Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Born into a humble family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1931, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a famous scientist, nicknamed the 'Missile Man of India' for his key role in developing India's space programme, missile programme and nuclear capabilities.

Dr Kalam was the 11th President of India, from 2002 to 2007.

Despite his high position, he stayed close to the people, especially the young, through his passion for good education and new ideas. He inspired millions with his humility, his work for social causes and his commitment to the nation, and kept encouraging young Indians to dream big and work hard.

This page comes right after the table that called the President a nominal head, and that is on purpose. Dr Kalam showed that even though the President's position is nominal, he could play an important role and change countless lives. Influence is not the same thing as official power.

Some of his thoughts:

• 'Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.'
• 'Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.'
• 'To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.'
• 'If four things are followed — having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance — then anything can be achieved.'

And on failing: 'If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means First Attempt In Learning. End is not the end, in fact E.N.D. means Effort Never Dies. If you get 'no' as an answer, remember N.O. means Next Opportunity. So let's be positive.'