established as a missile development agency
having completed successfully two missile development
projects; but unfortunately none could be inducted into
service due to various reasons. A bad patch in early 1980s
in DRDL without any sanctioned programme triggered
exodus of sizeable number of young scientists. Dr Kalam
entered DRDL at this stage, and within no time could
recognise the inner strength of the organisation, so much
so, that he submitted to develop five projects concurrently
covering the entire range of applications from small range
anti-tank missile to ballistic Agni missile, in spite of every
one cautioning him to go slow. Another visionary at the
Centre, the then Defence minister R Venkataraman promptly
approved the programme. The moral of the story is: Assess
the strength of the team and make quick decisions’.
INTEGRATING THE NATION FOR A MAJOR
PROGRAMME
Whenever a major programme like a Space Mission
is initiated in any developed nation, attempts are made to
integrate appropriate resources of the nation into it. Such a
culture had not evolved in India till ISRO was formed. There
existed a compartmentalisation of sort among academia,
industry, research organisations, users, decision and policy
makers. Dr Kalam, took special efforts to integrate the
national resources effectively into the IGMDP projects. This
approach benefited every one and the programmes picked
up measurable progress.
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DR KALAM SUPPORTED SOCIETAL CAUSES
Most of the technologies that are used for space and
the military missions are of dual use. Dr Kalam always
attempted to benefit the society with the technology used
in missile programme, in spite of its tight schedule. Medical
systems, like caliper for polio affected patient using carbon
composite, coronary artery stent and many such devices
were developed successfully. If such effort is continued by
the next generation of leadership, there should be no issues
about developing indigenous MRI equipment and other
medical equipment with technologies generated for space
and military programmes.
DR KALAM IN CREATION OF NATIONAL WEALTH
It is very surprising that this particular contribution of
Dr Kalam was never presented in the public domain. Many
will be surprised for relating the contribution of a scientist
of repute to earning money. Money making is considered
purely as the domain of business people. It is high time that
we recognise at the nation level the distinction between
the scientists and engineers in their respective domain of
work. Mostly the officers and executives in Indian research
organisations are designated or referred as scientists, but in
the real world they do the job of a professional engineer
in development of technology and product. The engineers
have a direct role and responsibility to create wealth for the
nation. Dr Kalam was a more of a professional engineer
than a scientist.
Engineers, as also the scientists, have definite roles to
transform India into a Developed Nation through their effort
to develop high-end technology and products. It is a matter
of great pride that Dr Kalam was a perfect professional
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Dr Kalam – The Maker of Modern India
engineer and a great technology leader. He had the unique
capability to transform any design and research into a
product having huge commercial value. In 21 st century we
need many technology leaders like Dr Kalam who can bring
out large number of commercial technologies and products
indigenously to compete with the multinational companies.
The example of Akash missile will bring out the great role -
Dr Kalam played in creation of national wealth.
Akash is one of the five missiles of Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) that Dr Kalam
initiated. The development cost of Akash weapon system
was about Rs 700 Cr, while the production order for the
missile was close to 30,000 Cr that was likely to increase
in future. There is no other example in the world of a single
product having given such huge return on investment. This
is known only to very few in India, where as this could
easily be a hot subject for Case Study in the business schools.
IGMDP was initiated in 1983 by Dr Kalam with a sanctioned
amount of Rs 700 Cr. Today, almost after three decades,
the total outlay of the missile development programmes
may exceed 1 lakh Cr, an increase of 100 times. Indigenous
missile production will touch shortly 10,000 Cr a year. One
can easily appreciate the benefit to our industries, mostly
the SMEs and the employment sector. Reduction of Current
Account Deficit (CAD) by avoiding imports, should give
much solace to the Central Bank which attempts to reduce
the CAD by various administrative means.
Wealth is the ultimate reason for prosperity. Critics
may say what you care about the means, be it from service
sector or trading, so long as the country gets richer. That
may be absolutely a valid argument. Unless India earns
a sizeable amount of wealth from high-tech products, we
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will never be recognised as a developed nation, as per the
internationally accepted norms. Dr Kalam has shown the
nation that wealth can easily be earned with home grown
expertise, only we should have a well planned professional
technology management system in place.
WAY AHEAD….
Memorial will be built, roads will be renamed; many
such things will happen to show our love and respect to
Dr Kalam. Such practices are traditional and there is nothing
wrong about it. But the best way for remembering Dr Kalam is
to follow his ‘simple living and high thinking’ for the welfare
of the nation from various examples that he has left with us
from his illustrious journey in life. Important of them is to
follow his professionalism in development of high technology
and its management.
It is hence proposed that an Institute at the national
level may be created with the participation of research
organisations, academia, industries, social and economic
research groups, business schools, Govt. departments and
individual scholars to carry out research in promotion of high
technology, product development and earning wealth through
science and technology following the thoughts and works of
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and other great achievers of India.
•••
156

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man Who Lived in the Lives of Millions
21
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man
who lived in the Lives
of Millions
DR SK SALWAN
FORMER DIRECTOR, CFEES
“The first rule is to work with love to pursue your
dreams, this will lead to real achievements”
-Kalam
“If you want to leave foot prints on the
sands of time, do not drag your feet”
-Kalam
On 28 th July early morning two TV Channels approached
me to come for an interview to talk about Dr Kalam.
All of our family members were in great shock and grief.
I denied and said I will not be in position to talk as his
thought will mask my words and face with tears. Dr Kalam
always addressed me as ‘friend’. For me, he was my mentor,
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
my guide and philosopher. He was a member of our family
and always showered his blessings on us. He visited our
house at all the cities we were posted and stayed. He was a
friend of my mentally challenged son. To write about him is
an emotional exercise.
At the beginning of the Universe, there was a
singularity with infinite density, a motivated initiation,
a big bang and a Universe with unlimited possibilities
emerged. Each one of us has a tiny part of this singularity
and what Dr Kalam did to his teammates is to motivate and
initiate this big bang to achieve extraordinary performance
from ordinary people. The man had built teams after teams
to take India to Space Age, Missile Age, and Nuclear Age.
He always gave the credit to his teachers and co-workers
for the success. To quote him “Every individual creature, on
this beautiful planet is created by God to fill a role. Whatever
I have achieved in my life, is as per His will and through
His help. He showered His Grace on me through some
outstanding teachers and co-workers. And when I pay my
tribute to these fine persons, I am merely singing His Glory.
The famous words of Isaac Newton – I am standing on the
shoulders of giants, – are valid for every scientist and I am
no exception. I owe my knowledge and my inspiration to
lineage of dedicated and creative individuals”.
What I liked most in him are faith in Almighty, faith in
his team, faith in the new generation, faith in capabilities of
Indian people and above all, faith in himself. Today when
we talk about the problem of communalism and social
inequality, we want the system to be corrected by legislation
or politics. Strong convictions of the parents reformed the
teachers half a century ago. We need teachers, parents and
grass root level reformers to solve these problems. What
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man Who Lived in the Lives of Millions
we need today, in the words of Dr Kalam, is: - “Oh! My
Almighty, Bless me always to be with great teachers of
high thinking”. As per Dr Kalam, what is needed is strong
convictions of society, teachers, parents, and grass root level
reforms to solve these problems.
He was grown up in great Indian traditions and values.
The century old relationship between the Guru and Shishya
- is the essence of great Indian Culture. Dr Kalam respected
his teachers and paid his gratitude to them at every possible
occasion. An incident, at Madras in 1991, lights this up in
full glory:
Dr Kalam went to Madurai Kamaraj University in
1991 to deliver their convocation address. He came to know
that his Teacher, Lyanduari Solomon, by now Reverend
and 80 year old, was in the City. He located his address
and went to meet him. It was an emotional reunion.
Dr Kalam requested Reverend Father Solomon to be with
him during the convocation. Next day Rev Solomon arrived
at the Convocation. Dr Kalam sitting on the dais greeted him,
Dr PC Alexander, the then governor of Tamil Nadu who
was presiding over the function asked Dr Kalam about him.
He told him about Rev. Solomon and asked permission to
invite his teacher to share the dais with him. Dr Alexander
was deeply moved on seeing this old teacher-pupil duo
together on the dais. After the function, Dr Kalam bowed
before his teacher and said “Greater dreams of great
dreamers are always transcended”. Rev Solomon said in an
emotionally choked whisper. “You have not only reached
my goals Kalam! You have eclipsed them”. This respect
for his teachers like, Dr Pandalai, Dr Brahm Prakash,
Dr Vikram Sarabhai and others had echoed in his thought.
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Dr Kalam said “Sea is a part of my life. Her waves are
rhythm of my heart”. At Balasore, you could have seen him
walking on the beach. A man with grey locks, a kindly face!
This would have been a common face, but for those eyes,
that burn bright under the shade of the silvery eyebrows,
dreaming, converting those dreams into thoughts and
transforming the thoughts into making India strong. Purity
radiated from his face, his smile was like the fragrance of
sea winds spreading peace, confidence, and love all around.
Dr Kalam was a Brahmachari, a bachelor, wedded to science
and making this country great. He believed that it is divinely
ordained that India should acquire the technologies that
would put the fear of God into her enemies. He was
proud to be an Indian and said, “It is a great Nation and
I remain devoted to serving this nation”. If he gets another
life he would like to live exactly the same way. A man
with an extraordinary amount of determination, he always
maintained that attitudes are more important than facts.
He said the success of the mission came from the women,
who lighted the lamps everyday and prayed for the success
of their brothers, sisters, husbands, and sons working for
these projects.
Kalam was not one of those scientists who are
completely cut off from the society. In several meetings,
he had expressed that after retirement, he would like to
involve himself in a programme for educating the younger
generation, especially the poor. He is known to have
helped needy students financially. Clearly, success had not
made him forget his early days. It is this vision and hope
that drove him in his quest for harnessing the spin-offs
of defence technology for humanitarian work, particularly
in the field of medicine. He had founded a society for
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man Who Lived in the Lives of Millions
bio-medical technology. Light fibre materials, at
Dr Kalam’s instance, have been pressed into making
artificial limbs for the handicapped. The lasers, developed
by DRDO have been used for cardiac treatment and
telemetry to monitor the condition of the heart and the
brain. During one of his campaigns to help the physically
handicapped at Balasore, a light carbon-carbon fibre FRO
could not be fitted to the leg of a seven year old girl because
she needed a surgical correction. While walking through
the camp, he noticed the girl sitting sadly, in a corner.
When he came to know of her problem he asked one of
his colleagues to help her with the operation and ensure
that she was able to walk with the help of light FRO. After
six months, when he came again to Balasore, he enquired
about the girl. The girl came to meet him, and was now
able to walk with an FRO. There was a smile on the girl’s
face, a smile of innocence and confidence. On Dr Kalam’s
face a smile of satisfaction and a smile of learning lessons
to help humanity were on the faces of the onlookers. It is
needless to say, that all the expenditure was personally
borne by Dr Kalam. “Let my brain remove your pain”.
Agni was on the launch pad at Chandipur at the Sea.
The launch was scheduled for the next day. Dr Kalam was
going from the launch pad to the control centre for the
Launch Authorisation Board. He was in a pensive mood;
the last two attempts had problems. But, there was a
satisfaction. The missile was intact. While travelling, he saw
lilies of different colors floating in the stagnant waters on
both sides of the road. He got down to hold the gems of
nature dancing with gay abandon in the morning breeze.
He leaned forward to touch them, feel them, as they were
playing hide and seek amongst themselves. This dissipated
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his tension. He was then a confident man, ready to face the
challenges of life. At the control centre, KC Pant, the then
Raksha Mantri, asked Dr Kalam, what he would like to have
if Agni was successful”. Dr Kalam replied, “10 lakh trees
for RCI (Missile Centre), Hyderabad”. Next day AGNI was
launched. Rest is History. Blessings from Mother Earth!
Today RCI is tranquil, full of greenery, birds, flowers and
love. Chandipur Range has a beautiful bird sanctuary.
His love to create harmony between nature, man, and
science is well known.
At Chandipur, Dr Kalam talked about parrot nests on
the casuarina trees and pointed out a tall tree on which a
rare golden eagle pair had made their nest. He had passed
an order that no tree will be cut without his permission.
In another poem he writes:
“O....! Creator of dreams,
Why search for God?
He is all over, everywhere,
Nature is His Home, purity his abode,
Life is His blessing,
Love nature and care for all its beings,
You will find God Everywhere”
I was with Dr Kalam during the time of his nomination
as President of India and Oath taking ceremony. He desired
that on the day of his oath taking 500 children from all over
India should witness the ceremony. The 500 children from
all over the country came especially from poor families,
Govt. Schools and other schools to witness the oath.
Dr Kalam hosted lunch for all children and he was
personally present during the lunch and talked to students.
A kind gesture by President of India!
