Biography of APJ Abdul Kalam: The People’s President

APJ Abdul Kalam, often called the “Missile Man of India” and the “People’s President,” left a lasting mark on the country. From humble beginnings to the highest office in India, his life is a story of dreams, hard work, and dedication. Let’s explore the Biography of APJ Abdul Kalam, his early life, education, work at DRDO and ISRO, presidency, the books he wrote, achievements and awards, international recognition, and lasting legacy.

Early Life

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in a small coastal town called Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. His family was not rich, and they lived a simple life. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and the imam of a local mosque. His mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. Despite their financial struggles, Kalam’s parents were dedicated to giving their children a good education and taught them the importance of honesty, discipline, and hard work.

Kalam was a curious and hardworking child. He loved learning and was especially interested in flying. He often watched birds and dreamed of flying himself. This interest led him to pursue a career in aerospace and missile technology. Kalam’s early education was at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram. He was an average student but known for his determination.

Education

After finishing school, Kalam attended St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli, where he graduated in physics in 1954. But his true passion was engineering. He followed his dream by joining the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the best engineering schools in India. There, his interest in aerospace engineering grew stronger.

At MIT, APJ Abdul Kalam faced financial difficulties but never gave up. He worked hard and even got a scholarship to complete his studies. He graduated in 1960 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. This was the start of his remarkable career in aerospace and missile technology.

Career at DRDO and ISRO

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)

After graduating, Abdul Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist. His first projects involved designing a small hovercraft, but he was more interested in rocketry. In 1969, he was moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he would achieve great success.

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

At ISRO, APJ Abdul Kalam became the project director of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). His leadership and vision were key to the successful launch of the Rohini satellite into orbit in July 1980. This achievement put India among the few countries with satellite launch capabilities. Kalam’s success with SLV-III made him well-known and respected in Indian space research.

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

In the 1980s, Kalam returned to DRDO to lead the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This ambitious program aimed to develop a series of indigenous missiles, including the Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, and Nag missiles. Under his leadership, India made significant progress in missile technology, strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities.

APJ Abdul Kalam’s work on the IGMDP earned him the nickname “Missile Man of India.” He was known not only for his technical skills but also for inspiring and motivating his team. His leadership style was inclusive and visionary, focusing on teamwork and innovation.

Presidential Term

In 2002, APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, following K.R. Narayanan. His election was supported by both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Indian National Congress, showing his widespread popularity and respect.

Kalam’s presidency focused on youth empowerment, education, and national development. He was known for being accessible and connecting with ordinary people, especially students. He often interacted with young minds, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

Vision 2020

During his presidency, APJ Abdul Kalam proposed a visionary plan called “Vision 2020,” aiming to transform India into a developed nation by 2020. His vision included various aspects of national development, such as education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology. Although his term ended in 2007, his Vision 2020 continued to inspire policymakers and citizens.

APJ Abdul Kalam Books

APJ Abdul Kalam was not just a scientist and a president; he was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books that became bestsellers and inspired millions. Some of his notable works include:

1. “Wings of Fire” (1999) – An autobiography that tells the story of his early life, career, and work at DRDO and ISRO. It’s a testament to his journey from a small-town boy to a national icon.
2. “Ignited Minds” (2002) – This book focuses on the potential of India’s youth and the need to ignite their minds for national development.
3. “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium” (1998) – Co-authored with Y.S. Rajan, this book outlines his vision for India’s development and progress.
4. “The Luminous Sparks” (2004) – A collection of his poems and musings, reflecting his thoughts on various aspects of life and spirituality.
5. “Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life” (2005) – Co-authored with Arun Tiwari, this book delves into philosophical and spiritual discussions.
6. “Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges” (2012) – This sequel to “Wings of Fire” covers his life post-1992, including his presidency.
7. “My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions” (2013) – A personal account of his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way.
8. “Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji” (2015) – This book explores his spiritual journey and his interactions with Pramukh Swamiji.

Biography of APJ Abdul Kalam: Achievements and Awards

APJ Abdul Kalam received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, recognizing his contributions to science, technology, and the nation. Some of his most notable awards include:

1. Padma Bhushan (1981) – India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to science and engineering.
2. Padma Vibhushan (1990) – India’s second-highest civilian award, for his distinguished work in aerospace and missile technology.
3. Bharat Ratna (1997) – India’s highest civilian award, honoring his exceptional service to the nation.
4. Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997) – Recognizing his efforts to promote national unity and harmony.
5. Veer Savarkar Award (1998) – Awarded for his contributions to defense and aerospace technology.
6. King Charles II Medal (2007) – Awarded by the Royal Society, UK, for his contributions to science and technology.
7. International von Karman Wings Award (2009) – Given by the California Institute of Technology, USA, for his contributions to aerospace engineering.
8. Hoover Medal (2009) – Awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, recognizing his outstanding contributions as an engineer and leader.

International Recognitions

APJ Abdul Kalam’s work and vision went beyond national borders, earning him international acclaim and recognition. He was invited to speak at many global forums, including the United Nations and various universities. His ideas on sustainable development, education, and technology resonated with people worldwide.

In 2006, he visited Switzerland, and his visit had a significant impact. As a tribute to his dedication to science and technology, Switzerland declared May 26th as Science Day. This honor reflects the respect and admiration that APJ Abdul Kalam garnered internationally for his contributions to science, education, and the advancement of technology.

Kalam was also awarded honorary doctorates from more than 40 universities around the world. His ability to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds made him a global ambassador for peace, education, and scientific progress.

APJ Abdul Kalam quotes

1. “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
2. “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
3. “Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
4. “All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
5. “Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
6. “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
7. “To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”
8. “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”
9. “Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.”
10. “Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”
11. “Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it.”
12. “The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom.”
13. “Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.”
14. “We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
15. “When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust… Withhold your hands from striking, and from taking that which is unlawful and bad.”

Death and Legacy

On July 27, 2015, APJ Abdul Kalam passed away while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. He collapsed due to a cardiac arrest, and despite immediate medical attention, he could not be revived. His sudden death shocked the nation and the world, and tributes poured in from all corners.

The biography of APJ Abdul Kalam continues to inspire millions. He remains a role model for students, scientists, and leaders. Institutions, awards, and scholarships have been named in his honor, ensuring that his contributions to science, education, and the nation are remembered for generations to come.

APJ Abdul Kalam, the “Missile Man” and the “People’s President,” will always be remembered as a true visionary and a national hero.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. This post is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify the information independently.