Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

 

Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, commonly known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was widely referred to as the "Missile Man of India" for his significant contributions to the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. Here’s a detailed history of his life and achievements:

 Early Life and Education

- **Born:** October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.

- **Family Background:** He was born to a Tamil Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque; his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife.

- **Education:** Kalam's early education was at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram. He graduated in physics from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954. He then moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).

Career in Science and Technology

- **Early Career:** After graduating from MIT, Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.

- **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):** In 1969, he transferred to ISRO, where he was the project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in orbit in 1980.

- **Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP):** Kalam returned to DRDO in 1982 and led the IGMDP, which developed a series of successful missiles, including Agni and Prithvi.

 Contributions and Achievements

- **Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests:** Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which established India as a nuclear power.

- **Chief Scientific Adviser:** From July 1992 to December 1999, he served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the DRDO.

- **Awards and Honors:** He received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and Bharat Ratna (1997), India's highest civilian award.

Presidency (2002-2007)

- **Election:** In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Indian National Congress.

- **People’s President:** He was widely known as the "People's President" due to his down-to-earth approach and his interactions with the youth.

- **Post-Presidency:** After his term ended in 2007, he returned to academia, writing, and public service. He was involved with several universities and continued to inspire young minds through his lectures and writings.

 Books and Legacy

- **Books:** Kalam authored several books, including "Wings of Fire," an autobiography, "Ignited Minds," "India 2020," and "The Luminous Sparks."

- **Legacy:** Known for his humility and inspirational speeches, Kalam remains a beloved figure in India. His work in science, education, and his vision for India’s future continue to influence and motivate millions.

Death

- **Passed Away:** Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His sudden demise led to an outpouring of grief nationwide, and he was given a state funeral with full honors.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life and work exemplify the values of dedication, humility, and visionary thinking, leaving an indelible mark on India's scientific and educational landscape.