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man Who Lived in the Lives of Millions
He had great passion for teaching and nurturing young
students. He did the same till his last breath. He died
fulfilling his passion. It is difficult to believe that he is no
more. Persons like him never die. They live forever in the
hearts and minds of people who love India. Let us follow
his thoughts and action, and create harmony in our country.
We must fulfill his dream “Developed India”.
•••
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
22
Kalam In His Style: In
Retrospect To Me For The Past
Three Decades
DR SK CHAUDHURI
FORMER OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST & DIRECTOR, RCI
Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was a spirit
who could motivate anybody ranging from kids to the
elderly. He could be in the forefront to realise a scientific
thought to a technology product which is paramount for
a developing nation. More than a scientist he was a leader
who could escort and direct a large group with him, with
his unprecedented mentorship by sharing and mixing the
scientific, technical and managerial excellence in a third
world environment. He was able to pull both internal and
external high-end manpower of our great India by his
compelling personality and perseverance. He was a man
with a golden heart and his doors were always open for
people. He shared a special affection towards children as
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
he saw the future of our nation in their little hands and in
their ever so curious eyes. I feel elevated in my mind with
the great qualities bestowed upon our beloved Dr Kalam,
my guru. This has enabled my wife, Pradipta to tackle
collateral damage caused due to missile projects intruding
in our daily lives, son Swagata for accepting father’s
absence during his critical academic period and daughter
Poulami for standing on her own feet and pursuing PhD
at King’s College, London. Dr Kalam played a prominent
role in nurturing a lot of his employee’s lives by developing
a peaceful, self-contained residential complex surrounded
by nature’s beauty at RCI for their families. However,
when I was denied quarters in Kanchanbagh and remained
as the only senior civilian scientist till my retirement in
2013 with my wife and young children at RCI, I bonded
with nature and was able to contribute for the progress of
Dr Kalam’s “dream land” RCI over 25 years. The Defence
Lab School at RCI became an inspiration with the aim of
zero failure. Teachers as well students got trained with
state-of-the-art computer training. New laboratories
were conceived starting from Math Lab with lush green
environment and attractive playground, sports complex
and mini auditorium along with a new community centre.
The successful outlook of the residential area with added
facilities like the children’s park, shopping centre, botanical
garden, CSD canteen, bank, post office, 24 hours ambulance
and medical facility, proximity to international airport
was possible due to Dr Kalam’s continuous support.
He expressed his satisfaction and content during his last
visit to the RCI School on my retirement day in April 2013.
Change in traditional DRDO style was initiated by
Dr BD Nag Chaudhuri, SA to RM & AVM Narayanan,
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
Director, DRDL (the only missile lab of DRDO) in 70s
along with some other scientific personalities of DRDL for
ADHOC recruitments of scientists. During this pre-Kalam
era, flight trial efforts with reverse engineering in Japanese
style and comparison of results of the guidance commands
K1/K2 helped for progress of the development process since
a telemetry system was not available during that time. The
aerodynamically tail-controlled Devil (SAM-2 of Russian
origin) missile with indigenous SERVO controller, flow
relay valve and actuators were flown successfully during
that period along with DRDL developed liquid propulsion
system. In addition, the visit to base repair depots and
interactions with service personnel trained abroad helped all
the young scientists to understand a missile system. Many
subsystems were developed using this process by replacing
original subsystems which were individually proven in the
flight trial and finally the total indigenous Devil system was
flight tested. A shorter range SSM was also conceived with
an inertial navigation system. However, a lack of leadership
was felt after AVM Narayanan left DRDL.
In 1982, SA to RM Dr VS Arunachalam, the most
influential speaker I have ever witnessed with his unique
characteristic approach was the suitable person in
New Delhi to tackle the bureaucratic umbrella as well as some
other notorious pseudo Safeguards under the able support
from Delhi headquarters. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam took over
as the Director, DRDL on June 01, 1982 with his established
credibility in SLV Project at VSSC. Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP) was formally launched
at DRDL, Hyderabad by Dr VS Arunachalam, Chairman
Guided Missile Board (GMB) with Dr Kalam as Chairman
of the Programme Management Board (PMB). Five Project
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Directors were appointed for Project Management and
overall weapon system design, integration and tests.
Subsystems were developed by appropriate specialists.
Dr Kalam initiated the establishment of Research Centre
Imarat (RCI), the frontend electronics system development
lab with design, simulation, integration, testing, and
ENTEST capability in a project mode with ITR the interim
test range to handle all missile flight trials. GMB, the apex
forum for the management of IGMDP with SA to RM as
Chairman and members were the Secretaries of Defence,
Finance, Production, Vice chief of all Services, Chairman,
BDL, etc. GMB was responsible for setting goals and
providing direction and decisions on mission objectives,
technology options, etc. A three-tier management structure [1]
was developed and implemented with Dr Kalam’s role as
Chairman PMB and member secretary in the GMB. Missile
labs were given a matrix structure with combination of
technology and project group to handle multiple projects for
ground/sea/air launch variants. This created multitasking
parallel task structure for flight trials. RCI, ITR and other
special project facilities were also taken up through in-house
construction groups and chief construction engineers at
various locations. The four different types of missiles Prithvi
(SSM), Akash (medium range SAM), Nag (third-generation
ATM), Trishul (short range quick reaction SAM) along with
Agni RTV (Re-entry-Test-Vehicle) and other important labs
with necessary infrastructure started in one go as a part of
IGMDP. This concurrent approach helped in realisation of
the projects and priorities to strategic missiles were given in
appropriate time. Dr Kalam acted as an intermediate bond
between SA and PD/DPD/Technology combination of
heads. This was reconfirmed by Kalam’s unique contribution
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
and his combination with Dr VS Arunachalam, Lt Gen (Dr)
VJ Sundaram, Dr VK Saraswat and various technology
heads in missile complex during Prithvi Project. This typical
approach of Dr Kalam extended the number of DRDO labs
from eight to twenty four, with specific tasks assigned
to each of them. Dr Kalam retained the overall system
design, reliability, quality assurance, production, and user
interface with project/programme management in DRDL.
Missile System Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) was
set up by Dr Kalam and Gen Sundaram to assure quality
and reliability in indigenous missile production under
IGMDP. Academic institutions and many non-DRDO Labs
took active role during development phase of IGMDP.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) was identified as prime
production agency with active participation of MIDHANI,
other Public Sector undertakings (PSUs) and ordnance
Factories. Numerous private industries supported this
effort. The PSUs were entrusted to establish limited series
production (LSP) facilities and technology transfer from
R&D centers were handled by CMD BDL as the Chairman
to achieve production goals. Dr Kalam created expertise
and infrastructure with his team members which are now
national assets and getting used in further programmes.
The value of systems supplied to the services have exceeded
more than the total investment in the programmes.
Concurrent Hardware-In-Loop Simulation (HILS
facility, with advanced motion simulators for Inertial
(DTG/LASER/FOG) satellite based reference system,
Seeker (RF/IIR/MMW) and Radar guidance with new
electromechanical/hydraulic actuators and state-of-theart
embedded systems developed in RCI was integrated in
Advanced Simulation centre (ASC) for converting a paper
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
design to actual flight hardware. Dr Kalam wanted a total
state-of-the-art system engineering facilities like ASC,
Independent SDINS and seeker performance test as well
as number of qualification tests related to Entest facility
like vibration/shock/EMI-EMC etc. in RCI. SAP-based
ERP was also introduced in this technology hub at RCI
for cross fertilisation of information between number of
projects and technology centers with a top down window’s
view for the management following the style of Dr Kalam.
The visual simulation centre for virtual walk through
during a flight was also established in HILS LAB. All these
critical subsystems’s new technology including HILS, Entest
and integration’s world class facilities were motivated by
Dr Kalam. Government owned company run (GOCO
concept with ISB) for hydraulic servo valve was also
established with his desire. Finally International Conference
of Avionics System (ICAS) with Dr Kalam as the Chairman
was organised in RCI on February 22, 2008 with sponsorship
from IEEE, AESI. Avionics systems book [2] was released by
Dr Kalam after thorough editing by IIT/IISC professors and
leading scientists from India and abroad. Dr Kalam gave his
tributes to HILS group on August 05, 2005 when Advance
Simulation Centre was made operational with joint design
venture of dual target simulator’s success and concurrent
simulation was possible for a number of projects.
Prithvi LSP series was delivered to the users in numbers
with all additional infrastructural and training support in
record time with demonstrated miss distance on a physical
target point in the island of Bay of Bengal. Upgraded Prithvi
II with longer range was also demonstrated and delivered
with very less miss distance after fusing STRAPDOWN INS
(SDINS) and satellite-based available reference system in
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
a reasonable time. Dr Kalam and Dr VK Saraswat insisted
for no change in existing proven software of SDINS and
forced us to create a new approach as a back ground task
depending on need and availability of satellite sensors.
These leadership skills of Dr Kalam and subsequent PDs
of Prithvi/Directors of RCI motivated the core design
engineers of Prithvi to go further with advanced version
and also to increase the variants by launching from sea
platforms with systematic incremental upgradation.
For Ballistic missile defence, target missile as well as exo
atmospheric version PAD 1st stage used Prithvi under the
leadership of Dr Saraswat and support from Gen Sundaram,
KVSS Prasad Rao with technology leaders like NV Kadam,
P Bannerjee, P Venugopalan, N Prabhakar, DS Reddy,
Adalat Ali and myself with blessings from Dr Kalam.
The change in approach was to use existing/upgraded
subsystems in DRDO with unavailable subsystems from the
world market and keeping the system design and testing in
missile complex.
Agni re-entry test vehicle’s success under the
leadership of Dr Kalam with PD RN Agarwal’s perseverance
was utilised for a number of independent programmes
for long range ballistic missiles. RCI the key technology
in SDINS with upcoming Laser, FOG, based SDINS, Flex
nozzle control and various propulsion systems in missile
complex was nurtured by Dr Kalam, which has resulted
to series of successes in many long range missions. Akash
is getting inducted into the services this year and PD Dr
Prahlada introduced a major change by removing RF
seeker and improved the indigenous multi target phased
array radar in LRDE to tackle the combat scene. Dr Kalam
played a motivating role in the background and his advice
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
was taken before making the final decisions. The future
version of Akash will have a RF seeker. Nag anti-tank
missile had numerous hits in the present configuration.
Indigenous IIR seekers have been used in numerous flights
using MWIR Aquila FPA with higher resolution and higher
numbers of array elements (but size controlled due to 12
micron technology). RCI technology was transferred based
on Dr Kalam’s strategy and three Indian companies were
selected for realisation of IIR Seeker with the hope that at
least one of them would be capable to manufacture this
critical subsystem. Fairly good success (2 PSUs and one
Private) was obtained. MMW Seeker was also realised
following the dreams of Dr Kalam. Dr A Sivathanu Pillai
with the consent of Dr Kalam brought the idea of system
level cooperation between two countries where subsystems
were from either country depending on the credibility and
test results. I still remember the number of meetings we
had with Dr Kalam for this critical project where except RF
seeker all other systems, including the airframe were made
in India. The critical SDINS with satellite fusion developed
in India was accepted by the Indo-Russian joint venture
company BrahMos and similar efforts are on to accept
the Ramjet engine made by the Russians with transfer of
technology to India. Dr Kalam was pursuing these ideas
in system level cooperation projects for example, the third
approach in BrahMos. The three approaches of Dr Kalam
were implemented for numerous new missile projects/
programmes. Fourth approach i.e. to purchase total
missile system by importing still needs careful technical
exploration depending on case to case basis. Further using
different subsystems from various missiles and joining them
mechanically, electrically, software wise for a new mission
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
also needs to be persuaded and was approached as the new
5 th approach for Precision Guided Munitions.
Failures are the pillars to success and IGMDP had
number of failures starting from the Prithvi missile. Old
SDINS failure was observed due to height error and gain
schedule mismatch, resulting in roll loop oscillations.
Another failure TWD (tail wag dog) oscillation in prithvi
missile roll loop was analysed by Dr Kalam’s encouragement
where I and NV Kadam determined the reason. The same
was demonstrated by me with real engine in HILS lab
without propulsion on to people like Prof Vidyasagar,
Dr Ghosal and Dr Kalam himself. Kadam and I gave a solution
to remove famous 14 hz oscillation and subsequently all
prithvi flights went well and were delivered to the user.
During the pre-Kalam era through the adhoc
recruitment from private German giant industry Siemens
to unknown imaginary and uncertain DRDL missile
lab in bhoot banglo AHMED MANZIL looked utopian
but challenging. Nearly 200 scientists were recruited
from leading institutes in India and soon they made
their own technology groups and showed some success
after failures by following the reverse engineering style.
There was no hostel facility. But the leader Dr BD Nag
Chaudhuri, SA to RM with AVM Narayanan and other
senior scientists motivated us to stay back but it was Gen
Swaminathan my direct boss, who taught me management
skills during emergency which he was pursuing with
Dr Kalam until two years before his sudden demise.
