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• Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Biography

The Missile Man of India: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Great personalities are not born every day; they are born once in a century and are remembered for millennials to come. One such great personality that we will always be proud of is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam . His full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, born in Rameswaram of Madras Presidency on 15th October 1931 and died on July 27, 2015, Shillong. He was an Indian Scientist and also a politician leader, who later became the 11th President of India. He played an important role in the development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons program.

It is an absolute honor for us to learn about his great leader in the form of his biography . Without much ado, let us start.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - About His Family and Struggle Life 

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was born to a poor Tamil Muslim family. He lived with his family in the temple city of Tamilnadu, Rameswaram, where his father, Jainulabdeen, had a boat and was an imam of a local mosque. At the same time, his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. Kalam had four brothers and one sister in his family, from which he was the youngest. Kalam's ancestors were wealthy traders and landowners and had vast land and property tracts. But with time, their business of ferrying pilgrims and trading groceries suffered huge losses due to the Pamban Bridge's opening. As a result, Kalam's family had become inadequate and struggled hard to make a living. At a tender age, Kalam had to sell newspapers to supplement his family income.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Educational Background of Kalam

Although Kalam had average grades in school, he was very hard working and had an immense desire to learn. He spent a lot of time studying and had developed a particular interest in mathematics. Kalam left Schwartz higher secondary school after completing his early education and went to Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli . From Saint Joseph's College, he graduated in physics in 1954. He moved to Madras in 1955 to study aerospace engineering at Madras Institute of Technology.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Kalam as a Scientist

Kalam joined as a scientist in the aeronautical development establishment of DRDO in 1960, after graduation. His career started with him designing a small hovercraft. However, he was not convinced by his choice of a job at the DRDO. Kalam was transferred to ISRO in 1969, where he was the project director of India's first satellite vehicle launch. The satellite vehicle deployed the Rohini satellite successfully in near-Earth orbit in July 1980. Kalam received the Government's LV and Slv projects between the 1970s-90s. He directed two projects like Project Devil and Project Valiant, which aimed at developing ballistic missiles from the successful SLV program's technology Kalam somehow convinced Indira Gandhi and sought secret funds for these aerospace projects. His research and immense knowledge brought him and the nation great laurels in the 1980s.

Kalam then went on to become the scientific advisor of the defence minister in 1992 and served at the same post for five years before getting promoted to the post of principal scientific advisor to the government. His immense role in the country's 1998 nuclear weapons tests solidified India as a nuclear power. Kamal had now become a national hero, to be remembered for ages to come. However, the tests he conducted caused a huge uproar in the international community. Kamal put forward a nationwide plan called Technology Vision 2020 , which according to him, was a fantastic way for transforming the stature of India in 20 years, taking it from a developing to a developed nation. The plan envisioned the progress of the nation by adopting advanced technology, expanding healthcare facilities, and emphasizing the education of the masses.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography -Kalam as the 11th President of India 

Sir Kalam was entitled to be the 11th president of India. His term period of 25th July 2002 to 25th July 2007 was achieved by winning a presidential election in 2002 with a massive margin of votes. National Democratic Alliances’ nominated him to be president and it was supported by Samajwadi Party and National Congress Party. He was lovingly called as peoples’ president as he had done uncountable works for the welfare of the people and through the entire country.

He was brave and courageous enough to take decisions and implement them no matter if that was tough or sensitive or highly controversial. The “office of profit” is perhaps the hard Act that he had to sign. The “ office of profit ”, according to the English Act of Settlement in 1701 explains that no single individual who has a professional set up under the royal family, who has some kind of provision with or who is taking a pension from the prince has the right to work for the of the “ House of Commons ”. This will allow the royal family to have zero influence on the administrative conditions.

He had also become one of the most talked-about presidents Rule in 2005 for imposing the Presidents’ rule in Bihar. Kalam expressed his wish to take up the position one more time but then later changed his mind.

After taking farewell from the office, he shifted and commenced his career as a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong. He served as an Aerospace Engineering professor at Anna University, Tamil Nadu. He also lit up educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Indore, Indian Institute of Bangalore with his presence and knowledge. Sir Kalam served as chancellor Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.

In 2012, he introduced a program called “ What Can I Give ?” focusing on the theme of eradicating corruption from the country.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - The Demise of Abdul Kalam

Abdul Kalam was a mortal human being just like us, but for his contribution to the country he remained immortal in the hearts of people. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was one such personality who died at 83. It was shocking news for the entire country as a pure soul left us forever. Abdul Kalam while delivering a speech for the youth in an event at IIM Shillong. During the middle of the speech, he suffered from a cardiac arrest and collapsed. Although he got admitted to the best hospital in Shillong, the doctors could not save him.

