Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a well-known name around the world. He is regarded as one of the most brilliant scientists of the twenty-first century. Furthermore, he becomes India’s 11th president and serves his country. He was the country’s most cherished citizen because of his incomparable contributions as a scientist and a president. He implanted the seed of self confidence among the student community, who believed that the youngster’s of India is the greatest resource for the nation’s development.
He is known as the people’s president, who loved and lived a simple life as a president of India
His contribution to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is outstanding. He oversaw a number of initiatives that contributed to the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles. He was dubbed “India’s Missile Man” because of his participation with nuclear power. And the government honored him with the highest civilian award for his service to the country.
Early life and education
APJ Abdul Kalam was born in the Tamil Nadu town of Rameswaram. His family’s financial situation was poor at the time, so he helped the family by working as a newspaper distributer during the childhood. But he also went to school which never stopped learning. He maintained his studies and graduated while still supporting his family.
After graduating from Ramanathapuram’s Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Kalam went on to Saint Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1954. Later, in 1955, he enrolled at Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering.
He had a dream to become a fighter pilot, but he couldn’t make it, as he placed ninth in qualifiers, and only eight positions were available in the IAF.
Career as a scientist
Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Aeronautical Development Establishment as a scientist in 1960 after joining the Defence Research and Development Service (DRDS). He began his career by building a small hovercraft, but he was disillusioned by his decision to work for the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Kalam was also a member of the INCOSPAR committee, which was led by renowned space scientist Vikram Sarabhai. Later in 1969, Kalam was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation as the project director for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully launched the Rohini satellite into near-earth orbit in July 1980.
From July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam served as the Prime Minister’s Chief Scientific Adviser and Secretary of the DRDO. During this time, he was heavily involved in politics and technology, and the Pokhran-II nuclear testing were carried out. During the testing phase, Kalam and Rajagopala Chidambaram functioned as the Chief Project Coordinators. During this time, Kalam became the country’s most well-known nuclear physicist.
Presidency Period
Kalam succeeded K. R. Narayanan as the 11th President of India. He served presidential position from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007.
During his period, the nation reached numerous milestones that greatly benefited the country and attained the focus of other countries. He was known as the “people’s president” because he served the country with an open heart.
Post-presidency Period
As a visiting lecturer after his presidency, he began to enlighten the young and beautiful brains of Indian students all around the country. And the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram’s chancellor. He was believed that India’s youth were the key to transforming the country into a global superpower. He sparked their thoughts to glorify the nation.
Awards and Honors
He was one of India’s most renowned scientists, having received honorary doctorates from more than 30 universities and institutions. He has received the Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) civilian awards, as well as the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna (1997). He was also a recipient of a number of other honors and a Fellow of a number of professional organisations.
Writings
He wrote around 25 inspiring books that can influence your view of life. Abdul Kalam’s significant books are “A Vision for Tomorrow’s India” and “Wings of Fire.” You can also find the list of all 25 books here.
Death of APJ Abdul Kalam
In 2015, he died of sudden heart failure while giving a lecture to students in Shillong. He was a great scientist and a pioneer engineer who dedicated his life to the country and died while doing so. The man had the ambition to transform India into a great nation. And, according to him, the youth are the country’s true assets, so we must encourage and motivate them.
Memorial
The DRDO created the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial in Pei Karumbu, in the island town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in Kalam’s honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the inaugural speech. Replicas of rockets and missiles with which Kalam worked are on display. In the entryway, there is a monument of APJ Abdul Kalam playing the Veena.