As already mentioned a lack of leadership around end of
70s forced many young missile scientists to look for other
opportunity. In this process, I was awarded Commonwealth
Scholarship after open competition in UK for a PhD in
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
electronic system design. Suddenly in 1983 end, a dramatic
telephone from India reminded me that Dr Kalam was
looking for me but I had hardly known Dr Kalam before. His
first question was whether I must stay back in UK? I replied,
my first priority is my PhD which would take another one
and half year minimum for its completion. Further my wife
was working at the Cranfield University as a secretary with
one English boss in administration. My son’s 4 years age was
confusion before taking decision. Within two weeks I found
Gen Sundaram sitting quietly in the Cranfield University’s
computer room and he repeated the same focused question.
I made it clear that the application I worked with was
sensitive and never had I wanted to settle abroad. However
I was not in touch with DRDO and may take some more
time to go back to India after submitting my PhD. But
Dr Kalam and Gen Sundaram started making my way back
to India after completion of my PhD. They already decided
to reintroduce me in a challenging job of missile complex
and I finally submitted myself to Dr Kalam’s motivating
power with Gen Sundaram’s cool but definitive approach.
However I got confused with the LCA programme where
I was selected by Dr Kota Harinarayna. Dr Kalam agreed
for a deputation in ADA which could have helped me
financially as well as career wise. However, he suddenly
decided to hold me in a missile Lab after talking to missile
senior scientists and issued a letter that I cannot be released
since my services are essential to the missile complex. I lost
seniority and I should have been brought freshly although
Dr Kalam took care of me during this period.
I shall never forget my laboratory and flight trial
experiences with him. First flight trial of IGMDP Prithvi
in 1988. Motion simulator was getting used in full scale
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
for the first time in India for the SDINS with same Gyros
used for Navigation and Control. For the first time in India
embedded real time S/w will be flying for integrated
guidance, control and navigation with mission sequence.
In the HILS run, real accelerometers are not exciting the onboard
S/w but model will excite with HILS mode. No ADA
language but C, Intel and assembly in INTEL development
environment with our own mission executive. OBC-IN-
LOOP run was successful after a lot of late nights since I and
GV chalam decided to put navigation in one processor
and Guidance & control in the other processor of dual
processor based 8086 with 8087 co-processors. For three
months failure in SENSOR-IN-LOOP run was observed.
Dr Kalam was visiting HILS Lab daily 2 to 3 times during
this peak period where so many new jobs were involved.
He questioned where is the problem? So many 1 st times!! But
I was sure of a sensor lag in control algorithm and prepared
a simple rate extraction algorithm with online current slope
from the raw pulses, by passing all navigation processing
which was done in the guidance and control processor.
I got this algorithm reviewed by Dr TK Ghosal my teacher
cum friend and NV Kadam my technical analytical colleague
cum friend. They both were happy to help and asked me to
implement. I & GV Chalam survived numerous sleepless
nights. Dr Kalam was impatient after a month, but I assured
him that I shall resolve it in a span of thirty more days.
Dr Kalam was persuading us to appear in DRDL at early
morning’s which was not suitable to some of us. Finally we
reverted back to late night shifts with the cut off at 1 am and
restart at 9 am again. Finally the rate extraction algorithm
led to success and we answered many critics that one rate
sensor is enough for this class of missile with length/
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diameter (l/d) < 12-14.
We went for the flight trial in SHAR and some scientist
gave lift off command in cold engine condition. Control
algorithm is not valid with launcher load and autopilot is
normally enabled with a delay of fraction of a second after
ensuring lift off condition. The heavy vibration incident
caused lot of doubts in the flight trial though I answered
many along with NV Kadam. During the incident I and
Kadam were right below the engine and Gen Sundaram in
his usual style gave the records from one scientific assistant
calmly for our analysis. The scientific crowd was hostile
and some special people from space labs were questioning
our capability, including some of our specialists and
other project members. However starting from Dr Kalam,
Gen Sundaram, Dr Saraswat and the entire Prithvi team was
with me and Kadam. Dr Arunachalam joined us the next
morning and shifted the flight trial by two days and asked
us to go through a small review quickly. JC Bhattacharya
and KVSS Prasad already took a review followed by
an intense review in SHAR. Both Dr Arunachalam and
Dr Kalam talked with us privately to build up their
confidence. The doubts were raised due to the many first
time effects, which was obvious for a new challenging
job. Prithvi was cleared for launch after thorough review
in FRR, followed by LAB with Dr Shenoy as Chairman.
Dr Kalam was little nervous and was following me
and my deputy Chalam’s activities in the launch pad.
He followed us and observed we were changing a data file
in the launch computer by our tricks. This was essential
since real accelerometer was used in flight which was not
the case in HILS. I had to convince him, and Kadam did the
validation which we gave as a mode of selection for future
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
flights. There were 100s of tricks in OBC S/w which are all
physical phenomenon (e.g., missile not correcting 90 degree
but follow the real angle as measured just before launch
to avoid jerks in engine, no initial roll correction but turn
to proper target azimuth slowly for reducing NAV errors)
which myself and Chalam documented this in a secret
document. All other projects followed it and Dr Kalam was
well aware. He understood the need of system engineering
and S/w correlation and Kadam and I were always with him.
Dr Kalam during launch put me with range safety in
charge of SHAR and instructed me even to hold his hand
depending on my judgment and I shall never forget the
confidence he showed upon me among so many other
laurels. After the 1 st successful launch of PRITHVI which
the PD Gen Sundaram wanted a safe stable flight with
so many 1 st time challenges, missile complex proved that
DRDO had the strength and it was continued for other
Missile as well as other aerospace projects.
It was 1300 hrs in year 2002 when the sun was on top
of our heads. A gentle knock on my RCI quarter’s back
door! My wife was feeding me lunch after my terrible car
accident in RCI in similar time. She opened the door and
became dumb struck to see somebody who was no one other
than the newly elected President of India, my Guru, the
Dr Kalam. My quarter’s gate was totally surrounded by black
Commandos and 3-4 of them came upstairs with Dr Kalam.
Kalam in his usual manner convinced the commandos to
wait outside, since it was his personal visit to see one of his
very close scientist and his family. He closed the door and
sat in front of me. He was observing me with my hand in
detail and asked my wife to continue feeding. My hand was
badly injured after my Maruti car toppled near the scientist
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hostel round about. My boss started firing me and asked
my wife how she manages me? Why was I allowed to drive
after a week of late nights work, that too with full family?
Where was the driver and why was I driving fast…? I was
not able to handle him and my wife was sweating and was
still in shock with Dr Kalam’s sudden appearance. Finally
I managed to take him to see my injured daughter who got
a serious back problem during the accident. Dr Kalam sat
on the bed and consoled her. My son who got a shock in
the accident was not at home. My wife Pradipta who had
a head injury was out of danger at that time. She explained
the details of accident and expressed her helpless position
when she did not know the status of all of us since we all
were in different hospitals. The Black commandos were
restless with series of cars waiting and Dr Kalam had no
other alternative but to join them for proceeding towards
Delhi. The Apollo hospital telephones were more or less
jammed by Rastrapati Bhavan calls and hospital authority
got relief after I was discharged. I had two sequential micro
surgeries (each more than 8 hours) followed by two/three
more within 1-2 years by Dr B Swain (who was astonished
to see me standing immediately after the accident, which
I explained was due to lack of options) and typical
physiotherapy for more than 1 ½ year with Madhu my RCI
scientist and Malati with Vandana. It is still a surprise to
me that how he managed to visit me in my house when he
was just appointed as the first Scientist to be appointed as a
President against all the bureaucratic odds.
My family was desperate to meet Dr Kalam in
Rastrapati Bhavan since he invited us to meet me after
my recovery. It was a great occasion and a principal event
in my life along with my family. We got a VIP treatment
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Kalam in his Style: In Retrospect to Me for the Past Three Decades
and enjoyed a great meal with him. Gen Swaminathan
also joined and we had a good outing in the garden with
Dr Kalam and he arranged good photos to be taken for the
memories. I am enclosing one of our sweet memories with
Dr Kalam where he was happy to see my injured hand’s
improvement. He further followed it up with his presence
in my Scottish church collegiate school Kolkata’s 175 years
celebration on July 13, 2005 and my wife Pradipta’s school
Calcutta Girl’s 150 years celebration (to avoid collateral
damage) on December 06, 2006, along with his visit to Pundit
Ajoy Chakraborty’s Shrutinandan, Kolkata for 10 years
celebration of children music school. I had the privilege to visit
Dr Kalam in Rastrapati Bhavan again in 2008 with my family.
He again visited RCI School on my retirement day April 30,
2013 and gave his fresh advice to me and the new Director as
well as the present SA to RM Dr G Satheesh Reddy.
Social sectors also benefited from Dr Kalam’s
approach in IGMDP e.g., external cardiac pace maker using
technologies of flight computer, FRO for Polio patient from
FRP technology etc.
I do not believe in supernatural, but telepathy forced
me to meet him in Delhi two weeks before his death. He was
desperate in his PD style to find reason for a very personal
problem of mine. He was not very stable but was keen to
keep his lecture scheduled in AIIMS. He continued to say
that his doors are still open for all.
OH!! The great leader, motivator and the big hearted
missile guru is no more in this world!! I cherish his peaceful
death but at the same time I, We and the nation will always
miss him and his presence. Where is the Visionary who is to
push for thinking big?
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REFERENCES
1. Sundaram, V.J. et.al. IGMDP, DRDO, 2008.
[2] Kadam, N.V.; Chaudhuri, S.K. & Sharma, R.K. Recent
Trends in Avionics Systems, ICAS, RCI, 2008.
•••
Memories with Dr Kalam and my Family in front of Rastrapati Bhavan
180

My Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
23
My Association with
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
DR SS MURTHY
FORMER DIRECTOR, DESIDOC
met Dr Abdul Kalam for the first time in the office of
I the Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri (SA to RM)
in 1982. He had joined as Director, Defence Research &
Development Laboratory (DRDL) a few of months earlier
and I was Director, DESIDOC. We both were waiting to meet
Dr VS Arunachalam, the then SA to RM. We then engaged
in a small conversation. He expressed interest in using
DESIDOC’s information services as much as we could offer.
I readily offered all possible cooperation. I felt happy to find
a senior Director so keen in using DESIDOC’s information
services. This gradually led to our frequent interactions,
both in person and also through telephone. After DESIDOC
started providing Selective Dissemination of Information
(SDI) service, he became one of the most active users of this
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
service. Soon he started telling other lab directors how useful
the SDI service was.
After he succeeded Dr Arunachalam as SA to RM,
his use of DESIDOC’s services increased much more.
This led to frequent meetings not only with me, but also
with several scientists of DESIDOC for providing the S&T
information needed by him. He was also extensively using
the reprography and polygraph services of DESIDOC for his
various presentations to the Prime Minister, the Parliament
Standing Committees, and other top level dignitaries.
His acknowledgement and words of appreciation of the
efforts of DESIDOC’s scientists whenever occasions arose,
including during the Departmental Review Committee
(DRC) meetings, made them highly motivated and each
of them was always ready to put in his (or her) best of
efforts and worked very hard for successfully achieving
the required outcomes. However, he never by-passed the
protocol and always kept me informed of all the services he
was taking from the various divisions of DESIDOC. Also, he
was very keen that the services of DESIDOC should be used
not only by him, but also by the scientists and technologists
of other laboratories.
Dr Kalam felt that the good work done by DRDO labs
was not adequately projected to the concerned segments of
people of the country. Towards this, he advised DESIDOC to
start a technology oriented publication, titled “Technology
Focus” with focus on the technologies developed in various
laboratories from time to time. This publication, which
projected DRDO’s S&T output, was well appreciated not
only by the various laboratories of DRDO, but also by
other S&T agencies and the industry in the country. As a
keen lover of books and also being an voracious reader,
Dr Kalam always encouraged other laboratory directors
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My Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
and their scientists to use DESIDOC’s library and other
services to the maximum, in view of the wealth of
information it possessed. In order to enable DESIDOC to
cater to the information requirements of DRDO scientists
within the required time frame and of desired quality, he
extended all possible support to develop DESIDOC as a
central information centre of excellence in DRDO. He felt
that as a central information agency, DESIDOC should not
only cater to the information requirements of the DRDO
scientists, but also for other wings of the Ministry of Defence,
including the three Services. Whenever a meeting of library
heads of DRDO laboratories was convened by DESIDOC,
Dr Kalam, readily agreed to address the meeting and gave
highly useful suggestions on how the libraries/Technical
Information Centres (TICs) of DRDO could support the
large projects. After the meetings, he was very keen on
knowing the outcome. He not only used to fully read the
proceedings of the meetings, but also used to follow up on
the progress of the recommendations.