Then his body was airlifted to Gugati, and from there, it was taken to New Delhi in an Airforce plane. Their President, vice president, and some other leaders prayed for his soul. His body was then covered in the Indian National flag and brought to his hometown. About 35000 people attended his funeral event and prayed for such a great soul.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Writings of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. Abdul Kalam was a person who was not only a great political leader but also a good teacher and a writer. He had many delicate qualities and visionaries. He always had an excellent dream for the country's development and realized that the youth can bring revolution. During his university career, he inspired many of the students through his inspirational speech and tremendous visionaries. Apart from this, Dr. Kalam was a great writer. He has written several books, which are mainly meant for the nation's empowerment. His creation of India 2020 was like a gift for us, and he had all the strategies to make India a Superpower. In this book, he had primarily focused on some factors like food and development in the Agriculture sector, improved health care facilities, advanced information and communication system, good infrastructure, sufficiency in electricity production, Self-reliance in some advanced technologies.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Achievements of Abdul Kalam

Abdul Kalam was a person of a golden heart who has received ample awards and achieved many things during his life journey. In 1981 Abdul Kalam received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. In 1990 he received the Padma Bhushan award. The renowned personality, because of his tremendous effort towards the nation, received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. In the same year, he was awarded the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. The government of India awarded Kalam with the Veer Savarkar award in 1998. Because of his contribution to arts, science, and technology, he received the SASTRA Ramanujan prize in 2000. Finally, in the year 2013, the eminent personality was bestowed with the Von Braun Award by the National Space Society.

Abdul Kalam’s Profession

APJ Abdul Kalam

This complex persona was a notable researcher displaying huge and unending science and mechanical innovative work. It was he who made our country atomic in its most genuine sense. It was in the year 1974, under the oversight of Dr. Kalam, that India went through its most memorable atomic test. Next came the Pokhran - II in the year 1988. It was through these atomic tests Dr. Kalam showed the world India's situation and power in atomic innovation.

Abdul kalam’s Grants and Accomplishments 

His works granted him three great honours from the Govt. of India specifically Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna. In the year 1997, Kalam was likewise granted the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. He was granted the Veer Savarkar Award in the year 1980 and the Ramanujan Award in the year 2000. From 40 colleges all over the world, Kalam got privileged doctorates.

Kalam’s Works and Motivation

He was the writer of various motivational books like "India 2010", "Touched off Minds", "Mission India", "The Luminous Sparks", "Wings of Fire", and "Moving Thoughts".

His life, work, and convictions are loaded up with models and motivations. He will keep on inspiring us for eternity. Furthermore, this is the genuine justification for why individuals from every one of the segments of the general public precipitously show love for this incredible person on his miserable end at IIM Shillong on 27th July 2015.

May this Noble and faithful Soul find happiness in the hereafter!

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's Biography - Some Interesting Facts 

Let us now study some interesting facts about Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam:

His full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. 

He was born in a Tamil Muslim Family. 

Kalam was a vegeterian. In his words “I was forced to become a vegetarian due to financial constraints, but I eventually came to enjoy it.” Today, I am a complete vegetarian”

He was India’s ‘first bachelor President.

He was very popular among children. 

Kalam’s autobiography ‘Wings of Fire was initially published in English Language but then later published in 13 other languages. 

Although the life of Abdul Kalam was filled with struggles and hardships, he rose above the adversaries to become one of the greatest scientists of modern India. His role in nation-building will be remembered till posterity.

Abdul Kalam was elected as the eleventh president of India in 2002 with the assistance of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-competition Indian National Congress. He is widely referred to as the "People's President". He spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, especially on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and became concerned with India's civilian space program and army missile improvement efforts.

Abdul Kalam lowered back to his civilian lifestyle of schooling, writing, and public career after a single term. He received Bharat Ratna for his prestigious work.

FAQs on Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Biography

1. Why is Abdul kalam known as the Missile man of India?

Being the largest democratic country globally, India did not have the right image in front of the world. As our country did not have any ballistic missiles or nuclear missiles, it was like a weaker country. 

Abdul Kalam had a different thought in his mind, and he was the only person who tried to bring revolution to the country through modern and advanced defence power. As a scientist, he encouraged other scientists of ISRO and DRDO and developed some powerful ballistic missiles with indigenous technology. E also talked with the prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and arranged some secret funds, which was very much useful for running such crucial projects. However, Kalam was first tied to empower India and created a strong image in front of the world. So Kalam is famous as the Missile man of India.

