Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, popularly known as Dr. APJ 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 and died on July 27, 2015, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India.
Early Life and Education:
Dr. Kalam was born into a poor family and grew up in Rameswaram, a small island town in Tamil Nadu. Despite financial constraints, he received a good education and was an avid reader from a young age. He completed his education at the Saint Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli and went on to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology.
Career as a Scientist:
Dr. Kalam began his career as a scientist with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He played a key role in India's civilian space program and military missile development, which made India a nuclear power. He was also part of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) that was established in 1962 by the Indian government.
In 1997, he became the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and later the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister. He was instrumental in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which confirmed India's status as a nuclear power.
Political Career:
Dr. Kalam was a man of science, but he was also known for his political and administrative acumen. He was a popular figure among the Indian people, and in 2002, he was elected as the President of India, becoming the first scientist and the youngest person to hold the office.
Presidency:
As the President, Dr. Kalam was known for his simplicity, humility, and his focus on education and technology. He was also known as the "People's President" for his efforts to reach out to the common people of India. He made several trips to rural areas and spoke to students and young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and work towards a better future.
Dr. Kalam's tenure as the President was marked by his efforts to improve the education system in India. He was a strong advocate of science and technology education and promoted the development of a knowledge-based society.
After his presidency, Dr. Kalam returned to his life as a scientist and educator. He continued to inspire students and young people through his speeches and books. He wrote several books, including "Wings of Fire", "Ignited Minds", and "The Luminous Sparks".
Death:
Dr. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. He died of a heart attack at the age of 83. His death was mourned by people from all walks of life, and he is remembered as a national hero and an inspiration to the people of India.
Legacy:
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a visionary and a true leader who left a lasting impact on India and the world. He will always be remembered for his contributions to science, technology, and education and for his selfless service to the nation. His life and work continue to inspire millions of people, especially young people, to pursue their dreams and work towards a better future.
