A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, India, was an esteemed aerospace scientist, statesman, and the 11th President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. Known as the "Missile Man of India" for his pivotal role in the country's civilian space program and military missile development, Kalam's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved national figure is a testament to his brilliance, dedication, and vision for India's technological advancement.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil Muslim family12. Despite coming from a humble background, with his father Jainulabdeen working as a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, Kalam showed an early aptitude for learning24. Financial struggles led young Kalam to sell newspapers to support his family's income12. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, developing a strong interest in mathematics and science4. Kalam pursued higher education, graduating in physics from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli in 1954, before studying aerospace engineering at Madras Institute of Technology12. His dedication was evident when, as a student, he impressed the Dean by completing a challenging project under a tight deadline, foreshadowing his future achievements2.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's career in science and technology was marked by significant contributions to India's space and defense programs. After graduating, he joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958, but found his true calling after transferring to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 19691. At ISRO, Kalam led the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully launched the Rohini satellite in 19804. His work on ballistic missile technology earned him the nickname "Missile Man of India"1. Kalam played a crucial role in developing missiles like Agni and Prithvi under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program4. From 1992 to 1999, he served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and was instrumental in India's 1998 nuclear tests, which established him as a national hero13.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, earning the moniker "People's President" for his accessibility and humble demeanor. He won the 2002 presidential election with overwhelming support, securing 922,884 electoral votes4. During his presidency, Kalam focused on youth development and education, often engaging with students and promoting scientific thinking. He made bold decisions, such as returning the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill in 2006 for reconsideration - the first Indian president to do so4. Kalam also took a compassionate stance on capital punishment, sending back nearly 50 cases for review and commuting one death sentence during his tenure4. His presidency was marked by efforts to transform India through technology and education, as outlined in his "Technology Vision 2020" plan3.