During the mid-1990s, the then Planning Commission
constituted a Task Force for modernisation of Indian libraries
in which I was also associated. The Task Force constituted
a working group for networking of libraries in India and
Dr Kalam was the chairman of this working group. He took
my assistance for preparing the report of this working group.
During the late 1990s Dr Kalam asked me to take
initiative for networking of all the S&T libraries in the country
and he agreed to address a meeting of heads of libraries and
share his ideas. Accordingly DESIDOC convened a meeting
of heads of major S&T libraries in the country. Dr Kalam not
only addressed the participants but also offered to sanction
some seed money for starting of the project. With his active
support and encouragement, DESIDOC initiated a project
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
proposal for the networking and it was followed up till my
superannuation which happened a few months later.
I mostly used to get appointment with him during the
evenings and several times, I used to be the last visitor to
meet him. After finishing official matters, we used to talk on
general issues for some time, which brought some intimacy
for me with him. This practice continued till my retirement
in November 1999. Immediately after my retirement, I joined
the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU),
while Dr Kalam also demitted office of SA to RM a few
weeks later to take up the responsibilities of the Principal
Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Govt. of India. Though both
of us left DRDO, but our relationship continued and he used
to contact me sometimes for his information requirements.
I continued to provide information services to him from the
GGSIPU, whenever needed.
Some months after Dr Kalam became the President
of India, one day I received a telephone call from his office
telling me that the Hon’ble President of India wanted me to
meet him. When I met him, I was highly pleased to note that
he treated me in the same way as when he was SA to RM
and PSA and maintained the same level of intimacy. Then
he asked me to undertake an assignment for him relating
to collection of most popular titles of general books in all
major Indian languages, I readily agreed and completed the
assignment to his satisfaction. Our interaction continued
even after he demitted the office of the President. As he
settled down in Delhi, I used to meet him at his residence
at Rajaji Marg till the year 2010, after which I moved to
Hyderabad, after completion of my assignment with the
National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), Govt.
of India. Whenever I visited Delhi for a meeting of a
committee of which I was a member, I would try to meet
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My Association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr Kalam if he was in Delhi, he never refused an appointment.
Dr Kalam maintained the same level of affection and
intimacy whenever I used to meet him at various seminars/
conferences at which he was the Chief Guest and where
I was part of the audience.
Dr Kalam was an outstanding technology manager.
He had a great ability to identify talent in individuals
and use that for the development of the organisation.
As an excellent coordinator, Dr Kalam strongly believed in
participative and collaborative approach and made efforts
to identify the best expertise available in the country and
use such expertise for his organisation. He also had excellent
relations with the staff and never refused appointment for
any scientist for a genuine reason. Having high regard for
procedure and protocol, he used to tell any scientist who
met him, to apprise his divisional head/director of the
outcome of their meeting. He never bypassed any rules
and would find ways to complete difficult tasks within the
framework of the rules.
I would like to conclude saying that Dr Kalam was a
friend, philosopher, and guide for me and I would always
cherish happy memories of my association with him.
•••
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Fond Memories of President’s Visit to Chandipur
24
Fond Memories of President’s
Visit to Chandipur
AK CHECKER
FORMER DIRECTOR, ITR
had the honour of working closely with Dr Kalam
I for a very long time. When I took over as Director,
Integrated Test Range (ITR) in May 2005, I visited him at
the Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek his blessings. I requested
him to visit ITR, since he was the first Director of ITR.
He told me that there has to be an occasion for the President
to visit any place. I told him to give me six months and I will
create an occasion fit for the President to visit. I came back
to ITR and planned a conference on Range Technologies at
Chandipur. He agreed to inaugurate the conference. When
the programme was being finalised, he told me to schedule
the inauguration in the evening as he wanted to spend
more time at Chandipur. On landing at the helipad, he was
supposed to go to the guest house but to the surprise of the
security personnel, he walked straight to a particular area
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
and pointed out to a banyan tree. This tree was trimmed to
clear the pathway. He told me the story that when the guest
house building was being built, this particular banyan tree
was being cut to make way for the road. He stopped that
and told the engineers to alter the plan, thus the tree was
saved from being axed. He wanted to see the same tree after
so many years.
In the evening he inaugurated the national conference
on Range Technologies (NACROT-2006) in the new range
auditorium at Chandipur. During the conference, he met
scientists as if he was still a scientist and Director, ITR.
He wanted to know all the activities going on at ITR. ITR
had on the same day successfully completed an AD mission.
After the inaugural dinner in the night, he took a post flight
analysis of the mission and congratulated the scientists. Next
day in the morning, he expressed a desire to visit NISARAG,
the bird sanctuary in ITR. Since that was not in the schedule,
the police authorities were quite upset at the change of
plans at the last moment. Dr Kalam went ahead and spent
about half an hour at NISARAG before flying out. This visit
to Chandipur will remain etched in the memory of all the
scientists of ITR and all the participants of NACORT 2006.
•••
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Fond Memories of President’s Visit to Chandipur
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
190

A Special Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – My Mentor and Friend
25
A Special Tribute to
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam -
My Mentor and Friend
DR BRAHMA SINGH
FORMER DIRECTOR, LIFE SCIENCES, DRDO
“To succeed in life and achieve results, you must
understand and master three mighty forces— desire,
belief, and expectation”- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
It has been a little over two months since Dr Kalam left
us, but I, like many others, who worked with him closely
from his DRDO days till recently are still to come to terms
with this loss. It took me a while to put my thoughts and
emotions together to write these words - A tribute to a great
personality and a humble human being, where I share his
contribution to the nation, his love for creativity, some very
valuable learning experiences and his poems.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
The former 11 th President of India, Bharat Ratna
(1997) Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (born on
October 15, 1931, at Rameshvaram, Tamil Nadu) passed
away on July 27, 2015 while addressing students of Indian
Institute of Management, Shillong (Meghalaya). Popularly
known as People’s President, he was a real jewel (Ratna)
of India (Bharat), Director of India’s first Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SLV-3) which successfully deployed the Rohini
satellite in near earth orbit in July 1980. Besides missile and
nuclear science, the aeronautical scientist had concern for
everything and used to say agriculture or food production
is most important science. India should accord priority to
agriculture development. He used to take enormous interest
in agriculture research in the country. Under his guidance as
Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Secretary, Defence
Research, we could green Leh, Kargil, and Nubra valley
making life of locals (troops and tribals) better in the vast
cold desert near Siachen glacier.
MY FIRST MEETING WITH DR APJ ABDUL KALAM -
HIS AURA LEFT A LONG LASTING IMPRESSION
I saw the long haired scientist in 1985 when he had
given a presentation to the former State Minister of Defence,
Arun Singh. I was impressed with his presentation which
was full of energy and confidence. Later I met him in RCI
in 1991 to give a presentation on how RCI campus, full of
boulders and nothing else can produce vegetables for the
scientists and staff deployed there (his genuine desire).
He appreciated the presentation and sanctioned the
proposal to see it coming true. After some time he saw
along with his RCI team the tomato plants laden with fruits
there. One of his very senior officers promptly calculated
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A Special Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – My Mentor and Friend
the enormous cost of 1 kg of tomato produced first time
there and informed Dr Kalam expecting his reaction.
Dr Kalam responded: “Tomato plants are fruiting in this
land and that is remarkable”. Dr Kalam’s response was great
encouragement to me and my colleagues. He further reacted:
“Do you think that the cost of making the first missile should
frighten us? In research (tomato or missile), it is not the cost
but the break-through made that is important. Initial high
cost of product is brought down to commercial level by
subsequent research only. That would be step no. 2”.
DR KALAM’S FIRST VISIT TO LEH WAS A MILESTONE
EVENT
I had long interaction with him since 1992 when he
became SA to RM. By that time I became the Director,
Field Research Laboratory (now, Defence Institute of High
Altitude Research), Leh. I requested him to visit Leh. With
repeated requests he conditionally agreed that he should
be back the same day from Leh by civil aircraft, despite
being entitled to travel by a service aircraft. Those days civil
flights to Leh used to operate only in the forenoon on certain
days of the week. I took the challenge and worked out the
flying sectors that nearly took six hours through various
intermittent sectors but allowed me one more hour of
Dr Kalam’s precious time at Leh. Aftermath of the visit was
that Dr Kalam developed a fascination for the region, its
people and defence forces deployed there. The contributions
of Dr Kalam to the Leh region are well known to the Indian
Armed Forces. He sanctioned a world class centrally heated
research laboratory at 11,500 ft replacing the mud house
laboratory in which temperature reached down to minus 20
degree centigrade in winter. It is perhaps among the very
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
few science laboratories in the world at such an elevation.
He encouraged development of vegetable production
technologies for the area once considered impossible, but
now being practiced by local farmers along with milk and
egg production. Due to his encouragement, first herbal
garden was established at 11,500 ft altitude. That led to
development of a herbal garden in Rashtrapati Bhawan and
subsequently throughout the country. His encouragement
also led to the raising of Seabuckthorn (Brahma Phal) plants
that have a host of medicinal properties, yielding a fruit
crop worth Rs 7,000 crores annually in the Ladakh area.
A SCIENTIST AS PRESIDENT: NEW GARDENS AT
RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
Dr Kalam always used to take interest in improving
environments. During his tenure as DRDO Chief, he made
all DRDO labs environment friendly to enhance mood of
scientists and stimulate their thinking. After assuming
office as the first citizen of India, Dr Kalam provided me
an opportunity to serve in President’s House as Officer
on Special Duty (Horticulture). There, besides improving
the already existing Mughal Garden by adding more
rose varieties and ornamental plant species, Dr Kalam
added new gardens. In the Spiritual Garden, plants
venerated by different religions were raised to give the
message: “Plants belonging to different religions are
flourishing together, why not we human beings?” Tactile
Garden was one for the visually challenged persons.
A visually challenged person can reach to a plant by
touching or smelling it and read the description of the plant
in Braille on a stand placed at each bed. The Musical Garden
had a combination of plants and musical fountains. Cactus
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A Special Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – My Mentor and Friend
Garden, Biofuel garden, Nutrition Organic Garden – all
became parts of the famous Mughal Garden. A sprawling
lake to attract migratory birds also came into being.
As he had desired I authored two Coffee Table
Books, namely “Roses of Mughal Garden” and “Trees of
Rashtrapati Bhawan” documenting the magnificence that
the Mughal Garden is.
DR KALAM - POST PRESIDENCY ERA
In 2007, he moved to 10, Rajaji Marg in Lutyen’s Delhi,
from where he used to exchange views with his countrymen
on several scientific and other national issues. His main
concern was food security for the country to make India
strong and wanted appropriate indigenous agro-technology
for our farmers. During one of his visits to USA, Orlando,
Disney Land, he saw hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical
farming, soilless cultivation, etc., which he wanted me to
demonstrate at 10, Rajaji Marg. I was reluctant to undertake
it because of monkey menace there. He used to jokingly say,
“Monkeys are my friends, they would not spoil my garden”.
I could not demonstrate while he was alive but I now wish
to devote my life for the development and popularisation of
protected cultivation in the country and pay my tribute to
his departed soul.
Dr Kalam belonged to a poor family where during his
schooling he used to sell newspapers to supplement family
income. Since childhood he was hard working and a firm
believer of achieving success through hard work. This belief
of his is depicted in his spectacular and magnificent life.
He had touched the sky in fame while his feet were firmly
on the ground. The richest and poorest have same respect
for this great soul as he used to treat them alike. Dr Kalam
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
is a symbol of technological advancement and excellence,
courage, conviction, hard work, sincerity, honesty, integrity,
humility, simplicity, truthfulness, positivity, love for nature,
respect for all, and many more qualities that proved him to
be an exemplary human being - a Bharat Ratna in the true
sense. I, my family and friends, will cherish our association
with this great soul for all time to come.
•••
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A Special Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – My Mentor and Friend
197

I Remember
26
I Remember
RAdm (RETD) SR MOHAN, VSM & DRDL
Dr Abdul Kalam is no longer with us. When I first saw the
news of his death on the TV, I could not quite believe
it, because, somehow or other, it was difficult to believe that
such a vivacious person, so full of life could be indeed dead.
I felt that it was not a man, but an institution had come to an
end. I had the good fortune to have worked closely with him
for over eight years at DRDL, as the first Project Director of
the Trishul missile project of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme, till my retirement in 1990. During
that time, I, as the other project directors, had occasion
to meet him frequently for discussing various problems.
We often stayed at the R&D guest house at Asiad, New
Delhi, whenever we went to the Guided Missile Board
meetings, during which, I had the opportunity of spending
some time, talking on various subjects with him. He shared
several of his life’s experiences with me, for which I will
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
always be thankful to him. Many memories of him come
flooding to my mind.
