He is the first scientist to head the world's largest democracy. Widely known as the Missile Man, APJ Abdul Kalam is acknowledged as the driving force behind India's leap in the defence technology that brought India in the league of nuclear nations. From Rameshwaram to Rashtrapati Bhawan at Delhi, Kalam's life is literally a story of success trough sheer hardwork and determination, specially considering that he started life as a boat owner's son, who sold newspaper as a child. The secret is in positive thinking, for according to kalam, "Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life." Unlike other political leaders, he retains his humility and accessibility. For Kalam, India's true assets are its youth and he continues to try and motivate them. As he says, "The nation requires role models in leadership who can inspire youngsters. There is no dearth of resources and talent in this country but what we need is more creativity." His dream is to make India a developed nation by 2020. In his personal life, Kalam observes strict discipline, practicing vegetarianism, teetotalism and celibacy. He has written many non-fiction books like his outobiography Wings of Fire as well as several volumes of Tamil poetry.