2. How Abdul Kalam became the President of India?

As a professor, Kalam used to spend some happy moments with students and other professors at Anna University. He loved teaching students something interesting with tremendous enthusiasm. Although the classroom's strength was sixty every day, around 350 youths gathered in his classroom to listen to a great professor's inspiring lecture. There was nothing unusual with that; he only used to understand a dynamic youth's mind and expressed his emotions through lectures. He used to emphasize his vision of modernizing the country and social transformation. He was assigned to teach ten lessons to the postgraduate students, and in the ninth lecture, he gave the example of several case studies. This was the most crucial period of his political career. The university's VC informed that he was receiving many calls, and many of the people wanted to talk. 

Then he received a call from the Prime minister of India, and he was shocked to listen to the news that many of the party leaders and the nation want him as the President of India. He did not control his emotion during that time as many pictures came to his mind like he was teaching inside the classroom and addressing inside the Parliament. This news became viral Abdul Kalam as a presidential candidate. Finally, Abdul Kalam won the presidential election and became the PresidentPresident of India's largest democratic country.

3. Why Abdul Kalam is renowned as the Youth Icon?

Dr. Abdul Kalam was the person who brought a revolution in the country in the field of Science, technology, aerospace, and Missile technology. He was the person who witnessed the nuclear test of India twice. He played a crucial role in the advancement of DRDO and ISRO. He was also on the advisory committee of the Defence minister. Coming from a low-income family, he had shown his mission and visionaries for the country's modernization. He also became the PresidentPresident of the country once and presented his thoughts and developed many indigenous ballistic missiles. Besides this, he was like an inspiration among youth and changed many students' motto as a professor. People are mad to listen to his inspirational words. All these god gifted qualities made him a youth icon.

4. What is the “Wings of Fire” all about?

Wings of Fire is an autobiography written by our beloved late President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. The book narrates the story of Sir Kalam through an extremely inspirational path. It clearly showcases the struggles he had to go through, the discrimination he had to face, the resilience and persistence he kept alive, the achievements he had made, and the dreams that had in him which let him fly high. The book is divided into 3 sections. The first section talks about his childhood and youth life. He was born to a financially humble family, but the members including his parents had good vision and heart. With much struggle, he completed his studies and first joined as a trainer in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Sir also mentions the people who helped the young Kalam to transform himself into a person who influences millions of people. 

The second section, called creation, explains his seventeen years of work-life and propitiation, which is the third section, travels the journey of a scientist to the “missile man of India”. 

5. What were the 5 ways in which Dr. Kalam wanted to change India?

The five ways in which Dr. Kalam wanted to change India are the following: 

What I Can Give Movement: This Movement was launched by A.P.J Abdul Kalam in order to spread awareness and understanding among the Indian youth about the danger of corruption and defeat it. The central theme is also the same. This notion was introduced to youngsters with an aim of creating change in their mindset from “greed” to what can be given from their side for societies’ benefit.

Billion Beats: Billion Beats is an e-paper that was founded by Dr. Kalam in 2007. It got circulated for a while and later got converted into a Facebook page. This digital platform page was used by him as a medium to share his interactions with achievers and their triumphs. 

India Vision 2020: Composed by the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council, this plan was primarily a document, when Kalam sir was the chairman. But later, this significant transition project is elaborately explained in his book, wherein he identifies agriculture, infrastructure, education and healthcare, information and communication technologies and so on to be some of the core areas that should be concentrated to improve the GDP rate.

Pura: Aiming to build economic opportunities outside the cities and promote different migration from urban to rural, the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas was developed. 

Igniting Minds: This program acts as a bridge that connects about I lakh students to scientists, technicians and other leaders to make the learning of science much more exciting. The project is named after his successful book. 

6. Where did Abdul Kalam live as a child?

Abdul Kalam was born in a centre-magnificence Tamil circle of relatives in the island town of Rameswaram inside the country of Madras. His father, Jainulabdeen possessed notable innate wisdom. His mother, Ashiama turned into an ideal helpmate of his father. They lived in their ancestral pucca residence, located on mosque street in Rameswaram.

7. What do APJ Abdul Kalam do?

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam became the previous President of India and was referred to as Indian scientists. He was additionally related to India's Space and Missile Development Program, hence called Missile Man of India. Take this quiz on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to recognize more approximately him. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's complete name is Avul PakirJainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam become born on 15 October 1931, to a Tamil Muslim own family in the pilgrimage centre of Rameswaram on Pamban Island, then in the Madras Presidency and now in the State of Tamil Nadu. 

8. Why is APJ Abdul Kalam referred to as the Missile Man of India?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became an outstanding Indian scientist who served as the eleventh President of India from 2002 to 2007. Renowned for his pivotal role within the state’s civilian area program and army missile development, he was referred to as the Missile Man of India.

