A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Name	A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Caption	Kalam in 2013
Office	11th President of India
Term start	25 July 2002
Term end	25 July 2007
Primeminister	Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mammohan Singh
Predecessor	K. R. Narayanan
Successor	Pratibha Patil
Birth date	15 October 1931
Birth place	Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, British India
Death date	27 July 2015 (aged 83)
Death place	Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Alma mater	St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, Madras Institute of Technology
Party	Independent
Profession	Aerospace scientist, author

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Born into a modest Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, he rose to prominence as the "Missile Man of India" for his pivotal role in the development of the country's ballistic missile and space programs. His presidency was marked by his immense popularity, especially among the youth, earning him the affectionate title "People's President."

Early life and education

Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram in the erstwhile Madras Presidency. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. To support his family, he started selling newspapers at a young age. He completed his schooling at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram and subsequently enrolled at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, where he graduated in physics in 1954. He then pursued aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology, graduating in 1960.

Career as a scientist and engineer

Kalam began his career as a scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. He later moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation, where he worked on the launch vehicle program, notably contributing to the development of the Satellite Launch Vehicle. In 1982, he returned to the DRDO as the director of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which successfully developed missiles like the Prithvi and the Agni. He served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and Secretary of the DRDO from 1992 to 1999, playing a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. His leadership at ISRO and DRDO earned him a central role in India's civilian space program and military missile development.

Presidency

Nominated by the ruling National Democratic Alliance, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 with overwhelming support from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. His tenure, from 2002 to 2007, was largely ceremonial but noted for his accessible and inspirational style. He focused on engaging with citizens, particularly students, and advocated for national development plans like India Vision 2020. During his term, he worked with Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mammohan Singh. His decision in 2006 to sign the Office of Profit Bill, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court of India, was a notable political event.

Post-presidency and public image

After leaving the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kalam returned to a life of public service, education, and writing. He served as a visiting professor at several institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Management Indore. He authored numerous influential books, such as Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds. His public lectures, especially interactions with students across India and abroad, cemented his image as a beloved mentor and national icon. He collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and passed away from cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015.

Awards and honors

Kalam received India's highest civilian honors, the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He was awarded honorary doctorates from over 40 universities worldwide, including the University of Wolverhampton and the Nanyang Technological University. Other significant recognitions include the King Charles II Medal from the Royal Society and the Von Braun Award from the National Space Society. In 2015, the United Nations declared his birthday, 15 October, as "World Students' Day."

Legacy

Kalam is celebrated as a key architect of India's technological prowess, particularly for strengthening its defense capabilities through the Agni and Prithvi missiles. His vision documents, like India Vision 2020, outlined a roadmap for transforming the nation into a developed knowledge superpower. His profound influence on the youth of India endures through his writings and speeches, which continue to inspire millions. Memorials in his honor include the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial in Rameswaram and the DRDO missile complex named after him in Hyderabad.

Category:Presidents of India Category:Indian aerospace engineers Category:Recipients of the Bharat Ratna