Abdul Kalam Poetry Analysis

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) is better known as a scientist all over the world. He studied physics and aerospace engineering and dreamt to be a part of the Indian Air Force as a pilot of fighter jet. Unfortunately he did not get the chance to fly in the sky. He had to compromise with his childhood wish. He became a scientist and started working with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He played vital role in India 's civilian space program and military missile development efforts. Thus he was called Missile Man of India. Pokhran-II nuclear tests were done in 1998 and he played a pivotal role in the whole matter. He was elected the 11th President …show more content…
All the poems are taken from his personal website. They have been chosen keeping in mind their varied themes which reflect the checkered moods and thought processes of Dr. Dr. Kalam, the poet. In the poem Our Mission is Water Dr. Kalam has delineated a picture of united humanity through the symbolic presentation of the river Nile. The Nile is a confluence of two tributaries-the Blue Nile and the White Nile. The poet says the two rivers undergo a long and difficult journey to reach Sudanese capital Khartoum where they meet. This very confluence serves a great “mission” (12) for the betterment of human civilisation. The “beautiful message” (14) of the confluence should reach the humanity. The present world is segmented each day on the pretexts of caste, creed, religion, politics, economy, language, culture and many more. We have failed to make the world a common ground for the greater cause of a united humanity. Nature has no such intention to divide the humanity. Human civilisation has grown on the lap of nature since its creation and nature has always been a mother figure for all the creatures. Mother never divides her children on any pretext. To her eyes all are equal and get equal treatment of love and affection from her. If our creator, i.e. mother nature does not divide us, how can we divide humanity …show more content…
Kalam sketches the journey of the Nile and uses it as his mouthpiece. The Nile is a major river in northwestern Africa and is considered to be the longest river in the world. It is international in its character as its water resources are shared by eleven countries, though the poet says “enriching nine countries” (10). Apart from the geographical status of the river the poem demands a deep analysis. The title itself is very relevant and speaks many a word. Water is life and it is a universal truth. If the word ‘water’ is superseded by the word ‘life’ the title reads ‘Our Mission is Life’. Dr. Kalam always voted in favour of a universal life nullifying the least possibility of any sort of discrimination. Life should flow like water crossing all the barriers and enriching the greater humanity. Our hearts should “travel” (8) “thousands of miles” (10) to come together demolishing all kinds of divisions. The purpose of humanity will not be fulfilled until they feel the touch of common water-the universal life. Dr. Kalam proves to be a great poet when we see his love for nature and his ability to interpret nature in an allegorical sense. The symbolic use of the river Nile is very fitting to the very theme of the poem to delineate a broader perspective of humanity. The colours ‘blue’ and ‘white’ in the poem symbolically suggest the different colours of human being living in different parts of the world. Surely the humanity will “blossom with happiness” (17) only when we will