APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the “Missile Man of India,” was a renowned scientist and the 11th President of India. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he grew up in a middle-class Muslim family. He was a self-motivated and hardworking individual who went on to become a prominent scientist, engineer, and leader.
Early Life and Education Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and one sister. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam had a difficult childhood and had to work to support his family from a young age. Despite this, he was an excellent student and earned a degree in physics from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.
In 1955, Kalam graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He then joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist and began working on missile development projects.
Career in Science and Engineering Kalam’s first major project at DRDO was to design and develop a small helicopter for the Indian Army. He later moved on to work on India’s missile program and played a significant role in the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles. He also played a crucial role in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III).
In 1982, Kalam became the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and continued to lead missile development projects in India. His work on missile technology earned him the nickname “Missile Man of India.”
Kalam also served as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development. In 1992, he became the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India.
Presidency In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. He served in this position until 2007 and was widely popular for his humble personality and commitment to public service. During his presidency, Kalam focused on promoting education, rural development, and scientific research.
Kalam was also known for his efforts to strengthen India’s relations with other countries, especially in the field of science and technology. He made several trips abroad to meet with world leaders and promote scientific collaboration.
Legacy After completing his term as President, Kalam continued to work on promoting education and scientific research in India. He was a prolific writer and authored several books, including “Wings of Fire,” which is an autobiography of his life. Kalam also received several awards and honors for his work, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Bihar Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana
Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His death was mourned by people across India and the world.
Kalam is remembered as a great scientist, engineer, and leader who dedicated his life to serving his country. He was a role model for millions of people in India and around the world and continues to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
