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| APJ Abdul Kalam Biography |
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in a poor Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, then part of the Madras Presidency. He lived in the temple town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu with his father, Jainulabdeen, who was both a boat owner and the imam of a local mosque, and his mother, Aashiamma, who was a homemaker. Abdul Kalam was the youngest of five brothers and one sister. Although his forefathers had once been wealthy merchants and landowners, the family’s fortunes declined after the opening of the Pamban Bridge, which ruined their ferry business. To support his family, young Kalam sold newspapers in his early years, developing a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic from a young age.
Despite coming from a humble background, Abdul Kalam was deeply passionate about learning. Though his grades were average, his determination and curiosity set him apart. He developed a special interest in mathematics and science during his schooling. After completing his early education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, he pursued a degree in physics from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, graduating in 1954. In 1955, he moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), where his hard work and vision began to shape his future as a scientist.
After graduating, Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1960, where he began his career designing a small hovercraft. However, he soon realized his true calling lay elsewhere. In 1969, he transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he served as the Project Director for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite into Earth’s orbit in 1980. His success with the SLV project earned him national recognition and paved the way for India’s space and missile programs.
Building on this achievement, Kalam led two critical defense projects, Project Devil and Project Valiant, aimed at developing ballistic missile technology using the SLV’s foundation. His vision and determination convinced Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to allocate secret funds for these projects. Throughout the 1980s, his scientific leadership brought India both technological advancement and international recognition. In 1992, Kalam became the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, and later, in 1999, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. His key role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests solidified India’s status as a nuclear power and earned him immense respect nationwide.
In 2002, Dr. Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, serving from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007. Nominated by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and supported by several political parties, he was fondly known as the “People’s President” for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to public service. He played a pivotal role in major national decisions, including the imposition of President’s Rule in Bihar in 2005, and was admired for his courage to take principled stands. Although he initially expressed interest in serving a second term, he later withdrew his candidacy.
After his presidency, Dr. Kalam returned to his first love, teaching. He became a visiting professor at the Indian Institutes of Management in Shillong, Ahmedabad, and Indore, and also served as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Anna University. He founded the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram and continued to inspire students across the nation through lectures, interactions, and educational programs. In 2012, he launched the “What Can I Give” movement, a youth-driven initiative aimed at eradicating corruption and promoting civic responsibility.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 at the age of 83 while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong. He collapsed during his speech after suffering a cardiac arrest and, despite immediate medical attention, could not be revived. His body was airlifted from Shillong to New Delhi and then to his hometown, Rameswaram, where over 35,000 people attended his state funeral. His death marked the end of an era, but his vision and ideals continue to live on in the hearts of millions.
Beyond his scientific and political achievements, Dr. Kalam was a prolific writer and an inspiring teacher. His works, including Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, and India 2020, continue to inspire young minds worldwide. In India 2020, he outlined a visionary roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation through advancements in agriculture, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Kalam received numerous awards and honors for his remarkable contributions to science and the nation. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1997. The same year, he received the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, followed by the Veer Savarkar Award in 1998 and the Ramanujan Award in 2000 for his contributions to science and technology. In 2013, the National Space Society conferred upon him the Von Braun Award for his excellence in space science.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life remains an enduring example of humility, dedication, and patriotism. Rising from modest beginnings to become one of the most respected scientists and leaders of modern India, he inspired generations to dream big and serve the nation selflessly. His legacy as the “Missile Man of India” and the “People’s President” continues to shine as a beacon of hope and vision for the future.