Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
- Born:
- October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, Madras State, British India (present-day Tamil Nadu, India)
- Died:
- July 27, 2015, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Scientist, Aerospace Engineer, Professor, Author, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram.
- Studied physics at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, graduating in 1954.
- Studied aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958.
- Worked at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Project Director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
- Played a pivotal role in India's nuclear weapons program.
- Served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
- Received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1997.
Notable Works
- Books:
- India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
- Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
- Wings of Fire: An Autobiography - The impact of Wings of Fire has been immense, inspiring many, and its availability in languages like the wings of fire in hindi has broadened its reach.
- Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges
- My India: Ideas for the Future
Legacy and Impact
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is remembered as the "People's President" for his accessibility and dedication to inspiring youth. His contributions to India's space program and nuclear arsenal are significant. He left a lasting legacy of scientific advancement and national pride.