One of the great things about Dr Kalam is the fact
that he considered problems as stepping stones to success
and not hindrances. I can never forget an occasion in 1985.
The Trishul was ready for the first launch, and the flight
rocket motor had been statically test fired several times.
With this confidence, a demonstration static firing of the
flight rocket motor was scheduled during the visit of the
Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. (In a static firing, the rocket
motor is firmly bolted down and the motor fired, with the
various parameters like thrust, etc., being measured and
telemetered.) To our mortification, the flight rocket motor
burst during the test. It was embarrassing to say the least.
I met Dr Kalam at his office, after the VIPs had left. I was
quite downcast and expected that Dr Kalam, at the least
will have a few words of reproach. But to my great surprise,
he said, “Don’t look so depressed. We are in the field of
rocketry, where it will be a surprise only if such things do
not happen. It happened to me when my launch of SLV-3
ended up in the sea. What you should do is to get the failure
analysed, and find out what needs to be strengthened in the
rocket motor. Do the necessary modifications, and go ahead
with your flight trial”. I wonder, how many bosses will say
such a thing, when they themselves are feeling downcast.
It shows the resilience of the man, and how no amount of
failures and difficulties can ever defeat such a man. He was
not worrying about what was past, but was thinking of the
future. Probably this attitude also explains why he rose to
such an eminence from such a humble beginning.
He was a man with enormous commitment.
I remember, the favourite words of Dr Kalam to any project
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I Remember
director were, ‘push, push’. He used to come into the project
board meetings, asking, “what is happening?” and after
some minutes, would leave after giving the advice, “push,
push”. I also remember that he was a hero worshipper of
Dr Satish Dhawan, and once invited him to DRDL to meet
all of us. In answer to a query from me about Dr Kalam’s
old days, Dr Dhawan said, “When Kalam worked under
me, he did not need any pushing. The problem with Kalam
was that he required not an accelerator, but a brake!”
He had a good sense of humour and you could pull his
leg, without his taking umbrage. Once, in a meeting, when
he said his usual “push, push”, I said that there were certain
things one should not push. When he asked which one, I told
him, “For example a door marked Pull”. Everyone started
laughing, and so did he. In fact he laughed the loudest.
He believed in thorough preparation for everything.
He asked me once, “When are you going for a Trishul flight
trial. Do you fly the missile in your mind?” And he explained.
“You must go through every step of the launch sequence
and countdown in your mind, imagining the various actions
taking place in each step. In that way, you will also look for
what can go wrong, and if a problem occurs, what action
should be taken? Then, in an actual countdown, there will
be no surprises.” I followed this advice in every subsequent
launch and there were two or three launches when this
advice stood me in very good stead, averting problems that
could have occurred with very little time to react.
I can keep writing about him since many memories
do keep coming to the foreground, but there is no point in
my saying what everybody in DRDO knows. For instance,
everyone knows that he always felt that India should be a
strong nation. He believed that Strength respects strength
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
and that if you are strong, you will not have to fight.
His opinion coincided with that of the ancient Romans’ “Si
vis pacem para bellum” meaning, “If you wish for peace be
ready for war”.
But I do wish to write of an event that occurred after
I had retired from service and he had become the Scientific
Adviser to Raksha Mantri. Dr Kalam was an intensely
humane man. One night, soon after he had taken over
the post of SA, I got a phone call from him. He named a
young scientist and asked me if I knew him. I said that I did
not. He said that this youngster was working in Research
Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, and that he had Blood Cancer.
The young scientist was working very late in the evenings,
because he did not want to go to his room and be alone with
his terrible illness. Dr Kalam wanted to send him abroad,
for treatment (in those days, bone marrow transplant was
probably being done only abroad) at no expense for the
scientist. But he said that the young man would not allow
anybody to meet him or speak to him about his illness.
Dr Kalam wanted me to meet him. He told me that probably
he would meet me, if I told him that my own brother had
died some years before due to Blood Cancer and that
I understood what he must be feeling. He wanted me to
persuade him to agree to go abroad for treatment. Not only
was I surprised that Dr Kalam remembered my losing my
brother to this terrible disease, but also I was deeply touched
by the fact that such a senior person like the SA to RM, in
the middle of his duties and responsibilities, should worry
about a young Scientist ‘B‘, working in remote Hyderabad.
It takes a great man to do so and it speaks volumes for his
compassion. (Unfortunately, the scientist refused to meet
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I Remember
me either and I so told Dr Kalam. I understood later that
that the young man was no more).
Dr Kalam was truly such a great man. I consider
myself fortunate to have met and worked with such a man.
I remember the words of Mark Antony about Brutus in
Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, “His life was gentle and
the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up
and say to all the world ‘This was a Man’”. Mark Antony
might have as well been speaking of Dr Kalam. He was
indeed a Man. A Great Man! A Very Great Man! May his
soul rest in peace!
•••
203

APJ Abdul Kalam – A Tribute
27
APJ Abdul Kalam – A Tribute
RAJARAM NAGAPPA
HEAD, INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC AND
SECURITY STUDIES PROGRAMME, NIAS
We are indeed poorer by the loss of this noble
personality, who was in our midst, goading us with
his gentle persuasiveness towards higher goals in life.
We are indeed poorer by his loss and I join our Countrymen
in paying homage to this great Son of India.
It is befitting to remember the Former President Late
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam on his birthday,
which falls on October 15. It is a good occasion to recall
the contributions of this multi-faceted personality in
many domains like science, technology, education, and
politics. It is also a good occasion to renew our pledge to
work towards a developed India and strive to emulate the
standards he had set by personal example in many fields.
The outpouring of tributes to Abdul Kalam from the wide
spectrum of the Indian public that was witnessed following
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
his passing on July 27, 2015 is indicative of the measure of
affection, esteem and high regard this noble son of India
was held in by all sections of his countrymen. His former
colleagues and associates at ISRO and DRDO have fondly
recalled their association with him in the accomplishment
of major launch vehicle and missile development tasks. His
hard work, commitment and dedication to the task at hand,
his constant quest for updated technology, leadership
qualities, humane approach, his foresight and vision were
repeatedly mentioned by many of his former colleagues
in ISRO and DRDO. Rich tributes have been paid to him
by national and international leaders; by scores of people
whom he seems to have touched in special and humane
ways; and by a galaxy of students, for many of whom
Abdul Kalam was a role model. Weeklong broadcast of
poignant tributes from school children all over the country
by All India Radio reconfirmed how Dr Kalam had ignited
the young minds and the love, awe, and respectful memory
they cherish of this great man. The National Space Society
in Washington DC, which had honoured Kalam with the
prestigious Wernher von Braun Memorial Award in 2013
in its obituary note, headlined “One of our Leading Lights
has joined the Stars”.
Dr Kalam was already a star in his lifetime and his
achievements enveloped a very wide and diverse canvas.
The width and depth of his interests spanning science,
technology, arts, education, poetry and music; his passion
for teaching and communication especially with the student
community; his ever present optimism; his nobility; and the
inspirational leadership he provided have been very widely
covered in memorial meetings, print and electronic media
in recent days. I not only share the admiration the country
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APJ Abdul Kalam – A Tribute
has displayed towards Kalam, but also feel privileged that
I had the opportunity of working with him.
My association with Dr Kalam started when I joined
the Space Science and Technology Centre, the predecessor
organisation to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at
Thiruvananthapuram in January 1967.
Kalam was among the early batch of engineers chosen
by Dr Vikram Sarabhai in the early 1960’s for India’s
fledgling rocket programme operating from the newly
started Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.
On return to India after an initial period of training at
NASA’s Wallops Island facilities, Kalam was put in charge
of the Rocket Engineering Division and was responsible
for payload integration and developing mechanisms for
deploying the payload. Based on a need for radio signal
transparency during 1966-67 for a particular payload, Kalam
and his team started developing nose cones made of Glass
Fibre Reinforced Plastics (GFRP). This was for the first time
glass fibre was being put to use in a hi-tech area in India.
Right from the start of his early days in rocketry, Kalam
strove to push technological innovation and new ideas.
He wanted to ensure technology advancement took place
with every step taken in the development of rockets and
rocket subsystems. This trait was very much on display
when the Indian Air Force requested ISRO to develop
a rocket motor for Rocket-Assisted-Take-Off (RATO) of
Su-7 and HF-24 Marut aircraft. The idea was to reduce the
takeoff distance of the aircraft as well as cut costs by import
substitution. Kalam was named to head the project and he
took on the job with utmost confidence in the capability
of his colleagues to meet the requirement. Considering
the fact, that at that time, we had just started the Centaur
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sounding rocket propellant processing and our own
rocket development capability was in a fledgling state, the
development task was indeed daunting. The RATO had to
be mounted under an aircraft costing lakhs of rupees with
a pilot on board. There was absolutely no room for error.
The technological innovations involved designing a system
with lower diameter for the forward end to house the release
system (from the aircraft), GFRP motor case, 24° canted
nozzle to divert the exhaust gases away from the aircraft
fuselage and a safety system to prevent adverse effects of
any pressure excursion. For ensuring the quality of the
propellant grain, the radiographic inspection was carried
out at HAL as we did not have our own X-ray machine at
that time. Reliability of the system was established through
more than 20 ground tests. The functioning of the motor
was also proved through aircraft taxiing trials.
Kalam displayed similar boldness of approach and
confidence in taking up technological challenges, when he
offered to modify design of the SLV-3 fourth stage motor to
meet the requirements of the French launch vehicle Diamant
BP-4. The design and development approach was presented
to the French team and accepted by them. However, soon
after the French dropped the development of Diamant
BP-4, but the motor was developed and successfully
used in the SLV-3 and APPLE (India’s first experimental
communication satellite).
Kalam used to be extremely focused to achieve the
end result and dexterously handled technology, personnel
and management issues. The Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV-
3 was a development project, where each of the 42 major
subsystems had to be de novo designed, developed and
realised by different teams. The project also involved creation
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APJ Abdul Kalam – A Tribute
of facilities and infrastructure. Kalam under the tutelage
of Prof Satish Dhawan and Dr Brahm Prakash brought in
unique project management practices for employment in
a development project. More than one team was tackling
component and subsystem development activity in many
instances at that time. Kalam managed to distribute the
tasks among the contending developers – the compromise
benefitted both by acknowledging the contribution of the
development teams and providing a redundancy for the
project, in case of a technology or schedule hitch in the
realisation of the product. The task of managing diverse
teams spread over ISRO centres was challenging to say
the least. Kalam managed the tasks of bridging priority,
resource balancing, funding and inter-personal issues with
dexterity. His judgment was accepted as it was fair, had no
element of favouritism and was meant only to advance the
cause of the project.
The design review system that was brought in during
the SLV-3 project created an open system of technical
discussion, which has stood the test of time and is a mainstay
of project management to this day in organisations like ISRO
and DRDO. Kalam was already well known for his capacity
for hard work. After one review of the SLV status, which
closed only at dinner time, Kalam and his team worked
through the night, sifting through all the questions that had
been raised, provided answers to many of them and worked
out the solution approach for the rest. The team took a small
break in the morning and was back at the auditorium in
time for the review to present its overnight work.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV has proved
to be a reliable launch vehicle notching up thirty flights
over the last two decades. From among the contending
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configurations that were considered, Dr Kalam was the one
to finalise the preferred PSLV configuration. The soundness
and the wisdom of the choice has stood the test of time.
My association with him continued even after he
moved to DRDO, as he involved many of us in the review
of systems under development. Another attribute that
Kalam possessed was that of not being afraid of failure.
All the problems and failure modes cannot be completely
anticipated in a development project. Kalam, more than
anyone else, was well aware of this and took failures
in his stride. He strongly felt that failures provided the
stepping-stones to success – except that one must carefully
analyse the failures and ensure that they are not repeated.
I remember the occasion of a technical hitch in the Agni-1
first stage control system during flight preparation. This did
not perturb him to any great extent even though the flight
for which important people from the user community were
present had to be called off. His concern was on what had
gone wrong and why and how it could be corrected and
corrected fast; and more importantly, if any other system
performance was affected due to the glitch. He gave all his
support to correction of the problem.
Kalam was a keen listener and not one to brush off
even a casual observation. I had been invited to the Agni-1
launch and had gone with him to the launch pad. I felt the
jet deflector frame kept below the missile looked fragile and
made a remark to that extent. He took the remark seriously
and immediately called a meeting with the programme and
vehicle director. The discussion did not review the design
of the deflector, but examined if there were any negative
consequences if the deflector was not used. Based on the
discussion, the deflector was removed – in hind sight it
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APJ Abdul Kalam – A Tribute
appeared to be a good decision, as the 1st stage jet blast
toppled the deflector which had been removed and kept at
some distance on the pad.
