Biography:- APJ Abdul Kalam, The Missile Man of India

 

Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, also known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was an Indian aerospace engineer, scientist, 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, and was the youngest of five siblings.

Kalam's early education was in a local school in Rameswaram, where he excelled in mathematics and physics. He later went on to study at the Saint Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli, where he received a degree in physics. After graduation, Kalam worked as a journalist for a brief period before joining the Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering. He graduated in 1960 and later received a scholarship to study at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur, where he received a postgraduate degree in aerospace engineering.

After completing his studies, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist. He worked on the development of radar systems and was instrumental in the development of the Rohini satellite, which was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1983. He also worked on the development of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which led to the development of a range of missiles, including the Agni and Prithvi missiles.

In the early 1990s, Kalam moved to ISRO and played a key role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). He was also the project director of the SLV-3, which was India's first satellite launch vehicle. These achievements earned him the nickname "Missile Man of India."

In 1998, Kalam was appointed as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, a position he held until 1999. In this role, he played a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which made India a nuclear-weapon state.

In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, becoming the first scientist and engineer to hold the office. During his presidency, he focused on the development of science and technology and the promotion of education. He also worked to improve relations with other countries, particularly in the field of science and technology.

Kalam was a strong advocate for the use of science and technology for the betterment of society and was known for his efforts to promote the education of children, particularly in the fields of science and mathematics. He was also a strong advocate for peace and non-violence, and worked to promote these values both within India and internationally.

Throughout his career, Kalam received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and technology, including the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He was also honored with numerous international awards and honorary doctorates from universities around the world.

Despite his numerous achievements, Kalam remained a humble and unassuming person, who was deeply committed to serving the people of India. He was known for his simplicity and his willingness to interact with people from all walks of life. He was also an avid reader and a great inspiration to the youth.

Kalam continued to be actively involved in public life even after his presidency, working on various projects and initiatives, including the promotion of education, particularly in the field of science and technology, and the promotion of peace and non-violence.

On July 27, 2015, Kalam passed away while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong. His sudden demise was met with widespread grief and mourning across the country, and he was accorded a state funeral with full military honors.

In conclusion, APJ Abdul Kalam was a remarkable personality who made significant contributions to the field of science and technology and served as an inspiration to people across the globe. His legacy lives on through the numerous projects and initiatives that he initiated and the countless lives that he touched through his work. He will always be remembered as the Missile Man of India, a scientist, engineer, president, and an inspiration to all.