Biography of A P J Abdul Kalam: The Missile Man of India
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (October 15, 1931 – July 27, 2015) was a remarkable Indian scientist and leader who made a huge impact on the nation’s defence by leading the development of India’s missile and nuclear programs. He became the President of India from 2002 to 2007 and was loved for his simplicity, vision, and dedication to the country. Known as the "Missile Man" for his scientific contributions and the "People’s President" for his connection with the public, his life story continues to inspire millions to dream big and work hard for their goals. Read more into the article to know about Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - About His Family and Struggle Life
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was born to a poor Tamil Muslim family. He lived with his family in the temple city of Tamilnadu, Rameswaram, where his father, Jainulabdeen, had a boat and was an imam of a local mosque. At the same time, his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam had four brothers and one sister in his family, from which he was the youngest. Kalam's ancestors were wealthy traders and landowners and had vast land and property tracts. But with time, their business of ferrying pilgrims and trading groceries suffered huge losses due to the Pamban Bridge's opening. As a result, Kalam's family had become inadequate and struggled hard to make a living. At a tender age, Kalam had to sell newspapers to supplement his family income.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Educational Background of Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s education journey shows his dedication and love for learning, despite having average grades in school. He was a hardworking student with a strong interest in mathematics. After finishing his early education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, he joined Saint Joseph's College in Tiruchirapalli, where he graduated with a degree in physics in 1954. In 1955, he moved to Madras to pursue aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology, marking an important step in his career.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Kalam as a Scientist
After graduating, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam joined DRDO in 1958 as a scientist, where he designed a small hovercraft but felt unsatisfied with his role. In 1969, he moved to ISRO and led the successful launch of India’s first satellite vehicle, placing the Rohini satellite in orbit in 1975. During the 1970s-90s, he directed key missile projects like Project Devil and Project Valiant, securing secret funding from Indira Gandhi. In 1992, he became the defence minister's scientific advisor and later played a key role in India’s 1998 nuclear tests. His "Technology Vision 2020" aimed to transform India into a developed nation through technology, healthcare, and education.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography -Kalam as the 11th President of India
Sir Kalam was entitled to be the 11th president of India. His term period of 25th July 2002 to 25th July 2007 was achieved by winning a presidential election in 2002 with a massive margin of votes. National Democratic Alliances’ nominated him to be president and it was supported by Samajwadi Party and National Congress Party. He was lovingly called as peoples’ president as he had done uncountable works for the welfare of the people and through the entire country.
He was brave and courageous enough to take decisions and implement them no matter if that was tough or sensitive or highly controversial. The “office of profit” is perhaps the hard Act that he had to sign. The “office of profit”, according to the English Act of Settlement in 1701 explains that no single individual who has a professional set up under the royal family, who has some kind of provision with or who is taking a pension from the prince has the right to work for the of the “House of Commons”. This will allow the royal family to have zero influence on the administrative conditions.
He had also become one of the most talked-about presidents Rule in 2005 for imposing the Presidents’ rule in Bihar. Kalam expressed his wish to take up the position one more time but then later changed his mind.
After taking farewell from the office, he shifted and commenced his career as a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong. He served as an Aerospace Engineering professor at Anna University, Tamil Nadu. He also lit up educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Indore, Indian Institute of Bangalore with his presence and knowledge. Sir Kalam served as chancellor Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
In 2012, he introduced a program called “What Can I Give?” focusing on the theme of eradicating corruption from the country.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - The Demise of Abdul Kalam
Abdul Kalam was a mortal human being just like us, but for his contribution to the country he remained immortal in the hearts of people. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was one such personality who died at 83. It was shocking news for the entire country as a pure soul left us forever. Abdul Kalam while delivering a speech for the youth in an event at IIM Shillong. During the middle of the speech, he suffered from a cardiac arrest and collapsed. Although he got admitted to the best hospital in Shillong, the doctors could not save him.
Then his body was airlifted to Gugati, and from there, it was taken to New Delhi in an Airforce plane. Their President, vice president, and some other leaders prayed for his soul. His body was then covered in the Indian National flag and brought to his hometown. About 35000 people attended his funeral event and prayed for such a great soul.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Writings of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr. Abdul Kalam was a person who was not only a great political leader but also a good teacher and a writer. He had many delicate qualities and visionaries. He always had an excellent dream for the country's development and realized that the youth can bring revolution. During his university career, he inspired many of the students through his inspirational speech and tremendous visionaries. Apart from this, Dr. Kalam was a great writer. He has written several books, which are mainly meant for the nation's empowerment. His creation of India 2020 was like a gift for us, and he had all the strategies to make India a Superpower. In this book, he had primarily focused on some factors like food and development in the Agriculture sector, improved health care facilities, advanced information and communication system, good infrastructure, sufficiency in electricity production, Self-reliance in some advanced technologies.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Achievements of Abdul Kalam
Abdul Kalam was a person of a golden heart who has received ample awards and achieved many things during his life journey. In 1981 Abdul Kalam received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. In 1990 he received the Padma Bhushan award. The renowned personality, because of his tremendous effort towards the nation, received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. In the same year, he was awarded the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. The government of India awarded Kalam with the Veer Savarkar award in 1998. Because of his contribution to arts, science, and technology, he received the SASTRA Ramanujan prize in 2000. Finally, in the year 2013, the eminent personality was bestowed with the Von Braun Award by the National Space Society.