Kalam’s role models were Dr Vikaram Sarabhai, the
founder of the Indian space programme, Prof KAV Pandalai,
who taught him aeronautics at the Madras Institute of
Technology during 1954-57, Dr Brahm Prakash who was
the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre during the
SLV-3 development days and Prof Satish Dhawan, who was
the then Chairman of ISRO. He not only held them in high
regard and esteem, but also emulated them in his pursuit
for perfection.
Kalam was an inspirational leader, an intuitive and
far-sighted technology innovator, poet and author, music
lover and hard worker. He appeared to effortlessly combine
all these traits. He was humane and would give lavish credit
to things, which one considered normal. He would often
introduce me to others saying, “You know this guy – he has
designed and realised the PSLV booster, which is among
the biggest in the world”.
My interaction with him in later years also continued
– he was briefly in Anna University before he assumed the
office of the President of India. I was also at the University
at that time. I recall his discussion with the Vice-chancellor,
Dr Kalanidhi. He wanted only a small room for himself
at the University guest house, but asked for a bigger extra
room to house his 2000 and odd books. I think those books
are still preserved in the University. I met him earlier this
year to leave a copy of my book, “The Evolution of Solid
Propellant Rockets in India”, for which he had graciously
provided a foreword. I spent about 15 minutes with him
and when I came out at 8:30 PM there were still visitors
waiting to meet him.
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I feel privileged to have known this great man; feel
privileged to have worked with him; and feel privileged
to have gained insights in managing technology and
interacting with people. We are indeed poorer by the loss
of this noble personality, who was in our midst, goading us
with his gentle persuasiveness towards higher goals in life.
We are indeed poorer by his loss and I join our countrymen
in paying homage to this great Son of India.
•••
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
28
Dr Abdul Kalam -
Nation’s Technocrat and
Peoples’President
CR SATHYA
SR. V.P. (TECHNOLOGY), TATA ADVANCED MATERIALS
AND FORMER GROUP DIRECTOR
VIKRAM SARABHAI SPACE CENTRE AND
must admit that I have had a couple of lucky breaks in
I my professional career and the very first of them was
landing up as a young engineer with Dr Abdul Kalam as
my first boss! This happened way back in 1965, when after
completing my post graduate training in Nuclear Sciences
and Technology at BARC’s Training School, Mumbai, I was
to be posted on my permanent assignment. The general
trend in those days was to send the engineers to Atomic
Reactors and Power Projects under Dept. of Atomic Energy
across the country. Just about to be called in to the interview
room where placements were finalised, I remembered a
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
news paper report I had come across two years earlier
which mentioned that, for the first time, a scientific rocket
was launched from Thumba Equatorial Launching Station
(TERLS) near Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, and that TERLS
was under the administrative control of Department of
Atomic Energy. The technology of rockets was always
exciting for me and on entering the placement room, when
Dr Raja Ramanna, Chairman of the Committee, asked
whether I had any preference for posting, I blurted
out “THUMBA!”. Surprised, he turned towards
Dr Homi Sethna, who sat beside him and said, “Well, if it is
his choice, why come in the way?”
On my persuasion, another colleague of mine also
asked for the same posting and was given. The two of us
travelled down to Thiruvananthapuram and hopped in and
out of several buses, before we could locate Thumba, a fishing
A rocket takes off from Thumba. Mary Magdalene church and the
Bishop`s House to the left.
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
village about 15 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram.
After a 2 km walk from the security gate, we ended up at an
abandoned Church building and an adjacent house called
Bishop’s House which carried the board: HGS Murthy,
Director, TERLS.
We were both asked go to Murthy’s room together.
As we entered, I noticed Murthy sitting at the centre, flanked
by two officers, one a fair looking stout gentleman and the
other, a darkish frail man. Murthy welcomed us and asked
his two colleagues to choose between us their candidates.
My colleague was chosen first by the fair gentleman, while
the other remarked; “I don’t have much of a choice, have I?”
and got up, extended his hand to me for a warm handshake
saying “Welcome to Rocket Engineering Division, I am
Abdul Kalam!”
It took me a while to understand the reason for setting
up and operating Rocket launches from Thumba and also the
role of Kalam. It was Dr Vikaram Sarabhai (now aptly called
Father of India’s Space programme), who, as Chairman of
Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR),
had set up TERLS and who had also initiated manufacture of
The Hovercraft driven by Abdul Kalam at ADE, Bangalore
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France’s Centaure Sounding Rocket in India. TERLS served
as an international facility for scientists to explore near space
in areas of Space sciences, particularly because it was situated
close to Earth’s magnetic Equator. Under UN sponsorship,
rockets from United States, United Kingdom, France, and
USSR were sent to TERLS and were launched to carry
several experiments devised by leading scientists from those
countries and also from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL),
Ahmedabad, and another research body that was set up by
Dr Vikram Sarabhai. However, to man this facility, a group of
rocket experts with knowledge of Payload design/integration,
Rocket assembly and launching, Tracking and data collection,
On board electronics, etc., was required and it turned to be an
Indian team of engineers, Abdul Kalam being one of them. But
then, how was he picked up for this job?
The story goes back to late 1950s when, as an Aeronautical
Engineer from MIT, Madras, Kalam served as an Engineer at
Aeronautical Development Establishment, High Grounds,
Bangalore. As a student, while bicycling around that place,
The pioneers: R Aruvamudan, APJ Abdul Kalam, HGS Murthy and
B Ramakrishna Rao, at NASA, USA
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
I recollect a strange looking vehicle moving about in the open
on the concrete tarmac of ADE, making a loud noise. It was
the “Hovercraft” designed by Kalam and driven by himself, as
I came to know later from him.
The vehicle was witnessed by Dr MGK Menon,
who recommended to Dr Sarabhai to pick Kalam for
the programme. Thus, Kalam joined three others, R
Arauvamudan, D Easwerdas, B Ramakrisnha Rao to be sent
to NASA, USA for a year long training at NASA’s Centres
and at Wallops Island (Off Washington DC) from where US
was launching its sounding rockets. Later, HGS Murthy too
went through this programme and the five of them became
the first ever Rocket Technologists of India, some calling
them “Pancha Pandavas”!
Kalam`s job at Thumba was to design the nose cone
and other special requirements of the payload scientists,
integrate the payload mechanically and electronically and
interface with rocket. His Division, just two strong, was
called the Rocket Engineering Division. As a youngster just
commencing on my professional career, I had no choice but
to plunge into this work and learn on the job intricacies of
Rocket technology!
My first assignment was almost a disaster. Just before
any launching, Kalam had also the responsibility to carry
out an operation called “Wind Weighting” in which wind
velocities and directions were to be gathered from the Met
Office, fed in to a programme on one MINSK computer
(a gift from Russia) and the output analysed for optimum
azimuth and elevation angle of the launch pad, to avoid
any possible impact of the rocket on land or on ships in the
International waters of the Arabian Sea. Kalam asked me to
do this during a launch when he was required elsewhere.
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I was new to this, nevertheless went through the motions
and directed the launcher for an azimuth and elevation
setting. No sooner than the rocket took off, it appears that
Radar operators became panicky as our rocket was heading
straight to a Portuguese ship that was cruising across.
It appears that the rocket stage missed the ship by a couple
of crucial meters as the settings I had given were wrong!
Kalam rushed in to the computer room and exclaimed: “Oh
God! Sathya, you were just about to start world war three!”
The learning process had many other twists and
turns too. The scientists demanded many intricate and
technically difficult subsystems and mechanisms from us
for their experiments. They could be: ejection of nose cone
at a specific altitude, opening of windows and deployment
of antennae in flight, de spinning of the rocket, release
of special chemicals in to the atmosphere or designing
and fabrication of non magnetic payload structure and
such. Each of these developments called for design,
prototyping, quality testing, creating the flight models and
final integration with the rocket and on board operations
through programmed timers. G Madhavan Nair (later to
become Chairman, ISRO) was our electronics expert to join
our group a year later, while we took care of the mechanical,
structural and pyro systems to start with. Our laboratory
was the open beach just at the back of an abandoned school
building which served as our office. We would rig up our
proto experiments right on the sands often witnessed by
Dr Sarabhai himself. He would come to us with a twinkle in
his eyes and would ask; ‘Well, Kalam, what have you got to
show me this time?” We would show him one or the other
experiment live but there were days when the experiment
did not work! Undeterred, Sarabhai would just smile and
walk away!
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
Once, an integrated Centaure rocket was in a horizontal
position on the launcher and was to be raised to its vertical
position for takeoff. Murthy and couple of us were around
the rocket when we heard a frightening sound! In the nose
cone of the rocket, we had mounted an ejection mechanism,
which was to eject the nose cone at 60 km altitude, initiated
by an onboard timer. We saw the nose cone separating from
the rocket and shooting off on the beach to impact couple
of meters away on the sands! Thank God, none of us got
hurt. But an investigation later revealed that a security siren
that was switched on at that moment induced an emf in the
timer circuit, which in turn triggered the pyro device in the
nose cone to eject it! It was probably the first realisation of
the shielding needs for a rocket circuitry from extraneous
sources! In another instance, on ground, we had to simulate
the empty second stage and the payload to lose its spin
rate to almost zero to enable some measurements while the
rocket was in flight. The ground set up included a spinning
system and de spinning system but the entire set up was
to have the exact value of Moment of Inertia (MI) as was in
the rocket in the flight. Time being a premium for a detailed
design and fabrication of a special system, we just picked
up an old Fiat gear box drive and added a rotating table to
it and found that it matched exactly the MI of the rocket!
Those days, there were no foreign collaborations, nor
any information from Western countries on Rocket related
technologies due to India’s political stand. We had no big
library, no internet and computers. We were no superior
engineers either. But, the enthusiasm we developed in our
group and the trust reposed in our ability by Dr Sarabhai,
Prof Satish Dhawan and others propelled us to build up
several technologies without any special infrastructure or
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
facilities. It was also hard work for us in a literary sense.
Working under Kalam meant around 12-14 hours a day
of struggle to finish jobs without food, sleep, or even a
decent haircut! Our food, in the absence of a canteen, was a
combination of Kerala’s traditional snack like Unniappam
washed down with black coffee! Many engineers, just
married, had a lot of explanation to give to their wives as
to why they were not turning up on time to home. Our
official vehicles were a few old cycles although Kalam
never rode one.
Let me illustrate a few incidents that reflect Kalam’s
working style: For one rocket flight, which was to go at
an exact time on a predetermined day (coinciding with a
specific star position) we had to develop quite a few systems
and qualify but were short of time to meet the deadline.
Kalam and three of us stayed for more than three days in
our laboratory without food and sleep, never to go to our
lodge even for a shave and a bath. One early morning,
Murthy, who happened to be travelling from Cochin to
Thiruvananthapuram by car, noticed that our laboratory
lights were on even at 3.00 am or so. He asked the security
man about it and was told that “Kalam and his Shishyas”
are at work. Murthy drove in and walked in to our lab and
looking at our haggard sleepless faces became furious.
‘Kalam, what do you think you are doing? I can’t stand you
fellows going without food and sleep like this!’ he shouted.
Kalam apologetically explained the pressure we were in for
the launch date. Mr. Murthy became more furious ‘I will
tell the scientist to postpone his launch to next season. Now,
listen to me. You and your disciples, lock the lab door in the
next five minutes and go back to your lodge, take a complete
day’s rest and turn up here only day after tomorrow. If I see
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
you earlier than that, I will ask the security to throw you
out!’ So saying, he walked off. Kalam looked around us.’
What do we do? Shall we get back to the city now and may
be... come back after, say, three hours?” That is what we did
later and the rocket flight went off as per original schedule!
On another day, an old man walked in to Murthy’s
room and started crying. Murthy enquired as to what the
matter was. He said that he was the father of Abdul Kalam
and came there all the way from Rameswaram to find out
whether his son is still working at TERLS! “What have you
done with him? He has forgotten his family and his town, no
letters and no phone calls either!” cried the indignant father.
Murthy was moved. He called Kalam. “Look, here is your
old father, who has come all the way from Rameswaram
and is now crying in front of me. I don`t want this to happen
again. Please take him now with you to city, give him food
and rest and safely go with him up to Madurai, put him in
a Rameswaram bus and come back. I don’t care when you
come back!” was his advice. Kalam said “Yes Sir”, left with
his father, but returned just about four hours later! No one
knows how he managed his father!
I mentioned about my lucky breaks in my career earlier.
