“It's when children are 15, 16 or 17 that they decide whether they want to be a doctor, an engineer, a politician or go to the Mars or moon. That is the time they start having a dream, and that's the time you can work on them. You can help them shape their dreams.”

Indian aerospace engineer and science administrator

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace engineer and science administrator who served as president of India from 2002 to 2007. He is remembered for his role in public life and for his work in science and defence technology. In 1997, he received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for his contribution to scientific research and the modernisation of defence technology in India. His public voice often reflected his work in science, service, and national development.