A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Who was A. P. J. Abdul Kalam?
Aerospace scientist known as the 'Missile Man of India' who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He played a key role in developing India's missile and nuclear weapons programs while inspiring millions of young Indians.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to a humble Muslim family. He got his early education locally before joining St Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli to study physics. He earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Madras and pursued further studies at Oakland University. His education in physics and aerospace engineering greatly influenced India's defense and space advancements over the years.
Kalam spent 40 years in scientific research and administration, mainly with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His work on India's space program and missile development earned him the nickname 'Missile Man of India.' He was instrumental in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, enhancing India's defense and technological independence.
In 2002, Kalam became the 11th President of India, gaining support from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. During his presidency from 2002 to 2007, he was known as the 'People's President' due to his friendly nature and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He often spoke with students and young people to inspire them in science and technology careers.
After his presidency, Kalam stayed involved in education, writing, and public service. He wrote several books, including 'Wings of Fire,' detailing his life and vision for India's progress. He received many awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and the Bharat Ratna (1997), along with international honors like the King Charles II Medal (2007), Hoover Medal (2008), and the NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award (2013). Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, after collapsing from cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. He was buried with full state honors in Rameswaram, with thousands attending his funeral.
Before Fame
Kalam grew up in Rameswaram, where money was tight, so he took on various jobs to help pay for his education. He sold newspapers and assisted his family financially while he continued his studies. His interest in flight started when he watched birds as a child and later saw aircraft activities during World War II near his coastal hometown.
After India gained independence, there were new opportunities for young scientists to help build the nation. With the creation of top scientific institutions like DRDO and ISRO in the 1950s and 1960s, talented people like Kalam could use their skills to develop homegrown defense and space technologies, helping the country rely less on foreign suppliers.
Key Achievements
- Led development of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) which successfully deployed Rohini satellite in 1980
- Directed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, creating the Agni and Prithvi missile systems
- Served as Project Director for India's first indigenous hovercraft prototype
- Played key technical and administrative role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998
- Served as 11th President of India from 2002-2007, known as the 'People's President'
Did You Know?
- 01.He initially wanted to become a fighter pilot but missed the Indian Air Force selection by one position, finishing ninth when only eight slots were available
- 02.Kalam was a vegetarian who practiced both Hindu and Islamic traditions, often reading the Bhagavad Gita alongside the Quran
- 03.He never married and lived a simple lifestyle throughout his life, donating most of his belongings to charity
- 04.The Akbar-class submarine INS Abdali was renamed INS Kalam in his honor after his death
- 05.He played the rudra veena, a traditional Indian string instrument, and was known to compose poetry in Tamil
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Bhushan | 1981 | — |
| Bharat Ratna | 1997 | — |
| H K Firodia awards | 1996 | — |
| Padma Vibhushan in science & engineering | 1990 | — |
| Om Prakash Bhasin Award | 1986 | — |
| Hoover Medal | 2008 | — |
| King Charles II Medal | 2007 | — |
| NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award | 2013 | — |
| Padma Vibhushan | — | — |