InspiringStorys

Stories Which Inspire

Life story of APJ Abdul Kalam

Here is a short story of the life of APJ Abdul Kalam in which you know the journey from selling papers to the president of India. Let’s start the story.

The full name of APJ Abdul Kalam is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam who was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

His father Jainul Abudeen was an Imam and also a kayaker.

His mother Ashiamma was a stay-at-home mom.

As the days went by bridges were being built and Jainul Abudeen’s work was lost.

So since A.P.J Abdul Kalam was born their family does not have enough money to survive.

At a very young age, he used to sell newspapers and when he went to school the teachers admired him for her ingenuity.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam is eager to learn.

He graduated from Schwartz high secondary school and went to Tiruchirapalli where he was admitted to St. Paul’s College.

He then graduated with a degree in physics.

He then went to a technical center in Madaras where he studied Aerospace engineering .

After completing his studies he also joined aviation development.

He started his career with the construction of a small hovercraft and worked with Vikram Sarabhai.

He later joined ISRO and became the director of India’s first launch SLV III.

The vehicle put the Rohini satellite on the Earth’s orbit.

He then made Balistic missile’s in many arrow systems and earned the title of MISSILE MAN OF INDI A.

He was also present in the Pokhran program which began with the help of A.P.J Abdul Kalam .

Then came the turn of events in 2002 when he elected president.

Thus, he became the 11th president of India.

He probably received many awards such as Barat Ratna and Padma Bhushan.

He then became a professor at various universities.

In Shillong, while giving a talk, he fainted and pronounced dead at the hospital.

When the interviewer asks you have a lot of accomplishments, you have written books, you have worked as president, aerospace engineer, and professor but you like the profession af a teacher Why?

He replied that when he was a student of ten years old during World War II he was in the 5th grade and when his science teacher entered the classroom he saw the rays of knowledge about the radiation of purity of life. The way the teacher taught him, his dream was shaped. What should have been his way of life, the teacher gave him an idea of ​​his life. He went on to say that the teacher had a great opportunity to enrich minds, give them dreams and even young people would be better than the teacher. So the teacher has that opportunity.

The conclusion

We have to take inspiration from the life story of APJ Abdul Kalam because he is the only best inspiration for students.

No one can take your place and we love you and your role in this country.

If you like it then comment below.

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A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist and politician who served his country as president from 2002 to 2007.

(1931–2015)

Who Was A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

Quick facts, early years, rise to the presidency, death and legacy.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an aerospace scientist who joined India's defense department after graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology. He was a central figure in the development of the country's nuclear capabilities and was hailed as a national hero after a series of successful tests in 1998. Kalam served as India's president for one term from 2002 to 2007, and died of a heart attack on July 27, 2015.

FULL NAME: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam BORN: October 15, 1931 DIED: July 27, 2015 BIRTHPLACE: Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, India SCHOOLS: Madras Institute of Technology, St. Joseph's College ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Leo

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born into a Muslim family on October 15, 1931, on the island of Dhanushkodi off the southeastern coast of India. He developed an early fascination with flight by watching birds, which developed into an interest in aeronautics after he saw a newspaper article about a British fighter plane.

Despite his modest beginnings – his dad built and rented boats – Kalam was a bright student who showed promise in science and mathematics. He attended St. Joseph's College and went on to earn a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology.

His hopes of becoming a fighter pilot were dashed when he narrowly missed out on a spot with the Indian Air Force. Kalam instead joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a senior scientific assistant in 1958. After moving to the newly formed Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969, he was named project director of the SLV-III, the first satellite launch vehicle designed and produced on Indian soil.

Returning to the DRDO as director in 1982, Kalam implemented the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. He then became the senior scientific adviser to India's defense minister in 1992, a position he used to campaign for the development of nuclear tests.

Kalam was a key figure in the May 1998 Pokhran-II tests, in which five nuclear devices were detonated in the Rajasthan Desert. Although the tests resulted in condemnation and economic sanctions from other world powers, Kalam was hailed as a national hero for his staunch defense of the country’s security.

In 2002, India's ruling National Democratic Alliance helped Kalam win an election against Lakshmi Sahgal and become India's 11th president, a largely ceremonial post. Known as the People's President, Kalam set a goal of conducting 500,000 one-on-one meetings with young people over the course of his five-year term. His immense popularity led to him being nominated by MTV for a Youth Icon of the Year award in 2003 and 2006.

After leaving office in 2007, Kalam became a visiting professor at several universities. He formed the "What Can I Give Movement" in 2011 with the goal of creating a compassionate society, and in 2012, his efforts to improve healthcare led to the release of a tablet for medical personnel to use in remote areas.

On July 27, 2015, Kalam suffered a massive heart attack while lecturing at the Indian Institute of Management and subsequently died at the age of 83.

