APJ Abdul Kalam Biography

There is no one who does not know about Abdul Kalam, who is popularly known as APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an eminent scientist who became the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He spent forty years of his life as a scientist or science administrator, primarily at ISRO and DRDO (Defence Research and the Development Organization). Because of his close association with the military missile and his work in launch vehicle technology and ballistic missile development, he was given the pseudonym of The Missile Man of India. For his accomplishments and contributions as a scientist, he was awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna Award,’ India’s highest civilian honor. On July 27, 2015, he left the world for the heavenly abode while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. Today, we will be discussing APJ Abdul Kalam Biography and reveal some interesting and unknown facts about him.

Early Life Of Abdul Kalam

On October 15, 1931, he was born in a poor Muslim Tamilian family in the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His mother’s name is Ashiamma, a homemaker, and his father’s name is Jainulabdeen, an imam of a local mosque and a boat owner. Kalam, with four elder brothers and a sister, was the youngest in the family. Since his family was not financially well, but his parents raised them with love and compassion. For helping his family, Kalam started selling newspapers during his early years. In school, he was an average student, but he was always passionate about learning. His favorite subject was mathematics, and he spent hours inquiring about the subject. He continued his study at ‘Schwartz Higher Secondary School’ and then completed his graduation in 1954 from ‘Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.

Career Of Abdul Kalam

1. As A Scientist

In 1960, he completed his graduation from the ‘Madras Institute of Technology.’ He later joined ‘Aeronautical Development Establishment’ as a scientist after becoming ‘Defence Research and Development Service’s member. He even learned and worked under the great space scientist Vikram Sarabhai when he was a part of the ‘INCOSPAR’ committee. In 1969 he got transferred to the ISRO and became the country’s foremost Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) ‘s project head. In July 1980, under Kalam’s leadership, SLV-III successfully deployed the ‘Rohini’ satellite near-earth orbit. He had led many projects that included Project Devil ( 1970) and Prithvi Missile( 1980). In 1983, Kalam worked as DRDO chief and was asked to head the ‘Integrated Guided Missile Development Program’ (IGMDP). Later, in May 1998, at the time of Pokhran-II’s nuclear tests by India, he played a pivotal role.

2. As President

In 2002, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was the ruling party and chose Kalam as a Presidential nominee, and he was elected the President. On July 25, 2002, he became India’s 11th President and served the position till July 25, 2007.

He was also India’s third President to receive ‘Bharat Ratna’ before assuming its office.

3. As An Academician

After the presidential term, he became a visiting professor at IIM ( Ahmedabad, Indore, and Shillong). He was a professor of Aerospace Engineering and also taught technology at Anna University. At ‘Banaras Hindu University, he taught technology and information technology at the ‘International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad.

Intending to defeat corruption and bring competence, in 2012, Kalam started a program for the youth called ‘What Can I Give Movement’.

Awards and Achievements of Abdul Kalam

India’s Government honored Kalam with the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratan,’ ‘Padma Vibhushan,’ and ‘Padma Bhushan.
He was the receiver of the Veer Savarkar Award.
In 1997 He was presented with the ‘Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration’ by India’s Government.
In 2000, he was presented with the ‘Ramanujan Award’ by the ‘Alwars Research Centre.’
He also got an honorary doctorate from 40 universities.
In 2007, he got the ‘Kings Charles II Medal’ from the Royal Society.
The ASME Foundation, USA, esteemed Kalam with the Hoover Medal.
The United Nations acknowledged the 79th birthday of Abdul Kalam as World Students’ Day.
In 2003 and 2006, he was chosen for the ‘MTV Youth Icon of the Year.’

His Writings

Dr. Kalam authored and co-authored some instructional and inspirational books, including

‘India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
‘Wings of Fire,’
“Mission of India: A Vision of Indian Youth,’
‘You Are Born To Blossom,’
‘Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India,’
‘Guiding Souls,’
‘Inspiring Thoughts,’
‘The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours,
‘Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges,’
‘Transcendence My Spiritual Experiences,’
‘Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow’s India,’ and many others.

Death

On July 27, 2015, Kalam went to IIM Shillong to lecture on ‘Creating a Livable Planet Earth.’ Just five minutes into the lecture, around 6:35 pm IST, he fell in the lecture hall. He was then admitted to the ‘Bethany Hospital’ in a critical condition. At 7:45 pm IST, he was proclaimed dead due to cardiac arrest.

Intriguing Facts About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

A man who gave approximately five decades in public service carried one stint as ‘The President,’ Kalam owned valuable little. He had no property, TV, fridge, car, AC but had approximately 2,500 books, six shirts, a pair of shoes, a wristwatch, four pairs of trousers, and three suits.
Except for books, he never took any gifts from others.
There is no secret that he had a great love for technology, and he kept his eyes on all the latest developments, principally through radio.
He was vegan and was always pleased with whatever he had served.
He was never seen carrying his religion on his sleeves nor playing up his humble origins.
He never wrote his will.
His autobiography’ Wings of Fire’ was originally published in English but has been translated into thirteen languages, including Chinese and French.
Mathematics and Physics were his beloved subjects.
He was a divine soul and special about his morning prayer, which he never missed.
Nila Madhab Panda directed a movie based on the life of Kalam, titled ‘I Am Kalam, in 2011.
He was Unmarried.

Conclusion

After reading APJ Abdul Kalam’s biography, we got to learn how he becomes an inspiration for all of us. Despite being from a poor family, he became president, he not just ruled the country but also our hearts.

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