A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the Missile Man of India, came from humble beginnings in Rameswaram. He became a prominent aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India. Kalam is respected for his scientific vision, integrity, and lifelong dedication to youth empowerment. He continues to inspire people across generations.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
	Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Born	15 October 1931
Birthplace	Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, British India Tamil Nadu, India)
Died	27 July 2015 (aged 83)
Place of death	Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Resting place	Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial, Rameswaram
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Aerospace Scientist, Author, Professor, 11th President of India
Years active	1958–2015
Known for	Pokhran-II nuclear tests, Missile Development, People's President
Notable works	Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020, Turning Points
Awards	Bharat Ratna (1997), Padma Vibhushan (1990), Padma Bhushan (1981), Hoover Medal, King Charles II Medal
Spouse(s)	None
Children	None
Parents	Jainulabdeen (father), Ashiamma (mother)
Religion	Islam
Website	Official Website

Early Life and Education

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, then Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest of four brothers and one sister in a Muslim family that once belonged to wealthy Marakayar traders. As time passed, the family's wealth declined. Kalam’s father supported the family by owning and operating small ferry boats across the Pamban Strait.

Kalam attended Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram, where he was recognized as a diligent student with a strong interest in mathematics and science. While his grades were average, his passion for learning was clear from a young age.

In 1954, Kalam earned a B.Sc. in Physics from St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli. He then pursued aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) and graduated in 1957. While at MIT, an urgent task assigned by the dean nearly cost him his scholarship, but he performed exceptionally well under pressure. This experience established his reputation for determination and technical skill.

Scientific Career

After finishing his aeronautical engineering degree in 1960, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He initially worked on designing a hovercraft called Nandi. Though the project was experimental, it marked the start of his lifelong commitment to developing technology in India.

In 1969, Kalam moved to ISRO and became the Project Director of SLV-III, India’s first satellite launch vehicle. Under his leadership, the SLV-III successfully launched the Rohini satellite into Earth’s orbit in 1980. This achievement established India as a serious player in the global space community.

In the 1970s, Kalam led Project Devil and Project Valiant, which aimed to turn satellite launch technology into ballistic missile programs. Although these projects were eventually shelved, they laid the groundwork for India’s future strategic missile systems.

In the 1980s, Kalam took charge as the head of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Under his guidance, India developed five key missile systems: Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, and Nag. This solidified the nation’s missile capabilities and defense independence.

From 1992 to 1999, he worked as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and later as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. During this time, he played a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which officially established India as a nuclear power.

In addition to defense, Kalam also contributed to healthcare innovation. He collaborated with cardiologist Dr. B. Soma Raju to develop the Kalam–Raju Stent, which significantly lowered the cost of heart procedures in India. Later, they created the Kalam–Raju tablet, focused on improving healthcare in rural areas.

Presidency (2002–2007)

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was sworn in as the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002. He became the first scientist and aerospace engineer to hold the country’s highest constitutional office. His nomination received support from both major political parties, and he was celebrated as the “People’s President” for his humility, accessibility, and strong connection with India’s youth..

During his presidency, Kalam broke traditional boundaries of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He often interacted with students, gave lectures at educational institutions, and promoted his development plan, Vision 2020. He advocated for India’s transformation into a knowledge superpower through sustainable development and technological progress.

Kalam made history by returning the Office of Profit Bill to Parliament for reconsideration. He became the first President of India to do this. This unusual constitutional action was widely debated in political and legal circles.

While admired for his scientific skills, Kalam faced criticism for acting on only one mercy petition out of 21 during his tenure. He rejected the plea of convicted rapist Dhananjoy Chatterjee. Several high-profile petitions, including that of Afzal Guru, remained pending when he left office in July 2007.

Despite these controversies, many remember Kalam’s presidency for bringing empathy, intellect, and inspiration back into the role. He transformed it into a platform for national awakening and youth-driven development.

Post-Presidency and Teaching

After finishing his term as President in July 2007, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gracefully stepped back from politics. He returned to what he loved most: teaching, writing, and mentoring the youth of India. He declined a second term and said he wanted to "focus on interacting with students and igniting young minds."

In the years that followed, he took on honorary and visiting roles at several prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, and Anna University. He also served as Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kalam’s lectures went well beyond textbooks. He talked about dreams, dignity, discipline, and national change. His style of interaction was open, curious, and energizing, attracting thousands of students to each session. “Teaching gives me the greatest joy,” he often said. This joy showed in his schedule: he visited hundreds of schools and colleges across India, often without media or protocol.

Outside of academia, he wrote over a dozen books, including Turning Points, Ignited Minds, Indomitable Spirit, and Target 3 Billion. These works combined science, leadership, and a deep moral vision for India’s future. Many of his writings included contributions from young researchers, reflecting his spirit of collaboration.

In 2011, Kalam proposed the "What Can I Give Movement," a national campaign aimed at encouraging selfless acts, ethical living, and anti-corruption values among Indian youth.

Death

On 27 July 2015, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, aged 83, collapsed while delivering a lecture titled “Creating a Liveable Planet Earth” at IIM Shillong. Roughly five minutes into his talk, he experienced discomfort, collapsed, and was rushed to nearby Bethany Hospital in critical condition. Doctors confirmed that he succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest at around 7:45 PM IST.

The sudden and poignant nature of his passing while interacting with students—his lifelong passion—led to widespread shock and grief across India and globally. Reflecting on his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a “great loss to the scientific community” and noted Kalam’s unique ability to “show the way.” Thousands of tributes poured in from political leaders, scientists, youth groups, and international dignitaries.

State Funeral and Final Rites

The Government of India declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country. Kalam’s body was airlifted from Shillong to Guwahati, then flown to New Delhi, where it lay in state at his official residence, 10 Rajaji Marg. From there, it was flown to Rameswaram, his hometown, for the last rites.

On 30 July 2015, under full military honours, Kalam was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu Ground in Rameswaram. Over 350,000 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, and leaders from multiple states, paid their final respects during the ceremony.

Legacy

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam left behind a towering legacy — not just as a brilliant scientist and former President, but as a moral icon and teacher to the nation. His vision, simplicity, and ability to connect with people across class, age, and religion made him one of the most beloved public figures in modern Indian history.

Kalam redefined the role of the President of India, transforming it from a ceremonial office into a platform for youth engagement, national development, and ethical leadership. Referred to as the “People’s President,” his speeches and books ignited millions of young minds, urging them to “dream big, think differently, and act with courage.”

His books, such as Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020, and Transcendence, remain deeply influential across educational institutions. Wings of Fire, his autobiography, is now considered essential reading in schools and universities, having been translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages.

Numerous awards, institutions, and scientific missions have been named in his honour. The Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award is given annually by the Tamil Nadu government for contributions to science, humanities, and student welfare. His birthday, 15 October, is observed as World Students' Day, recognized by the UN to honour his dedication to education and youth empowerment.

In 2018, India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) named a new missile complex in Hyderabad after him, and a technology university in his home state was renamed Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. His statue now stands in Rameswaram, and his former residence has been converted into the Dr. Kalam Memorial, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

Even in death, Kalam remains a symbol of national integrity, humility, and purpose-driven leadership — someone who proved that science, simplicity, and spirituality can coexist within the heart of a modern Indian citizen.'

See Also

• ISRO

• DRDO

• Bharat Ratna

• Pokhran-II

• President of India