Kalam was laid to rest on July 30 with full state honors in his native Tamil Nadu. In honor of the scientist and former president, the southeast Indian state government of Tamil Nadu created a "Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award," which recognizes exceptional individuals who promote the sciences, students and humanities. The government has also established Kalam's birthday (October 15) as "Youth Renaissance Day." Discussion about building a large-scale memorial at his burial site is underway.

Among his many accolades, including honorary doctorates from 40 universities, he was granted the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997) — India's highest civilian awards — for his contributions in modernizing government defense technology. He also wrote several books, including the autobiography Wings of Fire in 1999.

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APJ Abdul Kalam Biography: Inventions, Achievements, Death Date, Quotes, Full Name, Education & other details

Apj abdul kalam death anniversary is being observed on july 27. know more about apj abdul kalam's  inventions, death date, achievements, education, early life, family and other details. .

APJ Abdul Kalam Biography: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931,  raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied Physics and aerospace engineering. APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then opposition Indian National Congress party. Also referred to as ‘People’s President’, APJ Abdul Kalam returned to his civilian life of education, writing, and public service after serving only one term.

APJ Abdul Kalam as a Scientist

After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, APJ Abdul Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist after becoming a member of the Defence Research and Development Service. He started his career by designing a small hovercraft, however, remained unconvinced by his job at DRDO.

In 1969, APJ Abdul Kalam was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he was the project director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980.

APJ Abdul Kalam was also invited by Raja Ramanna to witness the country’s first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, as the representative of TBRL, even though he had not participated in its development.

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India , World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App .

• What is the full form of APJ in APJ Abdul Kalam? + Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam is the full name of Dr. Kalam.
• Why is Dr. APJ Abdul kalam is known as the Missile Man of India? + APJ Abdul Kalam is known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology.
• Where was Dr. APJ Abdul kalam born? + Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1981 to a Tamil Muslim Family in the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram on Pamban Island.
• What are the other names given to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam? + APJ Abdul Kalam is also known as "People's President" and "Missile Man of India".
• Why is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam famous? + Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is the Indian scientist who played a leading role in the development of India's missile and nuclear weapon programs.
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A. p. j. abdul kalam wiki, age, death, wife, family, biography & more.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, famously known as Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) was a pre-eminent Indian aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India who took the course of Indian technological advancement to unprecedented heights. Born and brought up in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kalam worked closely at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the two most prestigious space research centres in India. His contribution to nation-building through his unique technological envision made him earn the title ‘The Missile Man of India’. As a Statesman, he was popular as ‘The People’s President’ for his humble and easily reachable attitude toward the common people. Recipient of all the three highest civilian honours of India, Kalam, in his later years, worked as a teacher and took his last breath on 27 July 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM (Indian Institute of Management) in Shillong, Meghalaya. He died of cardiac arrest.

Table of Contents

Wiki/Biography

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on Thursday, 15 October 1931 ( age 83 years; at the time of death ) in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu (then in the Madras Presidency of British India). His zodiac sign is Libra. He grew up in a poverty-stricken Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, even though his ancestors were wealthy traders who were in ferry business before the construction of the Pamban bridge in 1914 which was responsible for the failure of the fortune of Kalam’s family business.

Abdul Kalam’s ancestral house in Rameswaram

After completing his secondary education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School Rameswaram, he pursued a B.Sc Physics degree at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, and graduated in 1954. Later, he moved to Madras in 1955 and proceeded to an Aerospace Engineering degree at Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), which he completed in 1960. Meanwhile, he prepared for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the position of fighter pilot, his childhood dream that was lost by a narrow margin of one rank. With the attitude of turning this disappointment into glory, he decided to make planes if not fly them, and became a member of DRDS (Defence Research & Development Service), finally launching his career as a rocket engineer.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 4″

Hair Colour:  Grey

Eye Colour:  Black

Dr. Kalam belonged to a Tamil Muslim family with his ancestors being Marakayar traders, having descended from the Arab traders and inhabiting the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

Parents & Siblings

Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma was a homemaker, and his father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was an imam (an Islamic leadership position) at a local mosque and a boat owner which he used as a ferry business, taking up the Hindu pilgrims who visited Rameshwaram to the famous uninhabited Dhanushkodi, a spot mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He had four siblings, three brothers and one sister. He was the youngest of all. Sister Asim Zohra (d.1997) was the eldest, followed by Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar (5 November 1916- 7 March 2021), Mustafa Kalam (d.1999), and Kasim Mohammed (d.1995).

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s elder brother Mohammed Muthu Meera

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam talking to his elder brother Mohammed Muthu Meera

Wife & Children

Kalam was never married and had no children.

