Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, also known as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was an Indian scientist, engineer, and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Kalam received his education from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and the Madras Institute of Technology, where he studied aerospace engineering. He started his career in 1960 as a scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bangalore. In 1969, he moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he played a key role in developing India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III.
In 1982, Kalam returned to the DRDO to lead India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which led to the development of a range of missiles, including the Agni, Prithvi, and Akash missiles. For his contributions to India's defence program, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India's highest civilian awards.
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the President of India, succeeding K.R. Narayanan. During his presidency, he was known for his vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2020, which he called the "Vision 2020" plan. He also continued to promote education, particularly in science and technology, and was known for his interaction with students and young people.
After his presidency, Kalam continued to work towards promoting education and research in India. He was also a prolific writer, with several books to his credit, including his autobiography, "Wings of Fire." On July 27, 2015, Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away due to a cardiac arrest.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was widely respected and admired for his dedication to science, education, and public service. He is remembered as the "People's President" and is an inspiration to many in India and around the world.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, popularly known as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was a renowned Indian scientist, engineer, and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India, to a working-class Tamil Muslim family.
Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam was the youngest of five siblings and was brought up in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic environment.
Education and Early Career
Kalam received his early education at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram district. He later attended Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, where he studied physics. In 1954, he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology.
After graduation, Kalam started his career as a scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bangalore. During his tenure at DRDO, he worked on several important projects, including the development of the Rohini satellite and the successful launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata.
In 1969, Kalam moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he played a key role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). His contributions to the Indian space program earned him the title of the "Missile Man of India."
In 1982, Kalam returned to DRDO to lead India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which aimed to develop a range of missiles for the Indian armed forces. Under his leadership, India successfully developed several missiles, including the Agni, Prithvi, and Akash missiles. For his contributions to India's defence program, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India's highest civilian awards.
Presidency
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the President of India, succeeding K.R. Narayanan. He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the office of the President. During his presidency, Kalam focused on promoting education, particularly in science and technology. He also continued to interact with students and young people, which earned him the title of the "People's President."
Kalam was known for his vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2020, which he called the "Vision 2020" plan. He emphasized the importance of investing in education, research and development, and infrastructure to achieve this goal. He also advocated for the use of technology to improve the lives of the people.
After Presidency
After his presidency, Kalam continued to work towards promoting education and research in India. He was a visiting professor at several universities, including the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, and the Anna University, Chennai.
Kalam was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including his autobiography, "Wings of Fire," which was published in 1999. He also wrote books on topics such as governance, education, and spirituality.
Death and Legacy
On July 27, 2015, Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away due to a cardiac arrest. His death was mourned by people across India and around the world.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is widely respected and admired for his
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