This was how I got sucked in to Composite technology
for my life! One of the scientists wanted a non magnetic
payload and instrument housings for his experiments on
an American rocket called Nike Apache. NASA did send
fibre glass (composites) nose cones for first few flights but
later regretted. Kalam asked me to develop the necessary
technology including a special machine to “filament wind”
a nose cone using glass fibres. New to the technology, I did
some preliminary work on materials of construction, design
methodology and such and built a hand driven machine
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
Dr Sarabhai with Abdul Kalam (on his right) and me (on his left)
discussing about the Filament Winding Machine prior to Mrs Indira
Gandhi`s visit to Thumba
using coir rope as the transmission belt and some old gears
and steel frames lying around in our workshop. The idea
was only to understand the principle behind such a machine
and build a good one later. It was a strange contraption and
while I was hand cranking the machine in a side room of
the Bishop’s House, Kalam came in and got so excited at
the development that he said “I will bring Sarabhai to see
this!”. I protested, feeling too shy to exhibit this uncooked
machine in front of anyone for that matter. He did not listen
to me and sometime later, when Sarabhai came to Thumba,
he brought him to my room and with him, I noticed some
senior people who had one look at me and my machine and
gave out hearty laughs. I wanted to hide somewhere but
noticed Sarabhai and Kalam looking at the machine rather
seriously. Sarabahi came to me and asked what the machine
is for. I explained. He turned to Kalam. “Kalam, send Sathya
to Lakshmi Machine tools at Coimbatore. They make good
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
The famous cycle photo by Henry Cartier Bresson. Velappan Nair pushing
the bicycle and me walking alongside on 2 nd February 1969
tension control devices there which Sathya can adapt to this
machine for controlling fibre tension.” He said. He looked
at me and again instructed Kalam: “Also let him make a
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
trip to Europe and USA. I know a lot of establishments and
industries who are specialists in Composites Technology.
He must visit Royal Aircraft Establishment in UK where
they have already started work on Carbon fibres and their
applications. I will later send letters to them to allow Sathya
to visit them”. I was dumbfounded! That was not all.
He turned to me and said “Sathya, on February 02, 1969,
Ms. Indira Gandhi will come to Thumba to dedicate the
station to UN. Can you make this machine ready in all
aspects? I will ask her to switch it on.” I readily agreed.
My joy knew no bounds when he with Kalam,
brought Indira Gandhi to my machine on that memorable
day and remarked to her: “This young man is waiting
for you to switch his machine on!” She obliged. It was
this type of encouragement that goaded us to build an
Advanced Composite Technology Group which designed
and produced many a critical product for ISRO’s Launch
vehicles and Satellites. That was also the day when, for
the first time, Kalam became furious on me, since I had
not turned up on time at the Rocket assembly area with
the Payload which was to be integrated with the Centaure
rocket for launch to be switched on by Indira Gandhi at
6.00 pm sharp. Little did he know my predicament? Asked
to integrate the highly explosive sodium vapour canister in
an isolated building three km away from launch area, the
Administration forgot to send me a jeep on time to reach the
Rocket assembly area. Panicked to the core, my instrument
mechanic Velappan Nair and I picked up an old bicycle
lying around that building and transported the nose cone on
that bicycle in the hot sun along the beach road. The act was
caught on camera by Time Life Photographer Henri Cartier
Bresson who happened to be invited for the occasion and
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
With my family at Rashtrapathi Bhavan
who also had a bicycle as his official transport! The photo
has since become iconic.
Abdul Kalam’s technical achievements in ISRO and
later in DRDO, subsequently as Scientific Advisor to the
cabinet are well known, but I can’t close this article without
touching upon certain humane aspects of his, just before
he became the President and subsequent to his retirement.
I was at Delhi for some official work and one evening I met
him at his South Block office. We chatted for some time and
around 8.00 pm, he looked at his watch and said that he has
an appointment with the Prime Minister but asked me to
join him in the car till his guest house which I did. I bid him
good bye, went to my hotel and switched on the TV. I then
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
heard the announcement that he has been conferred with
the Bharat Ratna award! I could never congratulate him
personally as his phone was busy next three days! Another
time, while travelling to Bangalore from Delhi, I happened
to sit by his side in the same flight. When I requested him
to join us for a “home meal” that day, he readily agreed.
He asked me to pick him up at 1.00 pm at National
Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL), which I did. Dr TS Prahlad,
Director, NAL, an old friend of mine, was surprised to see
me there! “So, you are the culprit! Dr Kalam rushed through
the agenda items saying he has an important appointment
in the noon! He is now deserting our special buffet lunch
for a home meal!” he exclaimed. Kalam spent around three
hours at our home, enjoyed the food in the company of my
wife, daughter, and son. Years later, when we visited him at
Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the first remark he made was to my
wife saying he still remembered her home made ‘Uppina
kayi’ (Pickles)!
Kalam with Roshan and Rithvik, the singers, at their home in Bangalore,
along with their parents and my family
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Dr Abdul Kalam – Nation’s Technocrat and People’s President
Just before he moved in to the Rashtrapathi Bhavan,
I asked him whether he can oblige us for one hour dialogue
with about two hundred disabled children who were to
gather at a local Club premises in Bangalore, via wireless.
He agreed and we set up the connection. The children, with
unbound enthusiasm and joy, greeted him as he came on
the mike. I acted as an interpreter between him and the
children who spoke Kannada. A lively dialogue followed
including a child asking him as to what he should if he were
to grow up as another Kalam! His answers were witty, yet
encouraging, full of anecdotes and advices as to how they
have to face the society in spite of their handicaps. In the
end, as he bid good bye to them, he asked me “Hey Sathya,
did you truthfully translate what I told them or added your
own Masala to it?” I assured him, true to my name, that
I translated the truth but nothing but the truth! Laughing,
he closed the dialogue!
Another day, after he had retired from the President’s
position, I happened to listen to a music concert in North
Bangalore in which two blind boys, Roshan and Rithvik,
gave a soulful performance that virtually moved me to tears.
I came home and called Kalam and asked him whether he
can visit these boys at their home in Bangalore during his
visit to Bangalore next and listen to them. He instantly
agreed. On a date given by him, he arrived at Bangalore
from Hyderabad and, on his way to Raj Bhawan, he said
he would be at their home by 9.30 pm saying he just has
about 30 minutes to spend. I received him at their home and
introduced him to the boys and their parents. I had hinted
to the boys to start the programme with compositions
taken from the Tamil classic Thirukkural, to which Kalam
had a special affinity. As the boys started singing, I could
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
see Kalam visibly moved and excited and he started
urging them. “Sing! Sing!”. Compositions from Tyagaraja,
Purandara Dasa and others followed, until around
11.30 pm! At last, he got up ready to go but not before gifting
the boys with copies of his books in Brail version and blessing
them. He then turned towards my sister, who happened to
be there and said, “You are an Ophthalmologist and an eye
surgeon. Can you please gather the medical reports of these
boys, analyze them and send them to me at Delhi? I know
a professor at IIT there who is working on Bionic Eye and
perhaps, some day, his research could help these boys!”
A few minutes in to the road on his drive to Raj Bhawan,
he called me “Sathya, I want to thank you for a wonderful
evening you organised for me!” I was dumbfounded!
Dozens of Honorary Doctorates and nation’s highest
awards notwithstanding, he lived a simple life, a vegetarian
to the core, with multiple interest and as a true citizen,
ever striving for the welfare of the country. He endeared
himself to millions of his countrymen, all classes inclusive,
especially to the children and their teachers. A teacher by
himself, he breathed his last while teaching. I wonder, even
as on now, with time flying by after his demise, how many
children still hold grief over his absence and are chanting:
“Grandpa Kalam, please come back to us!”
•••
228

Joint Advanced Technology Programme at the Indian Institute of Science
29
Joint Advanced Technology
Programme at the
Indian Institute of Science
B DATTAGURU
HS MUKUNDA
DEPT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, BENGALURU
Dr Abdul Kalam was induced to take charge as the
Director of DRDL after his successful SLV project
in ISRO. By that time, Prof Satish Dhawan, who retired
from IISc and for a longer time holding the charge of ISRO
chairmanship, wanted to start ISRO-IISc space technology
cell (STC) to work on the scientific problems of interest
to ISRO. Dr Kalam saw the management model of (STC)
and desired very much to get a similar joint activity
started between DRDL and IISc. He wanted the model
of functioning of this joint programme [to be called Joint
Advanced Technology Programme (JATP)] more intensely
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
connected with the projects of the integrated guided missile
development programme (IGMDP) of DRDO (in this
manner it was different from STC model). The projects had
to have joint investigators, time lines for delivery of research
results and periodic reviews. In a way this approach was
entirely new at IISc at that time for most of the research
done by faculty had peer reviewed publications as aim
(as has been the case over the last three decades by and large)
with time line based delivery of research results very new.
Because Dr Kalam spoke to a large number of faculties and
induced them to do work that could go into development
projects directly, some faculty got fired up with this aim
and joined in to conduct research.
Thus, the starting of JATP in 1983 was in a way a vision
entirely of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Followed by a visit by
Dr Kalam to the Department of Aerospace Engineering,
IISc, there was an invitation to 7-8 faculty members
from IISc to visit Hyderabad and participate in a oneday
discussion on the needs of the missile programmes.
This resulted in the formation of JATP with enthusiastic
support from Prof S Ramaseshan, IISc Director, and
Dr VS Arunachalam, SA to RM to the ideas of Dr Kalam.
The first programme started with 14 joint projects. The
areas covered were aerodynamics, propulsion, structures,
guidance and control and involved at least three departments
– aerospace, mechanical and school of automation.
The moderating, coordinating role of JATP at IISc was
the responsibility of Prof HS Mukunda to begin with,
Prof B Dattaguru, Prof PR Mahapatra, Prof SM Deshpande
and Prof PJ Paul in subsequent times (all from the
department of Aerospace Engineering). The payoff from the
programme was very high in the early years and decreased
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Joint Advanced Technology Programme at the Indian Institute of Science
to very specific interaction levels later. The primary reason
was that after successful missile developments at DRDL,
the scientists and engineers of DRDL developed skills to
manage their projects but depended on IISc for only highend
activities in subsequent times.
Dr Kalam realised that the projects should make an
impact on the IGMDP programme and for this purpose they
should be able to attract competent faculty to undertake
them. The projects were made comfortable to operate due
to the following factors:
- They had counterparts from DRDL as co-investigators
- Budget for each project was estimated by PI and DRDL
counterpart
- Later they were operated as fixed price contracts (a new
introduction to finance management at IISc known only
for grants-in-aid projects at that time)
- Reviewed every three months vigorously
- Most of the projects were for 18 months (6 reviews for
18 months project)* (These frequent reviews put the
investigators on their toes)
When projects were framed for 24 months Dr Kalam
used to retort “For 24 month project you will seek 6 months
of additional time, I will not allow 18 months project to go
beyond 21 months”. Such was the demand he made on
the investigators. He took these projects so seriously that
he would call the convener and enquire about projects that
seemed to get delayed. Thus the convener’s responsibility
was also to ensure even more detailed interactions with
the investigators within IISc to ensure that projects did not
over-run the time.
The projects made a difference to the IGMDP programme
certainly in the early stages of the programme. The coverage
was quite comprehensive with Prof SM Deshpande leading
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
the CFD group, Dr IG Sharma on the programmes on flight
controls, Prof PR Mahapatra contributing to the Navigation
systems, Prof N Balakrishnan leading the Electro-magnetics
group, Prof HS Mukunda leading the research on propulsion
systems and Prof B Dattaguru leading on Fracture Mechanics
and Acoustic emission.
Finally, the series of projects undertaken in JATP for
more than a decade, resulted in contributing to self-reliance
in DRDL programmes in the areas mentioned above due
to contributions from IISc faculty. Such was the impact of
this programme that four of the faculty (Prof HS Mukunda,
Prof B Dattaguru, Prof PR Mahapatra, and Prof SM Deshpande)
from the Aerospace Engineering were given the DRDO
academic excellence award in the year 2002.
•••
Dr Kalam, Prof IG Sharma signing the MoU with Prof Mukunda
232

Joint Advanced Technology Programme at the Indian Institute of Science
Dr VS Arunachalam (SA to RM), Dr Kalam and Prof CNR Rao,
Director, IISc at a review meeting with Prof Dattaguru explaining
the progress. Sitting in the background are: Prof PR Mahapatra,
Dr KN Nanjudaswamy (officer from DRDL acting as an interface, and
Prof GN Venkataramana Rao
233

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – A Legend of Science & Engineering
30
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam –
A Legend of Science &
Engineering for Development &
Implementation of
Project Objective
DR SRIKANTO BANDYOPADHYAY
SENIOR FELLOW OF UNSW
SCHOOL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING,
UNSW, AUSTRALIA
I
, Srikanto Bandyopadhyay, an overseas Indian academic
by profession and researcher at UNSW (Australia)
Sydney, Faculty of Science am deeply shocked at the news
of the demise of former President of India Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam - the great Indian multifaceted personality of Science,
engineering and administration.
