Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is the man whose efforts are largely responsible for shaping the defence programme of India.

Fondly called “the missile man”, Dr Kalam was among India's leading scientists before he became the President of India. He worked with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and helped in making India self-sufficient in satellite and space technology. Later, Kalam worked for developing sophisticated missiles and other defence technology and acquired the status of a national hero for leading India's nuclear weapons test in 1998.

Dr Kalam has always emphasized on the importance of creativity and innovation in anything we do. He says that India needs creative leaders rather than managers or commanders. “If you really want to be a leader, then you have to be a coach rather than a commander, or an advisor rather than a manager and a representative of your colleagues instead of becoming a director,"

In 2002, he was elected as the President of the country and graced the post until 2007. Kalam's leadership style and vision are not just valued in India but the man commands respect everywhere he goes. People soon fall for his charismatic way of talking and get endeared to him. He is known to give a leadership mantra as a tip-off everywhere he goes for a public event. Dr Kalam has a very idealistic view on success and failure. He says that when failure occurs, a leader should humbly own it and acknowledge it. When success comes, the leader should again have the humility to give credit to all the people who worked for it