Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015), popularly known as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was an Indian aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering.
Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958, where he was involved in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3. He later joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he played a key role in the development of the PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles.
Kalam was also a distinguished scientist and aeronautical engineer. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997.
After retiring from ISRO, Kalam served as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister from 1992 to 1999. He was also the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from 1999 to 2001.
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. He served a single term as President and retired in 2007.
Kalam was a popular and respected figure in India. He was known for his simple lifestyle and his commitment to education and scientific research. He was also a gifted orator and author.
Kalam died on 27 July 2015, at the age of 83. He was a national icon and his death was mourned by millions of people across India.
Here are some of Kalam’s achievements:
- Developed India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3.
- Played a key role in the development of the PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles.
- Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997.
- Served as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister from 1992 to 1999.
- Served as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from 1999 to 2001.
- Elected as the 11th President of India in 2002.
- Known for his simple lifestyle and his commitment to education and scientific research.
- Gifted orator and author.
Kalam was a true inspiration to millions of people around the world. He was a man of vision and determination, and he made significant contributions to the development of India’s space program and missile technology. He will be remembered as one of the greatest scientists and leaders of India.