Religion/Religious Views

Kalam was very deeply connected to spirituality, and his concept of God was deprived of religious biases. Despite being born into a Muslim family and offering daily namaz (prayers performed by Muslims), Kalam used to visit the holy Ramanathaswamy temple. (( TOI )) He had read the holy books of many religions to conclude that every religion’s ultimate essence is faith in the divine power that resides in freedom and compassion towards all. In his autobiographical book ‘Wings of Fire’, he talked about his views on religion and said,

I have always been a religious person in the sense that I maintain a working partnership with God. I was aware that the best work required more ability than I possessed and therefore I needed help that only God could give me. I made a true estimate of my ability, then raised it by 50 percent and put myself in God’s hands. In this partnership, I have always received all the power I needed, and have felt it flowing through me. Today, I can affirm that the kingdom of God is within you in the form of this power, to achieve your goals and realize your dreams.”

Some sources claim that Kalam belonged to the Maracair caste, the fishermen caste in the Muslim community. (( The Wire ))

Kalam’s House

12/7 Mosque Street,  Rameswaram , Tamil Nadu 623526

House of Kalam in Rameswaram

Abdul Kalam’s ancestral house is now turned into a Museum where his books, souvenirs, medals, and pictures of his journey are displayed. There is also a shop on the second floor for visitors to buy books, keyrings, etcetera, as souvenirs. Rs. 5 is charged to access the House of Kalam. His last residing residence was in Delhi at 10 Rajaji Marg.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s residence at 10 Rajaji, Marg, New Delhi

Signature/Autograph

Signature of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

After completing his Aerospace Engineering degree at MIT, Dr. Kalam became a member of DRDS in 1960, right after which he joined as a scientist in DRDO’s (Defence Research & Development Organisation) Aeronautical Development Establishment, where he designed a hovercraft. Since he wasn’t satisfied with his work at DRDS, he joined INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) as a rocket engineer and also worked setting up a rocket launching station at Thumba (now TERLS). In 1969, he was recruited to ISRO after being interviewed by the first director, H. G. S. Murthy, of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), the Indian spaceport operated by ISRO. He was one of the members of the team led by Vikram Sarabhai whose vision was to build indigenous rockets and launch vehicles.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam holding a satellite model

Contribution to the Development of Satellite Launch Vehicles

Doctor Kalam gave India its first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). In the very first year of ISRO’s establishment, Kalam was selected as the project director to develop indigenous rockets and Satellite Launch Vehicles, and after putting in hard work for more than 10 years, he met with success on 18 July 1980 when SLV-III was successfully launched from Sriharikota range, placing Rohini satellite into the low earth orbit. (( ISRO )). Until the late 1990s, he actively participated in making the SLVs better and successfully developed PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and SLV-III projects. In an interview with The New York Times, he mentioned,

I am completely indigenous!” (( The New York Times ))

Contribution to the Development of Ballistic Missiles

Doctor Kalam’s fame as the ‘Missile Man of India’ rests upon his dedicated efforts to build ballistic missiles. Initially, he directed Project Devil and Project Valiant in the 1970s. He led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) mission in 1982-83 with the support of R. Venkataraman (then defence minister), which paved the way for a series of missiles beginning with Agni (Agni I, II, III) and Prithvi (Prithvi I, II, III). (( The Hindu )) He is also actively associated with the development of the Nag Missile, which started in 1988 and was successfully tested in 1997, 2000, and 2008. (( The Times Of India )) Akash, Trishul, and BrahMos added more fame to his name in his later years as a scientist. Trishul made its first successful flight in 1989. Akash was first tested in 1990 and is active today. BrahMos was first tested in 2001 and continues to empower the nation’s defence technology with enhanced testing even today. (( The Economic Times )). Later, he created a Research Centre Imarat in 1988, a DRDO lab researching and developing advanced technologies for guided weapons, missile systems, and avionics.

Contribution to Nuclear Development

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam had a vision of transforming India into a nuclear weapon state because he believed that ”strength respects strength” and strength and peace go together. Unless we are strong we cannot bring peace.”(( The Economic Times )). He wanted to make India a nuclear-powered nation so that it could defend itself from external threats. He did not intend to support destruction with its use by any means. This can be sensed in his famous speech” My Vision For India” in which he said,

In 3000 years of our history people from all over the world have come and invaded us, captured our lands, and conquered our minds. From Alexander onwards, the Greeks, the Turks, the Moguls, the Portuguese, the British, the French, the Dutch, all of them came and looted us, took over what was ours. Yet we have not done this to any other nation…We have not conquered anyone. We have not grabbed their land, their culture, and their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them. Why? Because we respect the freedom of others.” (( My Vision for India Speech ))”