I know entire India and the world are in great shock
as well. I was in close project touch with Dr Kalam during
our early career at VSSC, ISRO, Thumba during 1969-74;
then Dr Kalam was project-in-charge of satellite, composite
materials and allied technologies at Thumba Equatorial
Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) whilst I was a materials
engineer in Space Science & Technology Centre - Materials
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
& Quality Control Division (SSTC MQC) at Veli Hill,
working on developing lighter and stronger engineering
toughened materials. Then my academic background was
from lIT, Kharagpur Metallurgical Engineering followed by
BARC Training School Mumbai, and then specialised in FRP
composites from the Department of Materials Science, lIT,
Kanpur.
What impressed me about Dr Kalam at VSSC ISRO was
his personal endeavour, unselfish attitude, and the fact that
he was 100 per cent heart and soul devoted to the success of
projects. He and his team used to work seven days a week.
His team members loved Dr Kalam because he ensured
that they benefitted and advanced in their career. Dr Kalam
never thought about what he was getting from the employer.
But, as I experienced there, VSSC ISRO Director Dr Vikram
Sarabhai, who had a clear vision, always had excellent
impression on Dr Kalam, so he advanced Dr Kalam.
At ISRO, I became so much influenced by Dr Kalam
by attending meetings for his selective projects including
his created set up of the elegant Fibre Reinforced Plastics
manufacturing unit and on the other hand, by seeing
Dr Kalam’s enthusiasm to take part in the game while
playing badminton every evening regularly at the Rocket
Club of Velayambalam located at Central Trivandrum.
Dr Kalam’s partner was mostly Mr. Aravamudan, and it
was fair to say that the entire Club surroundings vibrated
with their victorious voice every time one beat the other.
I loved and enjoyed that whilst I quietly used to play
contract bridge with the senior officials, to name a few were
HGS Murthy, Vasant Gowarikar, SC Gupta, Janardana Rao,
and other ISRO members.
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – A Legend of Science & Engineering
My MQC Division Head Dr MK Mukherjee, who
used to live in the local Ramakrishna Mission, told me
that Dr Kalam was keen to learn on Sri Ramakrishna form
Dr Mukherjee. Knowing all these facts, I felt so nostalgic
being a student of Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission in
the suburban area of the then Calcutta.
Times went past and I came to Australia in 1978 to do
Ph.D at Monash University, and Dr Kalam later left VSSC
and joined DRDO and eventually became the President of
India in 2002. This is historic in the sense that for the first
time, a scientist to take up the responsibility of President of
India, the first citizen of the country!
In 2004, at my workplace at University of New South
Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, I saw on a website
that on April 29, 2004 President Dr Kalam gave the opening
speech at a One-day workshop on ‘Nanotechnology’ held
in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. I thoroughly went
through his speech article and was very excited because
at that time, I was also working on nanotechnology at
UNSW, because through my M.Tech, Ph.D and work
experience at Australian Ministry of Health, Australian
Defence DSTO, I, Sri Bandyopadhyay, was then broadly
a Material and Energy researcher including polymer
composites and nanotechnology. One particular paragraph
of Dr Kalam’s speech attracted my attention: “the world
market in 2004 is for nano materials, nano tools, nano
devices and nanobiotechnology put together is expected
to be over hundred billion dollars; and among these, the
fastest growing area is nanobiotechnology”. He showed
that Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and its composites would
give rise to super strong, smart and intelligent structures
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
in the field of material science. He continued, “Molecular
switches and circuits along with nano cell will pave the way
for the next generation computers. Ultra dense computer
memory coupled with excellent electrical performance
will give the society low power, low cost, nano size and
yet faster assemblies. Nano Biomedical sensors will play a
major role in glucose detection and endoscopic implants.
Drug delivery system will revolutionise the healthcare to
a large extent. The last four decades have also effected the
packaging concept. Electronics packaging of the past has
given way to the present microsystems packaging and
the shift in the trend is now towards the futuristic nano
packaging”
So I, Dr Srikanto Bandyopadhyay, became keenly
interested to have an interaction with Dr Kalam to set
up an India-Australia Nanotech Centre at my university
UNSW, Australia. I discussed my thoughts at UNSW with
my then Head of School, Dean & colleagues of Australia.
On May 24, 2004, I sent a letter by air-mail to President
Dr Kalam in New Delhi requesting him to consider setting
up an Australia – India Nanotechnology Centre at UNSW.
He was so positive in his approach that barely two weeks
later, I received an email from Dr Kalam’s Secretary Shri.
H. Sheridon asking me possible dates of my visit to New
Delhi, so that a convenient date and time can be fixed for
the meeting with Dr Kalam. Eventually, I visited Dr Kalam
at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on July 19, 2004 with
full support of my university authorities. I had brought
with me a full detailed proposal of the work as well had
a letter of support from by my then UNSW FoS Dean Prof
Mike Archer.
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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – A Legend of Science & Engineering
At this meeting Dr Kalam quickly went through the
document, he liked the discussion and then asked his
secretary to arrange a meeting for me next day, July 20, 2004,
with then DST-India Secretary Prof. Ramamurthy. So, the
next day, on 20 th July, I, UNSW’s Dr Sri Bandyopadhyay,
visited DST - Secretary Prof Ramamurthy and International
Advisor Dr YP Kumar. Lots of things happened after
that. A year later, in July 2005, the DST officials visited
Australia, when they also dropped at my office at UNSW
Australia in Sydney. As I was told by DIISR officials, in 2006
Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard visited India
when all documents were signed by the two Governments.
Eventually, Dr Kalam’s far sighted approach and initiative
transformed my July 19, 2004 meeting with Dr Kalam into
the subsequent highly developed multi-million dollar
activity of over 40 million Australian dollar under Australia
India Strategic Research Funding (AISRF) project scheme
involving DST India and DIISR Australia - running from
around 2008 –2016.
That was Dr Kalam who was so dynamic and practical
in approach to set the ball running.
•••
239

Meeting with Dr Kalam – Unforgettable Experience
31
Meeting with Dr Kalam –
Unforgettable Experience
DR DODDA JAGAN MOHAN
UNIVERSITY OF WEST BOHEMIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
People have described Dr Kalam as a visionary, great
scientist and lots of big words; but to my thinking,
I feel he is an example for a perfect normal human being.
To understand him, we don’t need to be scientist or a
professor; even a non-scientific person will also connect
with him and would like to give him respect automatically
due to his simplicity, his down to earth personality and
devotion towards work. He does not say big ideas for which
you need millions and millions of funds to achieve. His
views are directed towards simple things, which could be
beneficial for a common man and his well-being.
I still remember the time when I met him for the first
time in 2008. He had come to Korea Institute of Science and
Techology (KIST), and I was working as a postdoctoral
researcher in neighboring Korea Forest Research Institute
(KFRI). One of my friends informed me that Dr Kalam will
be visiting KIST and presenting his lecture on vision 2020.
The moment I heard that, my mind was so anxious to meet
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
him. From the morning onwards I was very nervous and
was thinking ways to meet him and have a photograph
with him. On the other hand, it kept coming to my mind
if I could just see him; taking a photo with him will never
happen. Somehow this confusion came to an end. I started
walking to KIST and kept thinking what I should do to meet
Dr Kalam and talk to him for a moment and take a photo.
It was cold weather. The good thing was people were
somewhat less compared to what we see in India. I gave my
camera to my friend, and told him to please take as many
photos as possible when I go near to Dr Kalam.
The moment came… Dr Kalam entered the hall, while
walking he started to speak with people around him and
walked towards the stage. My eyes kept looking at him.
I could not believe that I am seeing Dr Kalam whom
I consider as my guru in scientific field. Everybody was
waiting for his lecture. The hall was completely silent. And
he took the mike and said, today I don’t want to speak -
I want you to ask questions and share your thoughts.
Now everybody was looking at each other. I was filled
with tension, I thought this is the best moment to talk, or
else I won’t get any other opportunity in my life. With a
lot of hesitation I got up though I was shivering; I asked a
simple question, Dr Kalam, what kind of thermally stable
materials is used for the spacecraft which has the strength
to withstand the shielding effect, as the temperature is too
high and what kind of clothing is used in the space? After
asking the question I felt very good and proud of myself
that I asked a question to Dr Kalam. He politely answered
my question with some interesting facts. I was standing
till he completed the reply. When I sat down my heart was
beating very fast and then slowly settled down.
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Meeting with Dr Kalam – Unforgettable Experience
Now, I was preparing a plan to take a photograph
with Dr Kalam. How……. How…… how… ? After
completing the lecture some of the professors and scientists
were standing on the stage along with him and taking
photographs, while remaining people were sitting in their
seats. I could not control myself, I ran towards the stage
and sat down near his feet other students followed me.
And I got the pictures! I also shook his hand and told him
how much I admire him and that he was my inspiration.
He politely told me to work hard, and everything will be
good. The crowd was holding his hand strongly, but he
never said a single word. I have never seen a person like
Dr Kalam in my whole life. Even it might have been hurting
him, as people want to touch him in that cold weather but
he kept smiling and shared his views on vision 2020. He told
us that our research should be useful for the development
of India. And after some days, I was looking at the KFRI
web-page, if there were any pictures of myself and I was
surprised to see some very fantastic pictures taken by the
KFRI staff. This was and always be my proud moment.
Scientific spirit of a person never dies. It enlightens
with each new invention. That’s what I think about
Dr Kalam.
•••
243

Memories: Incredible Kalam
Group photograph at KIST
244

My Meeting with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
32
My Meeting with
Dr APJ ABDUL KALAM
DEVYANI SINHA
still remember the day when I and my parents got the
I privilege to meet Dr Kalam on July 13, 2013 at his residence
10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi. Sir Kalam had a keen desire to
meet us as I and my father had made a small booklet on his
achievements and dedication for children. The concept was
based on his book “Wings of Fire”.
The meeting I termed as a big jackpot opportunity
for us to pay a visit to him. After reaching his residence,
we waited for some time until his previous meeting was
over, then we were ushered in; Dr Kalam stood up and
greeted us very warmly. On knowing that my father works
in DESIDOC, DRDO, he felt very delighted. I shared an
illustration created by me in which sir was leaning on Agni
missile. We were mesmerized with Dr Kalam’s humble
nature.
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Memories: Incredible Kalam
I did not feel even for a second that I was meeting the
former President of India. The conversation centered on
my future plans and an advice to prepare for Civil Services
and other government jobs, he said that it will make him
proud if I serve towards the development of the country.
He shared many of his experiences and talked about igniting
the young minds through his books and speeches. While
writing this article the memories of time spent with him are
coming back to me making my heart crying. He illustrated
a ‘simple living and high thinking”, which explained
why people loved him so much, made him the “people’s
president”.
Dr Kalam was the man of a great vision and elevated
dreams for Mother India. He was a great human being and
will be remembered for ever.
My father asked his permission for translating his
book ‘My journey - a collection of poems” in Hindi, which
he promptly granted. The translation is under progress and
will be completed soon.
He inspired a generation of Indians and I feel very
proud to have met him personally. He was a beautiful
human being. He inspired me to share my experiences
with the world. Dr Kalam taught me a valuable lesson
that no matter who you are but be a good human being
above everything else. He taught me to dream. It was very
shocking to learn that he was not more. I pray that his
beautiful soul rest in peace.
•••
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My Meeting with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
247

“He welcomed me warmly and
said, “Now you are the boss of the
empire” and I replied saying, “I am
the caretaker now of the empire
created by you”
- Dr S Christopher
He was the most popular President of
India ever. His simplicity, unassuming
nature, easy accessibility, his patriotism
and passion towards converting India to
a developed country, and his belief that
youth of India would make this dream
come true, were the qualities which
catapulted him the unbelievable status
he attained at the end.
- Dr VK Aatre
He left an everlasting impression as
to how a technologically complex
project could be successfully
completed through mission mode
planning and execution.
- Dr VK Saraswat
People like Dr Kalam do not die; they
live forever through what they have created,
what they have changed.
- Dr Avinash Chander
Everybody departs from this
world, so did he. But the
great deeds done in this world
remain forever. Kalam is indeed
immortalised by the
Agni Missile.
- RN Agarwal
He was a highly self-motivated
person, and would assume
responsibilities, on his own, to
perform tasks which were beyond
and higher than his official
responsibilities.
- Ved Prakash Sandlas
Dr Kalam lived like a Parijatha lower,
giving ever remaining fragrance,
knowledge, message, and vision to
all Indians, especially to the youth.
- Dr AS Pillai
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, was a
personification of all round
excellence as a human
being, great scientist, exceptional
leader, an iconic president, a true
friend and model teacher.
- W Selvamurthy
Inspirational words of Dr Kalam
will always keep motivating the
scientific fraternity to aspire for
greater heights and to set new
benchmarks in the years to come.
- Dr G Satheesh Reddy
Dr Kalam was a true leader, an
inspirational senior, a majestic Guru
and a glorious person, who mesmerized
the world with his humility.
- Dr KD Nayak
Ministry of Defence
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)
2016