We need both innovation and compassion, renowned scientist and former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam tells Ananya Borgohain
You are a man of science but spirituality, faith and the habit of praying had been pertinent factors of your life when you were growing up. As you write, “I have endeavoured to understand the fundamental truths revealed to me by my father, and feel convinced that there exists a divine power that can lift one up from confusion, misery, melancholy and failure, and guide one to one’s true place”. Today, when you read reports of religious bigotry and alleged criminals posing as ‘god-men’, how do you react to themIJ
Throughout my education period, be it primary school or high school or college, I was taught by great teachers. In every aspect of my life, I was taught by my parents and teachers: “Problems will always appear, but you should not allow problems to be the captains. You should be the captain, defeat the problem and succeed”. This advise I follow even today.
You speak endearingly about your hometown Rameswaram. How has the Rameswaram landscape changed for you todayIJ
Yesterday, the whole of Rameswaram Island had clean sea and water. Today, it’s under tremendous pressure of tourists, pilgrims, and business activities resulting to crowding of the island. A big mission has to start for a clean, beautiful, and tourist friendly island. Certain missions have already been started, viz. solar power street-lamps, solar power houses, and cleaning of pilgrim centres, particularly, holy tanks.
You had joined the ISRO in 1962. Please share with us your response to India’s successful Mars mission this year.
India’s Mars mission is unique for the reason that for the first time India is capable of inserting the Mars spacecraft in the martian orbit in its maiden attempt. This indicates the technological level and the confidence of the ISRO team. The future missions for ISRO can be, a cost effective reusable launch vehicle and be a partner in the international space solar power mission.
In your interview, as compiled in The Righteous life, you mention that the first failure of SlV-3, the hurdles in launching Agni, and particularly the Airbone Surveillance Crash (1999) were devastating experiences for you and that they disrupted your ego-structure and also helped discover your real self. Please tell us about it.
The type of work what my team and I were doing, I realise that failures are stepping-stones for success. You can now see ISRO and DRDO are going through success after success.
You have shared your recollections of World War II. This is the centenary year since the beginning of WWI. As a former President of India, how do you look at the notion of warring from a contemporary Indian perspectiveIJ
At my Special Address at the Beijing Forum 2012 on 02 November 2012 on the theme “Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All — Challenges and Opportunities : New Thinking in New Reality”, I said that all nations of the world have in one way or the other, for centuries, survived based on conflicts, be it national, regional and global. There is an element of frustration, among nations themselves, and the people would like to live in peace. I have come to the conclusion that every nation needs a mission bigger than its people, bigger than the nation. I hope we evolve and present a greater vision where the nation will be busy and committed, work globally, regionally and nationally resulting in conflict free, peaceful, prosperous societies of the world.
You have suggested in the past that nuclear power is important for India. Please tell us why it is crucial for the country and how equipped we areIJ
Why it is important is because at present, we generate less than 10,000 MW power from nuclear power-plants. But what the country needs is clean power to the tune of 50,000 MW before 2030.
In your essay, Seven Turning Points of my life, you mention discussing with Mata Amritanandmayee, your “vision of India 2020 and value-based education”. What is your vision for India in 2020IJ
I personally believe, we need not only the prosperity of the nation, but also great citizens and great human beings. Great citizens and great human beings emerge from spiritual home and moulding by good primary school teachers. About this, I have also given details in my recent books — Manifesto for Change and Beyond 2020.
You have been an immensely respected political figure. Also, as a scientist and an academic, what do you think is India’s main drawback — legal loopholes, casteism, lack of education, faulty judiciaryIJ How do you suggest should we resolve themIJ
I strongly believe that India needs leadership with innovation in thinking and action, and along with that we also need compassion towards the needy people.
Do you cultivate any hobbyIJ What pursuits make you busy and happy when you are not workingIJ
I like to meet the youth and share their dreams. I have so far met 18.5 million youths. My other important hobby is, writing, writing, and writing! And above all, pushing the national vision — India 2020.
Have there been any regrets in your lifeIJ
I would want the youth to be further mobilised. Youth power has to play a very important role in nation building, particularly to reach the benefits planned by the Government to the people of 600,000 villages. I am sure, that will take place.
Has there been any particular incident, which has left vivid imprints in your mindIJ
let me share a beautiful hymn that I heard during one of my visits to a spiritual centre:
Righteousness, where there is righteousness in the heart; there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home. There is an order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.