A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam) was an Indian scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India, and passed away on July 27, 2015.

Kalam was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile technology in India. He played a key role in the development of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, as well as the development of nuclear weapons.

Kalam was a highly respected figure in India, known for his humility, vision, and dedication to public service. He was a prolific writer and authored several books, including "Wings of Fire," an autobiography that detailed his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a leading scientist and statesman.

Throughout his life, Kalam was deeply committed to promoting education, particularly in science and technology, as a means of empowering young people and promoting national development. He was also a strong advocate for peace and international cooperation, and worked to promote dialogue and understanding between different cultures and nations.

• Kalam was born in a Tamil Muslim family and grew up in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. His father was a boat owner and Imam of a local mosque, while his mother was a housewife.
• Despite coming from a humble background, Kalam was a bright student and went on to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He later joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
• Kalam is widely credited with playing a key role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which made India a nuclear-armed nation. However, he always maintained that his role was that of a scientist and technologist, and that the decision to conduct the tests was a political one.
• Kalam was awarded several honors and awards throughout his life, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1997. He was also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards.
• After his presidency, Kalam continued to be active in public life and worked to promote his vision of a "knowledge society" in India. He traveled extensively across the country and addressed students, scientists, and policymakers on various issues, including education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
• Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. His death was widely mourned across India, and he was remembered as a great scientist, teacher, and statesman who embodied the best of Indian values and aspirations
• Kalam was known for his simple and down-to-earth personality. He was often seen wearing traditional Indian clothes like the kurta and dhoti, and he preferred to travel in economy class when flying.
• Kalam was a strong advocate of renewable energy and believed that India could become a world leader in this field. He encouraged the use of solar, wind, and other forms of clean energy as a means of promoting sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Kalam was an inspiration to millions of young people in India, particularly those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds. He often spoke about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, and encouraged young people to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
• In addition to his work as a scientist and politician, Kalam was also a poet and musician. He wrote several poems in Tamil and English, and was an accomplished player of the veena, a traditional Indian musical instrument.
• Kalam's legacy continues to inspire people in India and around the world. His life and work are celebrated on his birth anniversary, which is observed as "World Students' Day" in recognition of his contributions to education and youth empowerment.