Daily writing prompt

If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

View all responses

Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you smiling and feeling curious today. I came across a writing prompt that really made me pause: “If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?”

After thinking about it for a while, one person instantly came to mind: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

You might know him as India’s “Missile Man” or as the inspiring former President, but for me, he represents something even bigger—a life full of dreams, humility, and endless curiosity.

Why Abdul Kalam?

Honestly, it’s not just because of his achievements in science and technology, although those are incredible. What really fascinates me is who he was as a person.

He came from Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, grew up in a simple home, and even helped his family by delivering newspapers as a young boy. Can you imagine?

The same boy who once sold newspapers went on to shape India’s space and missile programs.

That journey alone is awe-inspiring, but it’s the lessons in perseverance, patience, and discipline that I’d love to learn from him in person.

Most people know him as a scientist and leader, but here’s something you might not: Abdul Kalam loved poetry.

Yes, the man behind rockets and missiles also believed in the power of words, creativity, and imagination.

He often said that science and art are connected and that creativity is the fuel for innovation. Meeting him would be like talking to someone who sees the world in equations and in dreams—a combination that seems almost magical.

Another reason I’d want to meet him is his humility. Even as President, he lived simply, ate simple meals, and stayed accessible to everyone.

He didn’t care about luxury or titles; he cared about people and ideas. I think sitting across from him would be a reminder that influence doesn’t come from wealth or power—it comes from integrity, vision, and service.

And then there’s his love for students and education.

Kalam believed that young minds are the future and traveled tirelessly to inspire them. Over 600 educational institutions, countless classrooms—he made it his mission to encourage students to dream big.

I’d love to hear him talk about the role of imagination, creativity, and curiosity in our lives. How did he stay motivated?
How did he overcome obstacles without giving in to frustration? These are questions I’d hope to ask him.

One thing that strikes me most is his resilience.

Working on India’s missile programs wasn’t easy—there were countless technical challenges, political pressures, and moments when things could have failed.

Yet, he remained calm, focused, and optimistic. Meeting him would be a chance to understand not just how to dream, but how to turn those dreams into reality, even in the face of difficulties.

If I could have just a few minutes with him, I’d ask about all these things—and more.

I’d want to hear stories from his life that we rarely see in history books: the small struggles, the moments of doubt, the inspiration he drew from simple things.

And I’d want to learn from his energy, his vision, and his unwavering belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

In the end, meeting Abdul Kalam wouldn’t just be about meeting a historical figure—it would be about meeting someone who showed the world that dreams, dedication, and kindness can go hand in hand.

It would be about learning how to live with purpose, humility, and courage.

So, dear friends, here’s my question for you: If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be, and why?

The answer is more than curiosity—it’s a reflection of what we value, what inspires us, and what we hope to carry forward in our own lives.

For me, Abdul Kalam will always be that person—the dreamer, the teacher, the inspiration.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

If this post inspired you, show some love! 💙
✅ Like | ✅ Follow | ✅ Share | ✅ Comment

 www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #History, articles, blog, christianity, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-2128, featured, writing