Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a brilliant scientist and the 11th President of India. It is his scientific merit and spirit, flavored and seasoned with humility, simplicity, and dedication to public service, that has myriads of admirers. Below is an account of the life journey of APJ Abdul Kalam, his contribution to society, his personal experiences, and the legacy he left behind.
QUICK FACTS
- Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Graduated in Physics from St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli in 1954.
- Joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist in 1958.
- Moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, where he was the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III).
- Joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist in 1958.
- Moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, where he was the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III).
- Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of DRDO from 1992 to 1999.
- Played a significant role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which established India as a nuclear power.
- Served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
- On July 27, 2015, he passed away while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong.
Who Was APJ Abdul Kalam?
APJ Abdul Kalam is probably the best-loved and most respected person in India. He got the nicknames “Missile Man of India” and “People’s President”. Born on October 15, 1931, he was a well-known scientist, aerospace engineer, and the 11th President of India. Kalam was one of the most distinguished scientists in the country, particularly noted for his aerospace engineering and also for his work with the missile programs. His humility, dedication, and inspirational life story made him a role model for millions of Indians.
Early Life
APJ Abdul Kalam was born in Tamil Nadu, in a small town called Rameswaram. His full name is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. He came from a very average family; his father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and an imam at a local mosque, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. Though financially bound, his parents provided him with the gift of education.
Since childhood, Kalam had been hardworking and inquisitive. He used to wake at 4 a.m., attend mathematics classes, and deliver newspapers in the morning to contribute to his family’s income, and such determination at a young age laid the base for future victories in life.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s Journey
Kalam went on to study physics and aerospace engineering. He graduated in physics from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954. He then decided to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. His outstanding focus and enthusiasm for aeronautics accelerated him to the front at MIT.
In 1960, having joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Kalam became involved with the development of a small hovercraft. He thereafter joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969, eventually being appointed the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III). The project achieved putting the Rohini satellite into near-earth orbit in July 1980.
Much of Kalam’s work in the 1980s and 1990s had been on the development of ballistic missiles, marking him and earning him the title “Missile Man of India.” He made substantial contributions to the development of Agni and Prithvi missiles, perceived to be a step in efforts to uplift India’s defenses.
He was elected President of India in 2002 and served till 2007. A humble and approachable leader, Abdul Kalam came to be known as the “People’s President.” During his term as President, he mainly focused on empowering youth and education towards realizing the dream of developing India by 2020.
After his tenure was over as President, Kalam worked in various fields of life with the help of teaching, writing, and addressing young students and children to ignite inspiration in their thoughts and lives. He went on to be a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions, provided scholarships for the underprivileged, and remained an advocate of science and technology as tools for national development.
Personal Life
Although a high-profile individual, APJ Abdul Kalam remained very simple and austere throughout his life. He never married, and he was financially thrifty and unassuming. He had very few possessions and enjoyed reading, music, and writing poetry. Kalam has written many books such as ‘Wings of Fire’ and ‘India 2020,’ which he uses to lay down his plans for his country.
Death and Legacy
APJ Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His sudden demise left the nation in mourning, but his legacy continues to inspire. Kalam’s life is the epitome of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to one’s country.
His contributions to science, technology, and education, as well as his vision for a developed India, remain impactful. The naming of various institutions, programs, and initiatives after him keeps his memory going.
The lives and words of APJ Abdul Kalam inspire generations, reminding them that with dedication, hard work, and a clear vision, they can touch great heights.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said:
“Success is when your signature becomes an autograph”
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true”
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