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Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Jayanti Special: 15 October

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. He was also a famous scientist, also known as “Missile Man”. Let us know some things about Dr. Kalam through this article on his birth anniversary on 15th October.

Early days

• Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931.
• He was born in a Muslim family in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu (then: Madras Presidency).
• His father's name was Jainulabdin Marakayar.
• Jainulabdin Markyar was a boat owner and also the imam of a local mosque.
• His mother's name was Ashiamma who was a housewife. Kalam was the youngest among four brothers and one sister in his family.
• At the time of Kalam's birth, his family was poverty stricken. As a young boy he had to sell newspapers to supplement the family income.

Education

After completing his education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Abdul Kalam went to St. Joseph's College and graduated in Physics in 1954.

He then moved to Madras in 1955 to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Kalam earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

Professional life: From scientist to missile man

Kalam joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist after becoming a member of the Defense Research and Development Service (DRDS). He started his career by designing a small hovercraft. Thereafter, he moved to ISRO.

Although this eminent scientist A. P.J. Abdul Kalam achieved many scientific achievements which significantly contributed to India's space and defense capabilities but some of his major scientific achievements are:

• Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III): As the Project Director of India's first indigenously developed Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Kalam Played an important role in its successful launch. SLV-III placed the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980, marking India's entry into the world of space exploration.
• Ballistic Missile Development Programme: Kalam was a pioneer in India's missile development programme. He played a leading role in the development of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which resulted in the successful development of ballistic missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Akash and Trishul. These missiles strengthened India's strategic defense capabilities.
• Nuclear Program and Pokhran-II: Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of India during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. These tests demonstrated India's capability to conduct nuclear explosions and cemented the country's position as a nuclear power.
• Indigenous Sonar Systems: During his tenure at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Kalam contributed to the development of indigenous sonar systems, which are important for underwater defense and surveillance.
• Advanced Materials Research: Kalam's research and contributions in the field of advanced materials were important for the development of lightweight and high-strength materials used in aerospace and defense applications.
• Innovative Guided Missile Systems: Kalam's leadership and expertise led to the development of innovative guided missile systems, making India self-reliant in this important technology.

Held these positions

A. P.J. Abdul Kalam held many prominent positions during his illustrious career. Some of the important positions held by him are as follows:

• Project Director of SLV-III: In the 1970s, Kalam served as the Project Director of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) at ISRO. Under his leadership, SLV-III successfully launched the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980.
• Chief Executive at Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP): Kalam played a leading role in the IGMDP, which aimed to develop a range of indigenous missiles for India's defense needs. He served as the Chief Executive of the program and led the successful development of missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Akash and Trishul.
• Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India: Kalam served as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India from 1992 to 1999. In this capacity, he provided important scientific advice and expertise to the government on a variety of matters.
• Secretary, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO): From 1992 to 1999, Kalam served as the Secretary of DRDO, and oversaw the organization's research and development activities related to defense technologies. Took care of.
• Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister: Kalam held the post of Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister of India from 1999 to 2001. In this role, he provided scientific advice and guidance to the Prime Minister on matters of national importance.
• 11th President of India: In 2002, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. He served as President from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007. During his presidency, he focused on youth development, education, and promoting India's scientific and technological progress.
• Chancellor of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST): After his presidency, Kalam served as Chancellor of IIST from 2007 to 2009. He was actively involved in educational initiatives and encouraged students to pursue careers in science and technology.
• Throughout his career, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam held various prestigious positions and made significant contributions to the scientific, space and defense sectors of India. He was a versatile personality who left an indelible mark on the country and inspired millions with his vision and dedication.

Abdul Kalam: As President

As the President of India from 2002 to 2007, A. P.J. Abdul Kalam's tenure was marked by his exceptional leadership and inspirational vision. Affectionately known as the “People’s President”, Kalam brought a unique blend of scientific acumen, foresight and humility to the country’s highest office.

Throughout his presidency, Kalam continued to promote his vision for a developed India, which he often referred to as “Vision 2020”. He stressed the role of science, technology, education and innovation in achieving sustainable development and prosperity for the nation.

As a scientist and educationist, Kalam gave priority to promoting education and research during his presidency. He stressed the importance of quality education for the development of the country and advocated increased investment in the education sector. Kalam believed that a strong foundation in science and technology was essential for India to become a global leader.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people across the country, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the citizens of India.

End times and legacy

On July 27, 2015, Kalam was delivering a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth” at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. At around 6:35 pm, only five minutes into his lecture, he collapsed. He was taken to nearby Bethany Hospital in critical condition. There, he had no pulse or any other signs of life. Despite being kept in the intensive care unit, Kalam was confirmed to have died suddenly at 7:45 pm from a cardiac arrest.

On the morning of 29 July, Kalam's body, draped in the Indian flag, was taken to Palam Air Base and flown to Madurai in an Air Force C-130J aircraft, which arrived at Madurai Airport that afternoon. On July 30, 2015, the former President was buried with full state honors at the Pei Karumbu grounds in Rameshwaram. More than 350,000 people attended the funeral, including the Prime Minister, the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

Awards

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