Abdul Kalam’s Profession
APJ Abdul Kalam
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This complex persona was a notable researcher displaying huge and unending science and mechanical innovative work. It was he who made our country atomic in its most genuine sense. It was in the year 1974, under the oversight of Dr. Kalam, that India went through its most memorable atomic test. Next came the Pokhran - II in the year 1988. It was through these atomic tests Dr. Kalam showed the world India's situation and power in atomic innovation.
Abdul kalam’s Grants and Accomplishments
His works granted him three great honours from the Govt. of India specifically Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna. In the year 1997, Kalam was likewise granted the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. He was granted the Veer Savarkar Award in the year 1980 and the Ramanujan Award in the year 2000. From 40 colleges all over the world, Kalam got privileged doctorates.
Kalam’s Works and Motivation
He was the writer of various motivational books like "India 2010", "Touched off Minds", "Mission India", "The Luminous Sparks", "Wings of Fire", and "Moving Thoughts".
His life, work, and convictions are loaded up with models and motivations. He will keep on inspiring us for eternity. Furthermore, this is the genuine justification for why individuals from every one of the segments of the general public precipitously show love for this incredible person on his miserable end at IIM Shillong on 27th July 2015.
May this Noble and faithful Soul find happiness in the hereafter!
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Some Interesting Facts
Let us now study some interesting facts about Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam:
His full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.
He was born in a Tamil Muslim Family.
Kalam was a vegeterian. In his words “I was forced to become a vegetarian due to financial constraints, but I eventually came to enjoy it.” Today, I am a complete vegetarian”
He was India’s ‘first bachelor President.
He was very popular among children.
Kalam’s autobiography ‘Wings of Fire was initially published in English Language but then later published in 13 other languages.
Although the life of Abdul Kalam was filled with struggles and hardships, he rose above the adversaries to become one of the greatest scientists of modern India. His role in nation-building will be remembered till posterity.
Summary
Abdul Kalam was elected as the eleventh president of India in 2002 with the assistance of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-competition Indian National Congress. He is widely referred to as the "People's President". He spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, especially on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and became concerned with India's civilian space program and army missile improvement efforts.
Abdul Kalam lowered back to his civilian lifestyle of schooling, writing, and public career after a single term. He received Bharat Ratna for his prestigious work.
FAQs on Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Biography
1. Where can I find an APJ Abdul Kalam biography in English PDF for reading?
Vedantu has provided an entire article about Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s biography in English. Read this page to know more.
2. Can you provide a short biography of APJ Abdul Kalam in English?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist and the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, he came from a simple background and worked hard to achieve success. He studied physics and aerospace engineering and led important projects at ISRO and DRDO, including India’s first satellite launch and missile programs. Known as the "Missile Man," he also played a key role in the 1998 nuclear tests. He was loved for his simple life, inspiring books, and vision for India’s progress.
3. Who was Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and why is he called the "Missile Man of India"?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist and the 11th President of India. He is called the "Missile Man of India" because he played a key role in developing India’s missile technology and led major defense projects, making the country stronger in space and defense.
4. What are some important facts and information about Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's life and achievements?
Vedantu has provided here Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam information: Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, he studied physics and aerospace engineering. He led key projects at ISRO and DRDO, earning the title "Missile Man" for his role in missile development and the 1998 nuclear tests. He served as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and inspired millions with his simple life, books, and vision for a developed India.
5. Can you share some Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam quotes?
"Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action."
"You have to dream before your dreams can come true."
"Success is when your signature becomes an autograph."
6. Explain the key events in A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's history as a scientist and leader.
Joined DRDO in 1958 and ISRO in 1969, leading India’s first satellite launch in 1975.
Played a major role in developing missiles like Agni and Prithvi, earning the title "Missile Man."
Led the 1998 nuclear tests, strengthening India as a nuclear power.
Became the 11th President of India in 2002 and inspired the nation with his vision and leadership.
7. How was APJ Abdul Kalam's childhood?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam grew up in a humble family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His father was a boat owner, and his mother was a homemaker. Despite hardships, he was a hardworking student who loved learning, especially math. To help his family, he sold newspapers after school. His simple upbringing taught him hard work and discipline, which shaped his future success.
8. Why was Abdul Kalam not married?
Abdul Kalam chose to remain unmarried because he was fully dedicated to his work and his vision for the nation. He believed in living a simple life and focused all his time and energy on science, education, and serving the country. His mission to contribute to India’s progress left little room for personal commitments like marriage.
9. What is Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Father’s name?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's father's name was Jainulabdeen Marakayar. He was the owner of a boat and the imam of the local mosque.
10. What is A.P.J. Abdula Kalam’s death date?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam died on July 27, 2015, at the age of 83.
