A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

 A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Missile Man of India

 A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

 

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India was an Indian scientist, politician, and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was widely known as the "People's President" for his humble and approachable nature. He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India, on October 15, 1931, and passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.

Early Life and Education

Abul Phakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born to a Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam was the youngest of five siblings and was brought up in a modest environment.

Despite facing financial challenges, Kalam was an excellent student and showed a keen interest in science and mathematics. He completed his schooling from Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram and went on to pursue a degree in Physics from St. Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli.

In 1954, Kalam graduated with a degree in Physics and went on to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). He received his degree in 1960 and began his career as a scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bangalore, which is now known as the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Career in Science and Technology

Kalam's work at the ADE involved the design and development of hovercraft, which were used for military purposes. He also worked on developing missile technology for the Indian Army. Kalam's contributions to the field of science and technology were recognized when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.

In 1992, Kalam became the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, and in 1999, he was appointed as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. During his tenure as the scientific adviser, Kalam played a key role in the development of India's civilian space program and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests.

Kalam's most significant contribution to the field of science and technology came in the form of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The program aimed to develop a range of missiles for the Indian Armed Forces, including the Agni, Prithvi, and Akash missiles. Kalam was instrumental in the success of the program, which established India as a major player in the field of missile technology.

Political Career

After his retirement from the DRDO in 1999, Kalam was appointed as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. In 2002, he was elected as the 11th President of India, succeeding K.R. Narayanan.

As President, Kalam played a significant role in promoting education and inspiring the youth of India. He initiated the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme, which aimed to provide basic amenities such as drinking water, electricity, and healthcare to rural areas.

Kalam's presidency was marked by his simplicity, humility, and accessibility to the common people. He was widely loved and respected by the people of India and was often referred to as the "People's President."

Legacy and Achievements

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's legacy and achievements are vast and varied. He was a man of science, a statesman, and a role model for the youth of India. Kalam's contributions to the field of science and technology, as well as his dedication to education and the welfare of the people, have left a lasting impact on India and the world.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

Kalam's most significant contribution to the field of science and technology came in the form of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The program aimed to develop a range of missiles for the Indian Armed Forces, including the Agni, Prithvi, and Akash missiles. Kalam was instrumental in the success of the program, which established India as a major player in the field of missile technology.

Civilian Space Program

Kalam also played a key role in the development of India's civilian space program. He was a strong advocate of using space technology for the benefit of society and initiated several programs aimed at improving communication and remote sensing capabilities. He was also involved in the launch of the satellite-based education program, EDUSAT, which aimed to provide education to remote and rural areas of India.

Promotion of Education

Kalam was a strong believer in the power of education and worked tirelessly to promote education in India. He initiated several programs aimed at providing quality education to the youth of India, including the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) and the Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) scheme.

PURA aimed to provide basic amenities such as drinking water, electricity, and healthcare to rural areas, with a focus on promoting rural entrepreneurship and employment generation.

People's President

Kalam was widely loved and respected by the people of India and was often referred to as the "People's President." His presidency was marked by his simplicity, humility, and accessibility to the common people. He made it a point to interact with students and youth, and his speeches and lectures inspired a generation of young Indians.

Death

Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His sudden demise was mourned by the entire nation, and tributes poured in from across the world. Kalam's legacy and achievements continue to inspire the youth of India and serve as a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and humility.

Picture By Government of India - https://newsonair.gov.in/marathi/Marathi-Main-News.aspx?id=12684 http://abdulkalam.nic.in/profile.https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86383999