Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam’s contribution to establishing India at the top of the world’s chest was unique. Abdul Kalam was popular among all but his real name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India, the world’s largest democracy, along with being a world-renowned scientist. He is also known as the “Missileman” of India.
Biography of A.P.J Abdul Kalam
| Name | A. P. J. Abdul Kalam[1] |
| Full Name | Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. |
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1931 |
| Place of Birth | Rameshwaram ( now Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Family | Zainal Abdin (Father), Achiamma(Mother) |
| Education | 1/ Primary School in Rameshwaram 2/ Shartz High School 3/ Bachelor’s degree in Physics from St Joseph’s College 4/ Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology |
| Awards | 1/ Padma Bhushan (1981) 2/ Dr. Of’Science, the highest honour at Anna University in Madras (1998) 3/ Dr. Of Science Samman of Jadavpur University (1990) 4/ Padma Vibhushan (1990) 5/ Dr. Of Science from Mumbai IIT (1991) 6/ Bharat Ratna (1997) 7/ Indira Gandhi National Solidarity Award (1997) 8/ Veer Savarkar Award (1998) 9/ Ramanujan Award (2000) 10/ University of Wolverhampton, U.K Honorary Doctorate of Science(2007) 11/ Royal Society, U.K. King Charles 2 Award(2007) 12/ From Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Doctor of Engineering (2008) 13/ California Institute of Technology, USA International von Karman Wings Award (2009). 14/ ASME Foundation, USA Hoover Medal (2009) 15/ University of Waterloo Doctor of Engineering (2010) 16/ IEEE Honorary Membership (2011) 17/ Simon Fraser University Doctor of Laws (2012) 18/ National Science Society Von Brown Award (2013) 19/ Edinburgh University, UK Doctor of Science (2014). |
Early Life
Abdul Kalam spent his childhood in many problems even though he owned a colourful life. Kalam faced a lot of financial problems in his childhood. Kalam’s father Zainal Abdin was a boat merchant. His father, on the other hand, had no formal education. It was due to financial problems that Kalam tried to do various things to relieve his father financially from an early age due to financial problems. Kalam took up the job of selling newspapers at that time. Although there was a financial problems but Kalm’s family focus on saintliness, simplicity, humanity, equal viewing of people of all faiths, etc. Zainal Abdin and Asiyamma raised five children to be nourished by moral education. APJ Abdul Kalam was interested in studies since childhood. He studied secondary education at Ramnathpur after pursuing his primary education at Rameshwaram Primary School. Later he graduated in physics in 1954 from St Joseph’s College in Thiruvananthapuram. He then received his Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from madras institute of technology. Importantly, Abdul Kalam’s did not had sufficient money at that time to enroll in the Madras Institute of Technology. For which Johra, a sister of him kept the gold jewellery in mortgage a few positions and paid the remaining money.
Also Read: Biography of Rajendra Prasad
Professional Life & Achievements
Abdul Kalam started his first career after completing his formal education by working as a senior scientist in the Delhi Defence Ministry with a salary of Rs 250. Later Kalam subsequently served as chief scientist at the DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bangalore. While serving as chief scientist, APJ Abdul Kalam built a Hover craft with full indigenous technology. And this Hover craft was named “Nandi”.
Abdul Kalam joined ISRO in 1969. He later joined ISRO and was subsequently appointed as project director of rocket Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3) to be manufactured with indigenous technology. Importantly, the Indian artificial satellite Rohini was placed in orbit by the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 rocket. In 1970, A.P.J Abdul Kalam received two projects of Ballistic missile manufacturing with Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket technology. The names of these two projects were Project devil and project valiant. A.P.J Abdul Kalam was one of the representatives of India’s first nuclear test Smiling Buddha.
Kalam was appointed “The Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)” in 1982. And this is where Kalam started “Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam also served as chairman of a committee on indigenous missile manufacturing.
On September 16,1985, the first Indian artificial satellite ,Trishul, was launched under Kalam’s patronage. On the other hand, on February 25, 1988, Prithvi was launched under the leadership of Abdul Kalam. Prithvi is a nuclear-capable missile.
After Prithvi, on May 22, 1989, India launched a “Agni” missile led by Abdul Kalam. And then, under Kalam’s leadership, India gradually launched “Nag” and “Akash” missiles.
It is important that Abdul Kalam also served as Defence Research and Development Organization Secretary and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister from 1992 to 1999.
It was during this period that India successfully examined the Pokhran-II, importantly Abdul Kalam also played a role in the Pokhran-II trials.
