A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
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	Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Born	15 October 1931 (age 93); Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, British India
Nationality	Indian
Education
Alma mater
Occupation	Aerospace Scientist, Author, Professor
Years active	1958–2015
Known for	Pokhran-II nuclear tests, Missile Development, Presidency
Notable works	Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020, Turning Points
Awards	Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan
Spouse(s)	None
Children	None
Parents	Jainulabdeen (father), Ashiamma (mother)
Religion
Website	Official Website

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist, educator, and author who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missiles and space technology, he was widely respected across political, religious, and age boundaries in India.^[1]

Early Life and Education

Kalam was born in a modest Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His father was a boat owner and imam. Despite economic challenges, Kalam excelled in studies and had a deep interest in mathematics and science.^[2]

He studied physics at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and later pursued aerospace engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).^[3]

Scientific Career

Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. He was the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III), which deployed Rohini satellite in 1980.^[4]

At DRDO, he played a crucial role in developing India’s strategic missiles: Agni and Prithvi. He was instrumental in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which established India as a nuclear state.^[5]

Presidency (2002–2007)

In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India with bipartisan support. As a “People’s President,” he was known for connecting with the youth, traveling extensively, and encouraging innovation and education.^[6]

Post-Presidency and Teaching

After leaving office, Kalam returned to public life as a visiting professor at institutions such as:

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong
Anna University
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

He continued to write and speak, inspiring youth across the country.

Death

On 27 July 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong, Kalam collapsed due to cardiac arrest and passed away at the age of 83. He was laid to rest at Rameswaram with full state honors.^[7]

Legacy

Kalam received India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1997. He remains a role model for youth and is remembered for his humility, vision, and commitment to national development.

Several institutions, scholarships, and memorials have been named after him, including:

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow
Kalam Island (Wheeler Island), Odisha

Notable Works

Wings of Fire (Autobiography)
India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
Ignited Minds
Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges
Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji

References

[1] ttps://www.britannica.com/biography/A-P-J-Abdul-Kalam

[2] ttps://www.abdulkalam.com/kalam-theme/kalam-biography/

[3] ttps://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/oct/15/on-dr-kalams-birth-anniversary-heres-a-look-at-the-life-of-missile-man-of-india-2507871.html

[4] ttps://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/slv.html

[5] ttps://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pokhran-ii-india-s-second-nuclear-test-1018827

[6] ttps://presidentofindia.nic.in/former-presidents.htm

[7] ttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kalam-passes-away-nation-mourns-loss-of-missile-man/story-k0GyfYdX7nO0z4cb63D4cL.html

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