Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

" Missile Man of India, President of the People "

APJ Abdul Kalam Photo

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, in full Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, (born October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, India—died July 27, 2015, Shillong), Indian scientist and politician who played a leading role in the development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons programs. He was president of India from 2002 to 2007.

He spent four decades of his life as a researcher and science head, primarily at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and was personally required in India's civilian space program and military rocket advancement efforts.

Here's a Timeline of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's Life

  • 1931: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15th in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
  • 1941: At the age of 10, Kalam started selling newspapers to supplement his family's income.
  • 1950: Kalam's father passed away when he was 19, which forced him to give up his studies and take up a job to support his family.
  • 1954: After graduating in Physics from St. Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli, Kalam moved to Madras to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology.
  • 1960: Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.
  • 1969: Kalam played a key role in the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, while working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • 1980: Kalam was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, for his contributions to India's space and defence programs.
  • 1982-1992: Kalam served as the Director of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and worked on various missile projects, including the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
  • 1997: Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for his contributions to science and engineering.
  • 1998-2002: Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and also as the Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
  • 2002-2007: Kalam was the 11th President of India, serving a term of five years. He was known as the "People's President" for his humble and approachable nature.
  • 2011: Kalam launched his own education initiative, the "What Can I Give Movement," which aimed to inspire young people to contribute to society.
  • 2015: Kalam passed away on July 27th after suffering a heart attack while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.

Inspirational Quotes

Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.
If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.
Excellence happens not by accident. It is a process.
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.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a renowned scientist, engineer, and statesman who dedicated his life to the development of India's missile and space programs. He was also a prolific writer and a beloved figure in Indian society, known for his inspiring speeches and his commitment to education and youth empowerment.

If you have time, you should read more about this incredible human being on his Wikipedia entry.