A.P.J Abdul Kalam is also known as ‘Missile Man’ for focusing on various scientific ideas, missile development and rapid development of science and technology.
Kalam had made a low-cost Coronary Stent with cardiologist Dr Suma Raju in 1998. And it is named Kalam-Raju Stent. In addition to Stent, kalam along with Dr Suma Raju designed a tablet in health known as “Kalam-Raju Tablet” in 2012. Dr Abdul Kalam served as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of India from 1999 to 2002 as well as chairman of the Union Cabinet ‘Scientific Advisory Committee.
Literary Fame
APJ Abdul Kalam also occupied science in terms of philosophy, language and literature. He wrote 18 books each. Importantly, Abdul Kalam has written many poems in Tamil. And out of these poems, 17 poems were translated into English and published in 1994 by publishing a collection of poems called ‘My Journey’. The English books published by him are – India 2020: A vision for the new Millennium, ‘Wings of Fire: An Autobiography’, ‘Ignited Minds- unleashing the power within India’, You Are Born To BLOSSOM, Indomitable Spirit, Turning Points : A journey full of challenges, Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity etc. are the main ones. Each book written by Abdul Kalam is a valuable book that works like a parent in taking the generation to rise with a goal and purpose forward, with a mantra(slogan) of success and finding a new path to creating a modern India.
Dr° Kalam was a literary artist and also a cultural practitioner. Spending time playing veena in leisure time as well as Abdul Kalam was also a Rasagrahi scholar of Karnataka music.
This scientist, a literary culture seeker, held the highest position in India on July 25, 2002. He took over as the 11th President of India. He was 70 years 9 months and 10 days old at this time. While serving as President, he emphasized the importance of military and economic self-reliance of the country as well as on stopping cross-border terrorism. He also emphasized on eliminating poverty from the country, eliminating problems, ensuring national security, etc. From July 25, 2002 to July 25, 2007 A. P. J. Abdul Kalam held the post of President of India.
A.P.J Abdul Kalam was popular among the younger generations. His lectures, speech and discussion received the respect of the younger generation. Everything Abdul Kalam said during his lifetime is a guide for the present generation. Abdul Kalam launched a movement called “What Can I Give Movement” in 2011. Its main aim was to eradicate corruption.
Dr. Abdul Kalam, dedicated to the public, fell ill while speaking on Livable Planet Earth at IIM (IIM) in Shillong, from where he died on January 27, 2015.
Conclusion
Abdul Kalam succeeded in life through strong willpower, confidence and ambition. Dr° Abdul Kalam was an optimistic man. Abdul Kalam, who dedicated his life to the progress of the mother land without allowing any disappointment to take place, without taking any serious note of the trauma of life, is a memorable person for every Indian. Everything he said was hope and valuable messages that could inspire the new generation.
FAQ
1. When and where was A.P.J Abdul Kalam born?
Ans: He was born on October 15, 1931 at Rameshwaram ( now Tamil Nadu, India).
2. Who is known as the Missileman of India?
Ans: Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam is known as the Missileman of India.
3. When did A.P.J Abdul Kalam joined ISRO?
Ans: He joined ISRO in 1969.
4. When did A.P.J Abdul Kalam took as the 11th President of India?
Ans: He took over as the 11th president of India in July 25, 2002.
5. When did the first Indian artificial satellite Trishul was launched?
Ans: On September 16,1985, the first Indian artificial satellite ,Trishul, was launched under Kalam’s patronage.
6. What is the first missile made in India?
Ans: The Prithvi was India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile produced by the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program(IGMDP).
7. When did the first missile Prithvi was launched?
Ans: On February 25,1988, Prithvi was launched under the leadership of Abdul Kalam.
8. When did the Agni missile was launched by India?
Ans: On May 22,1989, India launched a “Agni” missile led by Abdul Kalam.
9. Name some of the books published by Abdul Kalam?
Ans: Some of the books written by Abdul Kalam are – India 2020: A vision for the new Millennium, ‘Wings of Fire: An Autobiography’, ‘Ignited Minds- unleashing the power within India’, You Are Born To BLOSSOM, Indomitable Spirit, Turning Points : A journey full of challenges, Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity etc.
10. When and where did A.P.J Abdul Kalam died?
Ans: Dr. Abdul Kalam, dedicated to the public, fell ill while speaking on Livable Planet Earth at IIM (IIM) in Shillong, from where he died on January 27, 2015.
11. When did A.P.J Abdul Kalam was awarded with Bharat Ratna Award?
Ans: Kalam was awarded with Bharat Ratna award in 1997.
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