Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Mantra: When The Missile Man Blended Science with Spirituality

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If ever there was someone who could inspire you to chase your wildest dreams and reach for the stars it was none other than the respected Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Nicknamed as the Missile Man of India, he not just reigned as everyone's favourite President, but he was an aerospace and defence scientist, teacher and a true national icon.

He grew up in a small town in Tamil Nadu, and though he worked as a paperboy in his initial years his ambitions were anything but small. Beyond the science and accolades, Dr Kalam was deeply spiritual and believed in the power of dreams, resilience and the journey of inner growth. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam believed that progress was not limited to technology, he wanted to build a better and more compassionate world and was a strong guide to students.

People who follow science believe in understanding the world through evidence, experiments, and careful observation. They value curiosity, questioning, and finding natural explanations rather than relying on faith alone. While some focus on human values and ethics without religion, others combine science with their personal beliefs, making each person's view on science and faith unique. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam fell in the second category as he kept a perfect balance between science and spirituality.

On his 93rd birth anniversary on October 15th, 2024 here's look at the "Missile Man of India's" perspectives and beliefs -

'My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji' - In his book 'Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji', Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam reflects on his transformative encounters with spiritual leaders, particularly Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj. Through his friendship with Pramukh Swamiji, Kalam discovered a profound merge of spirituality and science. He recounts childhood memories of interfaith discussions in his village, where scholars from Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam would gather to discuss societal issues, fostering a sense of unity.

He recalls lessons from his mentor, Dr. Brahm Prakash, on the importance of tolerance and a positive outlook. Meeting Jain monk Acharya Mahapragya also deepened his understanding of morality, which he described as rooted in self-awareness.

A Startling Question - On 15th March 2001, he recounts meeting Sadhu Brahmavihari Das, a disciple of Pramukh Swamiji who asked him a startling question. "After detonating the first atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer remembered the Gita: "I am the destroyer of the world." What came to your mind when you made the first atomic bomb for India?"Kalam who was taken aback by this question said, "The power of God does not destroy, it creates." To this, the disciple replied, 'Our spiritual teacher, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, is a great unifier. He has integrated our energies into taking the life out of the wreckage and reviving it.'

Kalam emphasizes in the book that achieving harmony starts with cultivating a harmonious conscience, which requires introspection and control over one's ego. By connecting with the deeper essence of the soul, individuals can contribute to creating a more unified and peaceful world.

Dr Madhavan Nair, on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam - The former chairman of ISRO wrote in his recently published autobiography 'Rocketing Through The Skies' that he had never seen anyone like his Guru, mentor and guide who talked about all the religious scriptures like the Quran, Bible, Thirukkural and Bhagavad Gita with an equal depth.

Dr Kalam who was also known as a People's President was in the former chairman's exact words "A devout Muslim, he would perform Namaz daily, fast during Ramadan, and read the Quran. He engaged with temples and churches with the same intensity. One could witness a rare mingling of many great Indian values in him".

Once Upon A Time in Tirupati Temple - Dr Madhavan Nair recalls an incident in his memoir as well. On one occasion, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam accompanied Dr Nair to the Tirupati temple, where a tradition among the space team involved offering a small rocket model before each launch.

The chief priest, initially surprised to see a Muslim scientist there, welcomed Dr. Kalam warmly. As they conversed, their discussion turned to Hindu philosophy-a subject on which Dr. Kalam displayed remarkable knowledge, impressing the priest, who held a doctorate in the field.

Through his spiritual practices, inherited from his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar, and his groundbreaking contributions to India's missile and nuclear programs, Dr. Kalam demonstrated that faith and scientific pursuit could coexist in harmony.

Ending with one of his popular quotes "I wonder why some people tend to see science as something which takes man away from God. As I look at it, the path of science can always wind through the heart. For me, science has always been the path to spiritual enrichment and self-realization".