Ignited Minds

02How Role Models Shape Our Destiny

We rarely achieve greatness in a vacuum. If you examine the trajectory of any highly successful individual, you will almost always find a guiding hand, a voice of wisdom, or a towering figure whose example paved the way. Dr. Kalam places immense emphasis on the concept of role models, arguing that they are the catalysts that accelerate our growth and help us navigate the turbulent waters of ambition. But what exactly makes a true role model, and how do we find them in a world that often celebrates superficial success? A genuine role model does much more than just teach technical skills. They impart a vision, build character, and, most importantly, provide a psychological safety net during times of inevitable failure. Dr. Kalam’s own professional journey was profoundly shaped by visionary leaders like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. Satish Dhawan. Through his interactions with them, he learned lessons that no textbook could ever deliver. One of the most striking examples from the book involves a catastrophic failure during the development of the Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV-3. It was 1979, and Dr. Kalam was the project director. After years of relentless work, the launch day arrived. However, shortly after liftoff, the rocket malfunctioned and plunged into the Bay of Bengal. The mission was a highly publicized failure, and millions of dollars were lost. Dr. Kalam was devastated, overwhelmed by a crushing sense of responsibility and fear of the impending media backlash. What happened next is a masterclass in leadership. Prof. Satish Dhawan, the chairman of the organization, took Dr. Kalam to the press conference. Instead of throwing his project director under the bus, Prof. Dhawan took the microphone and assumed full responsibility for the failure. He assured the nation and the media that he completely trusted his team and promised they would succeed the following year. Prof. Dhawan absorbed all the criticism, acting as a shield for his team. Fast forward to 1980, the team was ready for another attempt. This time, the launch was a spectacular success, placing the Rohini satellite perfectly into orbit. When it was time to face the press and celebrate this historic achievement, Prof. Dhawan stepped back and told Dr. Kalam to conduct the press conference. When failure occurred, the leader took the blame. When success was achieved, the leader gave the credit to the team. This profound experience etched an indelible mark on Dr. Kalam’s soul, showing him the true essence of noble leadership. This story forces us to reflect on our own lives and the people we choose to look up to. Are we idolizing individuals merely for their wealth, fame, or social media following? Or are we seeking out mentors who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to elevating others? Finding a role model requires intentionality. You must look for people who not only excel in your desired field but also exhibit the character traits you wish to embody. Moreover, the relationship with a role model does not always have to be direct or personal. You can find mentors in the pages of biographies, in historical figures, or through the speeches of great thinkers. By studying their lives, their decision-making processes, and their handling of adversity, you can internalize their wisdom. The ultimate goal of having a role model, however, is not to remain a follower forever. The natural progression of an ignited mind is to eventually become a beacon of light for someone else. As you grow, accumulate knowledge, and overcome your own hurdles, you inevitably become the person someone else looks up to. Whether you are a parent guiding a child, a senior employee mentoring a new hire, or a community leader inspiring volunteers, you carry the responsibility of shaping the destiny of those around you. By adopting the grace, humility, and courage of the great leaders who came before us, we ensure that the chain of inspiration remains unbroken.

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