Kalam was a diehard optimist: ex-colleagues

From a small boatman’s family in Rameswaram to President of India, former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam achieved a lot and set new standards in Indian defence and space research. But not many are aware that he was not only a scientist but also a good administrator, manager and a humble person.

These facts were revealed by past and present scientists, who worked with the former President at a programme organised by V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College here on Saturday.

Most people think Mr. Kalam always succeeded and had never failed but that’s not the case. In fact, his first project was a failure but that did not deter him from thinking positive and trying hard to achieve his goal. The key to his success were planning, analysing, review and monitoring, said Dr.N.N. Sastry, Retired Associate Director, DLRL, DRDO. Mr. Sastry had the opportunity of working with the late President in the DRDO.

There was a situation, when he had to obtain sanctions from higher authorities and only one day was left for the file to be cleared. Mr. Kalam managed to get the sanctions using his managerial skills, he recalled.

“When I became a project director, he asked me to give credit for the team when a project succeeds and take failures in your stride, if it fails. This is a leader’s quality,” said Mr. Sastry.

Dr. K. Jayaraman, Director, DRDL, DRDO, Hyderabad, who also worked with the former President in Akash missile project, said he left behind many leaders and teams to continue the high standards of research and innovation.

“When we were working on a project, the motor propeller system failed for nine times and the project was getting delayed. I was tense but Mr. Kalam motivated and said he had faith in the team,” said Mr. Jayaraman. Siddhartha Academy of General and Technical Education president N. Venkateswarlu, vice-president M. Rajaiah and others spoke on the occasion.