Kalam’s desire to make India a full-fledged nuclear power bore fruits just after he was appointed as the Secretary of DRDO and the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Indian Prime Minister in July 1992. The nuclear testing of PokhranII between 1992 and 1999 made him a national hero. In 1998, the detonation of five nuclear devices in Pokhran’s northwestern desert made him an international celebrity. Many nations, especially the superpowers, condemned this secret nuclear testing by India, making it an issue of international concern. The 2018 Indian movie Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is based on this event.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2nd from right) as a Chief Scientific Advisor to the P.M., showing a victory sign along with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes, and head of the Department of Atomic Energy R. Chidambaram in 1998 in Shakti 1 test site of Pokhran

Contribution to Health Department

With the help of cardiologist Soma Raju, he made two remarkable contributions to the Indian health department. First, by making a coronary stent, known as the ‘Kalam-Raju stent,’ that came under a cost-effective price for patients. Second, by designing a rugged tablet (computers designed for rough use and have better performance) that administers health care much faster and better. This became famous as the ‘Kalam-Raju tablet.’

President of India

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was the first scientist-turned-President of India who took the Presidency on 25 July 2002 as the 11th President of India and held this position until the completion of the five-year tenure on 25 July 2007. Nominated by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on 10 June 2002, his aura was so powerful that he was fully supported by opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress. His win was marked by a huge difference of 815,518 electoral votes from his competitor Lakshmi Sahgal. His electoral votes were 922,884, while Lakshmi’s was 107,366. He succeeded Kocheril Raman Narayanan and was preceded by Pratibha Patil, the first woman President of India.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was sworn in as the 11th President of India by the then Chief Justice of India B N Kirpal at the central hall of Parliament in New Delhi on 25 July 2002

He was a man of utmost modesty and compassion, which made him earn the popular nickname ‘The People’s President.’ It is believed that during his tenure, any common man could easily meet Kalam, and he would empathetically listen to solve the problems of the public to his utmost capacity with his vision to create a perfect country.

Contributions as President

• He promoted India’s technological advancement, and nuclear development program and launched programs to promote scientific research as the head of the state.

When the women are empowered, society with stability gets assured” (( Speech ))

• In 2006, he became the first President to use the power of Suspension Veto under Article 111, rejecting the ‘Office-of-Profit’ or (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill 2006. (( Business Standard )) However, he had to ultimately sign it when returned. He mentioned signing this Bill as one of his toughest decisions. The Bill exempted 56 posts from the list of offices of profit which led to disqualification of those who held these offices.
• He worked to diminish the rural-urban divide by starting PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas).

Post his presidential tenure, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam returned to civil life as a teacher. Continuing to ignite the flame of transforming India through science and technology, he interacted the most with the youth of the country in his later years. He once mentioned that if people remember him as a teacher, that would be the greatest honour for him. His interactions with the students at various schools and universities remain among the most-searched videos on YouTube for motivation. He was dearly called ‘Kalam Chacha’ by students, showing his close association with the hearts of the children of India. He died while delivering a lecture at IIM, Shillong. His famous call to the young ones in his poem ‘Song of Youth’ expresses his spirit as a teacher.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam playing with children

Kalam was a huge fan of art and literature. He wrote many books and used to give 2 hours daily to writing his thoughts. During his tenure, he has authored various poems and books. His famous books are-

• Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
• India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
• Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
• The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours
• Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life
• Mission of India: A Vision of Indian Youth
• Inspiring Thoughts: Quotation Series
• You Are Born to Blossom: Take My Journey Beyond
• The Scientific India: A Twenty-First Century Guide to the World Around Us
• Failure to Success: Legendry Lives
• Target 3 Billion
• You are Unique: Scale New Heights by Thoughts and Actions
• Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges
• Indomitable Spirit
• Spirit of India
• Thoughts for Change: We Can Do It
• My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions
• Governance for Growth in India
• Manifesto for Change
• Forge Your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring
• Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow’s India
• The Guiding Light: A Selection of Quotations from My Favourite Books
• Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future
• The Family and the Nation
• Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji

Kalam’s Quotes

Some of his famous quotes are:

“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”

“If you salute your duty, you need not salute anybody. But if you pollute your duty, you have to salute everybody”

“Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.”

“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”

Controversy

Criticism of pokhran ii.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was criticised by K Santhanam, the site director of Pokaran II, for calling the tests a ‘failure’ because Kalam gave a false report of them. This was also backed by Homi Sethna, a former top atomic boss.

