A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Known as the "Missile Man of India," Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam is a name that connotes honesty, inventiveness, and creativity. From 2002 to 2007, he presided as India's eleventh president and was a trailblazing aerospace scientist. His life story serves as a tribute to the value of education, tenacity, and national service. His profound spirituality and persistent faith in the potential of India's young made a profound impact on the world. This site explores every aspect of his life, from his modest upbringing to his presidency and beyond.
Early
Life and Education: The Humble Beginnings of a Future Leader
Born on October 15, 1931, in
Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam grew up in a
modest Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a
local mosque, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam’s family, though
not wealthy, was rich in values. His upbringing was shaped by simplicity, hard
work, and a deep spiritual foundation.
As a child, Kalam was an avid
learner and a dreamer. He sold newspapers to supplement the family’s income,
yet never lost his thirst for knowledge. His teachers, particularly his primary
school teacher Iyadurai Solomon, played a key role in fostering his love for
science and curiosity about the world. Solomon once told young Kalam,
"With faith in God, you can achieve anything," words that resonated
with him throughout his life.
Kalam attended Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram before
enrolling at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, from where he graduated in
physics in 1954. He later moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study aerospace
engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). His passion for flying
and his desire to work for the betterment of the country fueled his academic
journey, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in science and
technology.
Career as a Scientist: Shaping India's Defence and Space Programs
After completing his education at MIT, Kalam joined the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist in 1958. However, it was his
work with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the 1960s and 1970s
that brought him into the limelight. He was a key figure in the development of
India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, which successfully deployed
the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980. This achievement marked a significant
milestone in India's space program and established Kalam as a visionary
scientist.
To lead India's Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP), Kalam returned to DRDO in the 1980s. The Agni and Prithvi
missiles were among the strategic missiles that India successfully produced
under his direction, giving him the moniker "Missile Man of India."
His efforts not only improved India's defense capacities but also solidified
the country's standing as a significant participant in the world's aerospace
and defense industries.
Kalam's accomplishments went beyond the advancement of missile technology. He
was crucial to India's nuclear programme, especially during the 1998 Pokhran-II
tests, which showed the world that India was capable of producing nuclear
weapons. His attempts to make India a technologically and militarily
independent country were highly regarded, and he received multiple awards from
both domestic and foreign audiences.
.jpg "A. P. J. Abdul Kalam")
The Presidency:
The President of the People
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was elected as India's eleventh president in 2002. Both
the opposition and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) contributed
significantly to his election. Throughout his presidency, Kalam's
approachability to the general public earned him the moniker "People's
President." In contrast to many of his predecessors, Kalam made it a point
to interact with young people, especially those enrolled in colleges and
universities around the nation.
During his presidency, Kalam exhibited a forward-looking outlook for the Indian
future. He frequently discussed making India a developed country by 2020 and
outlined a plan for scientific advancement, economic expansion, and educational
changes. He promoted the idea of utilizing technology and science to alleviate
poverty and uplift the marginalized sections of society.
The promotion of India's space and defense projects was one
of Kalam's most notable presidential achievements. Even though he was the
President—a mostly ceremonial position—he nevertheless had a considerable
impact on national policy, especially in the areas of science and military.
Additionally, he was a major force in advancing India's foreign policy by
supporting world disarmament and peaceful cohabitation.
Following the Presidency: Pursuing
His Goals
Following his tenure as President in 2007, Kalam shifted his attention back to
his love of writing, teaching, and education. At several esteemed
establishments, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the
Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), he was appointed as a visiting
professor. His engagement with pupils extended beyond lectures; he actively
stimulated their thoughts and encouraged critical thinking critically and contribute to nation-building.
In a number of his publications, notably "India 2020: A
Vision for the New Millennium," where he detailed his strategy for making
India a worldwide superpower, Kalam expressed his vision for a developed India.
He frequently emphasized the significance of a knowledge-based economy and had
faith in the potential of India's youth.
His persistent commitment to science, technology, and education during his
post-presidential years was noteworthy. He participated in a number of programs
designed to encourage young Indians to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
Following his term as president, Kalam's life demonstrated his conviction that
education can be a powerful force for change.
Death: The End of an Era
On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture to students at the Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam suffered a cardiac
arrest. He collapsed on stage and was rushed to the hospital, where he was
declared dead. The news of his sudden demise shocked the nation and the world.
India mourned the loss of one of its greatest visionaries, a man who had
dedicated his life to the service of the country.
Kalam’s funeral was held with full state honors in his hometown of
Rameswaram, where thousands gathered to pay their respects. Leaders from across
the world, including former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, expressed their grief and praised Kalam's contributions to
science, education, and peace.
Reactions: A
Sorrowful Nation
Millions of people felt a profound vacuum in their hearts after A. P. J. Abdul
Kalam passed away. From all around the world, tributes flooded in, recalling
him as a modest, caring human being in addition to being a statesman and a
scientist. Particularly the students, who had always looked up to Kalam as an
inspiration, felt a great loss.
Leaders in the domains of science, education, politics, and defense paid their
homage to Kalam. His capacity to cross societal and political divides was
demonstrated by the extensive grieving that accompanied his passing. All Indian
political parties praised him as a great nationalist who dedicated his life to
the advancement of his country.
Monument: In
Memoriam of the Missile Man
The Indian government dedicated the "Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National
Memorial" in Rameswaram in honor of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Inaugurated
in 2017, the memorial includes passages from Kalam's writings and speeches
together with models of the rockets and missiles he worked on. It acts as a
reminder of Kalam's enduring influence and his steadfast dedication to the
country.
To further ensure that his contributions to science, education, and the nation
are never forgotten, a number of academic institutions, scholarships, and
honors have been named in his honor.
Personal Life: Low Key and Subdued
Kalam was a simple, humble man all of his life, even in spite of his prominent
duties and many honors. He never got married, led a simple life,
and had few personal belongings. Kalam gave his all to the things he supported, and his personal and professional lives were closely entwined.
Kalam was well-known for his strict schedule, early mornings, and substantial reading and writing time. His appreciation of Tamil poetry and music, especially the veena, demonstrated his creative side. Despite occupying the nation's highest post, he remained modest and disciplined in his daily life.
Spiritual and Religious Perspectives: Living a Life Based on Faith
Kalam had strong spiritual and religious convictions. rooted in his upbringing in Rameswaram, a town known for its religious harmony. Although a devout Muslim, Kalam was a firm believer in the unity of all religions. His daily routine included both reading the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting his deep respect for diverse religious traditions.
Kalam believed that spirituality transcended religious rituals and that it
was more about the values of compassion, humility, and service. He often spoke
about the need for tolerance, mutual respect, and harmony in a country as
diverse as India. His life and work exemplified the idea of "unity in
diversity."
Islam: A Devout Muslim with an Inclusive Outlook
Kalam was a devout follower of Islam, often citing the values of compassion, humility, and service that are central to the faith. His personal life reflected these principles, as he lived simply and selflessly. He regularly prayed, fasted during Ramadan, and upheld the moral teachings of Islam. However, Kalam's interpretation of religion was inclusive. He often said, "For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool."