Avul Pakir Jainuladbeen Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, was an Indian aerospace scientist and the country’s 11th president. From 2002 to 2007, he was India’s President. For his contributions to the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology, he was dubbed “India’s Missile Man.”
On October 15, 2022, the world celebrates World Student’s Day.
He has worked as a scientist and science administrator for the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for over four decades (ISRO). He was heavily involved in India’s civil space program as well as military missile development. He also received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Childhood
APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the People’s President, was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram on Pamban Island, then in the Madras Presidency, and now in Tamil Nadu, to a Tamil Muslim family. Jainuladbeen Marakayar, his father, was a boat owner and the imam of a local mosque, and his mother was a housewife. Abdul Kalam was the youngest of five siblings, with four brothers and one sister. Abdul Kalam was an average student in school, but he was known for his hard work and consistency. After graduating from Schwartz Higher Secondary School, he attended Saint Joseph’s College in Tiruchirapalli. In 1954, he received his physics diploma. In 1955, he relocated to Madras to study further Aerospace Engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam: Outstanding Contribution
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a man of many talents who dedicated his life to serving the nation. He has worked to better and develop society. The contribution of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has pushed society forward. Here are a few of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s significant contributions-
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was appointed project director in the first year of ISRO’s existence, in 1969.
- He oversaw the development of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV). SLV-III successfully launched the satellite Rohini into orbit in 1980.
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was appointed as the CEO of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)by Ministry of Defence.
- He was also played an important role in the development of nuclear power in India, including the Pokhran II nuclear test.
- APJ Abdul Kalam has also made contributions to Indian medicine. He and his team created lightweight prosthetics out of space-age materials to allow physically challenged children to walk.
- He worked with cardiologist B. Soma Raju to develop Indigenous coronary stents. When compared to imported stents, these stents resulted in a price reduction of more than 50%.
- He and B. Soma Raju created the concept of an indigenous ‘rugged tablet’ computer for healthcare professionals at primary health centers in rural areas.
- In 2011, Dr. Kalam launched a mass anti-corruption movement that addressed social, environmental, and ethical concerns.
- He is known as the People’s President and has a strong interest in the well-being of the younger generation.
- As President, Dr. Kalam established a crucial political precedent in the country. He was India’s first President to return a bill to parliament for reconsideration.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Awards and Achievements
- APJ Abdul Kalam has received 7 honorary doctorates from 40 Universities.
- The Government of India has honored him with Padma Bhushan in 1981 and Padma Vibhushan in 1990 for his contribution and work with ISRO and DRDO.
- In 1997, Kalam was honored with the Bharat Ratna Award for his contribution to scientific research and the modernization of defense technology.
- In 2013, he received the Von Braun Award from the National Space Society.
- In 1997 he was also presented with the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration from the Indian National Congress.
- In 2007, he received the King Charles II Medal from the Royal society.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Quotes
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has inspired millions of people with his wise words. He is an idol for millions of Indians as well as for the world. Here are some of the Quotes by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
“If you fail, never give up because FAIL means ‘First Attempt in Learning.”
“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”
“All birds find shelter during a rain, but an eagle avoids rains by flying above the clouds.”
“Dream, dream, dream, dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in actions.”
Source:CA