Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, popularly known as The Missile Man of India, was an Indian scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born in a Tamil Muslim family in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He started his career as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and was later appointed as the Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister. He played a leading role in developing India’s civilian space and military missile programs. He was also responsible for developing India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3. Dr. Kalam was elected as the President of India in 2002 and served for a five-year term. He was a popular President and was known for his down-to-earth personality. He was also called the “People’s President”. After his term as President, he returned to his first love – teaching
Early Life:
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in the small town of Rameswaram, India. He came from a humble background, the son of a boatman, and he was determined to make something of himself. He worked hard in school and went on to study physics and aerospace engineering, eventually becoming one of India’s leading scientists.
Personal Life:
Kalam, son of Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a boat owner and Imaam of a mosque. Dr Kalam remained a lifetime bachelor. He was the youngest of five siblings and was very close to his elder siblings throughout his life. He was noted for his simple lifestyle and integrity. He was in the habit of waking up at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. and sleeping by 2:00 a.m. His whole life possession were his books, veena, some clothes, a laptop, and a CD player.
Religion:
Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam was a Muslim and always spoke about the importance of tolerance and respect for all religions. Religion was very important throughout his life. He was a practicing Muslim. Daily Namaz and fasting in Ramadan were integral to Kalam’s life. He was a strong believer in the power of education and worked hard to promote peace and understanding between people of different faiths. He was an amazing man, and his legacy will continue to inspire people for years.
Services:
He played a vital role in developing India’s space program and was responsible for many successful missile launches. He was intimately involved in developing India’s civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as “The Missile Man of India” for his work on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He played a vital role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister from 1992 to 1999 and was responsible for the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. In the capacity of the President, Kalam was a notable advocate of better relations between India and Pakistan. In 1997, he was elected President of India and served in this role for five years. He was a popular and respected leader, and he was called the “People’s President.” After leaving office, he continued to work on projects to benefit the people of India, and he remained an inspiration to all who knew him.
Presidency:
After retiring from his scientific career, Kalam became a full-time politician and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in July 1999. He then ran for the presidency in 2002 and was elected by an overwhelming majority. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
During his five years in office, Kalam was a popular and effective president known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He was committed to developing India’s science and technology sector and worked hard to promote education and literacy. He advocated for peace and reconciliation with Pakistan and was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Awards and honors:
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a highly respected and accomplished individual revered by many. He received numerous awards and honors, which is a testament to his character and contributions to society. Some of the awards he received include the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in India, and the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in India. He was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered one of Asia’s most prestigious awards. In addition, he was honored with more than fifty honorary doctorates from various universities around the world. Dr Kalam was a true inspiration to many, and his awards and honors reflect his impact on the world.
Hobbies and His Writings:
Dr Kalam was a man of many interests. He was a passionate writer and had authored several books, including his autobiography, Wings of Fire. He was also a keen musician and had a collection of over a thousand songs. He was also an avid reader and had a personal library of over five thousand books.
Death:
Sadly, Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 at the age of 83 due to a cardiac arrest. He was cremated with full state honors. The next day, millions of people across India mourned his death. At his death, he left no will. And his possessions went to his elder brother, who survived him. He was a great man who inspired millions of people around the world. He will always be remembered as one of India’s most beloved leaders.
Death Reaction:
The death of India’s beloved former President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has left the nation in a state of mourning. Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the country, with people from all walks of life sharing their fond memories of the man they affectionately called the “People’s President”. Kalam was more than just a head of state. He was a man who connected with the masses and inspired them to achieve their dreams. He was a true son of India, and his loss is one that will be felt by all. The nation has lost a great leader, but his legacy will live forever.
Summary:
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist who made significant contributions to the aerospace and Defence fields. He was also the 11th President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. Born in 1931 in the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Kalam was the son of a boat owner. He completed his schooling in Rameswaram and went on to study physics and aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. After graduating in 1955, he joined the Indian Air Force, where he worked on developing ballistic missiles.
In 1963, Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he worked on the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle. He played a key role in launching India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. He also made contributions to the development of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3. Kalam served as the scientific adviser to the Indian Defense Minister from July 1992 to November 1999. In this role, he was responsible for developing the country’s strategic missile Defence program. He also served as the Chairman of the DRDO from 2002 to 2007. Kalam was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997. He was also conferred with honorary doctorates by several universities. He died in 2015 after suffering a cardiac arrest.