APJ Abdul Kalam was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1981 by the President of India

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, receiving Padma Vibhushan in 1990 by the President of India

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam received the Bharat Ratna from the President of India in 1997

• Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration – 1997
• Veer Savarkar Award – 1998
• Von Braun Award by National Space Society – 2013

Dr. Kalam has been honoured by more than 30 universities. Some of the famous ones are-

• King Charles II Medal by Royal Society – 2007
• Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA – 2009
• Doctor of Science by Edinburgh University (U.K.) – 2014

Assets & Properties

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam died of cardiac arrest on 27th July 2015 in Shillong (Meghalaya), where at the Indian Institute of Management, he was scheduled to deliver a lecture on ‘Creating a Livable Planet Earth’. He felt a slight ache while climbing the stairs but overcame it and reached the auditorium. Five minutes after the beginning of the lecture at around 6:35 p.m., he fainted and was declared dead at the nearby Bethany hospital at around 7:45 p.m. His last words were “Funny guy!! Are you doing well?,” which he uttered to Srijan Pal Singh, his Officer-on-Special-Duty and a leading youth activist in India.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam with Srijan Pal Singh to whom he uttered his last words

His body was carried by an IAF helicopter on 28 July to Delhi’s Palam Air Base, where wreaths were laid on his body by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister of Delhi and the three chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces. His body was then carried to his then-Delhi residence at 10 Rajaji Marg, where many dignitaries offered him homage. His body, wrapped in the Indian National Flag was taken to Mandapam from Palam Air Base on 29th July 2015 in a C-130J aircraft and was then shifted in an army vehicle to Rameswaram, where his body was displayed opposite the local bus stand of Rameswaram for the public to pay their last respect till 8 p.m. It was then handed over to his family members to conduct some ceremonies at his ancestral house in Pallivasal Street, and a few in the local mosque. His funeral ceremony was held on 30 July 2015 at Pei Karumbu which is 1 km away from his hometown Rameshwaram. A memorial has been built at this burial site.

President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s elder brother Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar along with other family members paid last respects to him in Rameswaram

• Food:  Sambar Rice cooked by his mother along with coconut chutney
• Books: Light From Many Lamps edited by Lillian Eichler Watson, Thirukural written by Thiruvalluvar, Man the Unknown by Alexis Carrel
• Poets: T.S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll, William Butler Yeats
• Music: Indian classical music

Facts/Trivia

• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s birth anniversary, 15 October, is celebrated as the World Students’Day.
• Many prestigious awards and institutions are named after him to promote research and technology in India.
• As a young 10-year-old boy, Kalam worked as a newspaper vendor in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to financially support his family. He used to do this before his school hours. (( PIB ))
• His love for literature and mathematics was right from his childhood when he would borrow books from his brother’s friends. His main possessions also included books.
• As a schoolboy, he was once asked to sit at the backbench by his teacher who held hatred for the Muslim community. Abdul, who used to wear ‘Taqiyah,’ and his Hindu friend, Ramanadha, who used to wear the sacred Hindu thread, used to sit together. A teacher once asked Abdul to sit on the last bench. This teacher was later condemned by Ramanadha’s father who was the highest priest of Rameswaram temple and Abdul’s father’s best friend. (( The Times Of India ))
• In 1958, when he failed to qualify for the interview for IAF in Dehradun, shattered Kalam took a bus to Rishikesh, where he met a Sadhu who told him that he was predestined for something bigger than this. Kalam later referred to the Sadhu as his ‘Guru.’ (( The Times Of India ))

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam playing the Veena for relaxation in the Family Wing of Rashtrapati Bhavan

• He did not like India to be known as a developing nation.’

Whenever a complex national decision was to be made, these two huts were where I sat and thought. Of course, the inspiration for many poems also came while I was there,”

• As a representative of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Abdul Kalam was invited by Raja Ramanna to witness “Operation Smiling Buddha,” India’s first nuclear test in Pokhran in 1974.
• He played a pioneering role in developing fibreglass technology and was also closely associated with the functioning of the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment(SASE).
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was one of the members of the first team of rocket engineers that formed INCOSPAR. He joined this after not being satisfied with his job at DRDO.
• To show his transparency in public life, he paid the bill of  Rs. 9.52 lakh for the 9-day stay of his 52 family members at Rashtrapati Bhawan who visited during his tenure.
• A huge controversy was spurred when a Bhagavad Gita’s copy was placed next to his statue at the Dr.  A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial in Rameswaram. Kalam’s relatives kept other holy books, the Koran and Bible next to the Hindu Gita arguing that Dr. Kalam had no biases for any religion. This enraged the Hindu Makka Katchi nationalist party.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam undertaking a historic sortie in Su-30MKI on 9 June 2006

• Kalam believed that science education should be conducted in the mother tongue of the students. (( The Hindu )).

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