Update 28.07.2015: Dr.Abdul Kalam passed away on 27th July 2015. Even as the entire country mourns on the sad demise of a great man who woul always be a source of inspiration to us in all the walks of life, we could cherish reading about true incidents in the life of Mr.Kalam and try to follow his path. Here is one such true incident during his stint at ISRO
There were about 70 scientists working on a very hectic project. All of them were really frustrated due to the pressure of work and the demands of their boss but everyone was loyal to him and did not think of quitting their job.
One day, one scientist came to his boss and told him, “Sir, I have promised my children that I will take them to the exhibition going on in our township so I want to leave the office at 5:30 pm.”
His boss replied, “OK, You’re permitted to leave the office early today.”
The Scientist started working. He continued his work after lunch. As usual, he got involved to such an extent that he looked at his watch only when he felt he was close to completion. The time was 8.30 PM.
Suddenly he remembered the promise he had made to his children.
He looked for his boss but he was not there. Having told him in the morning himself, he closed everything and left for home. Deep within himself, he was feeling guilty for having disappointed his children. He reached home. The children were not there.
His wife alone was sitting in the hall and reading magazines. The situation was explosive; any talk would boomerang on him. His wife asked him, “Would you like to have coffee or shall I straight away serve dinner if you are hungry?”
The man replied, “If you would like to have coffee, I too will have but what about the children?”
Hi wife replied, “You don’t know? Your boss came here at 5.15 PM and has taken the children to the exhibition.”
What had really happened was … The boss who granted him permission was observing him working seriously at 5.00 PM. He thought to himself, this person will not leave the work, but if he has promised his children they should enjoy the visit to exhibition. So he took the lead in taking them to exhibition.
The boss does not have to do it every time. But once it is done, loyalty is established. That is why all the scientists at Thumba continued to work under their boss even though the stress was tremendous.
By the way, can you hazard a guess as to who the boss was?
He was none other than the mastermind behind India ‘s successful nuclear weapons and missiles program – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India.
