Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, popularly known as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was a renowned Indian scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in a small village called Rameswaram in the Tamil Nadu state of India.
Dr. Kalam's father was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, while his mother was a housewife. Despite facing financial struggles, Dr. Kalam's parents encouraged him to pursue education and he excelled academically from an early age. He graduated with a degree in science from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and later obtained a degree in aerospace engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dr. Kalam's career as a scientist began in 1958 when he joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist. He played a crucial role in the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3, which successfully launched Rohini, India's first satellite, into orbit in 1979.
In the 1980s, Dr. Kalam was appointed as the chief executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), where he oversaw the development of several advanced missiles, including the Prithvi, Akash, and Agni missiles. He was also involved in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Kalam was also a renowned motivational speaker and author. He wrote several books, including "Wings of Fire" and "Ignited Minds", which became bestsellers in India. He was also a strong advocate for education and often gave lectures to students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals.
Dr. Kalam's contributions to science and education earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990. In 2002, he was elected as the President of India, becoming the first scientist and the first person from the minority Muslim community to hold this position.
Dr. Kalam was deeply respected and admired by people from all walks of life, and he was often referred to as the "People's President" for his humility and simplicity. He passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, but his legacy as a scientist and a leader continues to inspire people all over the world.
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