Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist, teacher, and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Full Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.
Kalam grew up in a humble family and had to work hard to support his studies. He graduated in physics from the University of Madras and later specialized in aerospace engineering. He worked with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for over four decades, and played a pivotal role in developing India's civilian space program and military missile technology.
Kalam was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his contributions to India's missile technology. He was also a passionate teacher and often spoke to students about the importance of education and self-improvement. Kalam was a prolific author and wrote several books on science, technology, and philosophy.
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the President of India, becoming the first scientist and bachelor to occupy the office. During his tenure as President, he focused on promoting education and rural development, and was widely regarded as a people's President. After his term ended in 2007, Kalam continued to work as a scientist and public figure until his death on July 27, 2015.
Kalam was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, and the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He was widely admired for his humble personality, dedication to science and education, and his inspiring leadership. Today, he is remembered as one of India's most beloved and respected public figures.
AAPJ Abdul Kalam was a renowned scientist and played a crucial role in the development of India's missile technology and civilian space program. He led various missile development programs, including Agni and Prithvi, and made significant contributions to the development of satellite launch vehicles.
Inventions and contributions of APJ Abdul Kalam:
1. Guided Missile Development Program: Kalam played a crucial role in India's missile development program, which resulted in the successful development and testing of missiles like Agni, Prithvi, and Akash. These missiles have significantly enhanced India's defense capabilities.
2. Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III): Kalam was the project director for India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III. It was successfully launched on July 18, 1980, and put the Rohini satellite into orbit, making India the sixth country in the world to launch its own satellite.
3. Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP): Kalam was the chief architect of the IGMDP, which aimed to develop a range of missiles for the Indian armed forces. The program resulted in the development of five missiles: Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul.
4. Kalam-Raju Stent: Kalam also contributed to the field of medical science by designing a low-cost coronary stent with cardiologist Dr. Soma Raju. The Kalam-Raju stent is an affordable alternative to imported stents and has helped save many lives in India.
APJ Abdul Kalam's contributions to the field of science and technology have been significant and have had a lasting impact on India's defense and space programs.
Inn memory of Abdul Kalam Andhra Pradesh Government has introduced his brief life story in class 5 English Textbook.
Quotes of Abdul Kalam:
1. "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action."2. "You have to dream before your dreams can come true."3. "Small aim is a crime; have great aim."4. "Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great."5. "The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom."6. "Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life."7. "Don't take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck."8. "All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents."9. "We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us."10. "Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow."
AWARDS AND REWARDS
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam received several awards and rewards during his lifetime, including:
1. Padma Bhushan in 1981
2. Padma Vibhushan in 1990
3. Bharat Ratna in 1997
4. Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1997
5. Ramanujan Award in 2000
6. Veer Savarkar Award in 2001
7. King Charles II Medal from the Royal Society, UK in 2007
8. International von Karman Wings Award in 2009
9. Hoover Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2009
10. Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa) from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore in 2009
11. Honorary Doctorate of Science from University of Wolverhampton, UK in 2010
12. Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from University of Edinburgh, UK in 2010
13. IEEE Honorary Membership in 2011
These awards and rewards were given to Dr. Kalam in recognition of his contributions to science, engineering, and his role as the President of India.
BOOKS BY ABDUL KALAM
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was not only a scientist and President of India but also an author. He wrote several books, including:
1. Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
2. India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
3. Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
4. My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions
5. The Luminous Sparks
6. Mission India
7. The Life Tree
8. Inspiring Thoughts
9. Children Ask Kalam
10. The Guiding Light: A Selection of Quotations from My Favourite Books
These books cover various aspects of Dr. Kalam's life and his vision for India. His autobiography, "Wings of Fire," is particularly popular and is considered an inspiring read for people of all ages.
