Apj abdul kalam biography in english pdf

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, was a prominent Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He is widely celebrated for his significant contributions to India's space and missile programs, earning him the titles "Missile Man of India" and "People's President."

Early Life and Education

He was born to a rather modest Muslim family. He was born as the youngest of five siblings. Despite financial difficulties, he was a shining performer in academia, particularly in mathematics. This exceptional academic performance led him to Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli, which granted him a Physics degree in 1954. Kalam then pursued Aeronautical Engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology and graduated in 1960.

Career in Science

Kalam's professional career was initiated when he joined DRDO and worked on a Hovercraft design. He rose to critical importance when he became, in 1969, the project director for SLV-III in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he led the team that achieved orbiting of Rohini satellite in 1980. This facilitated a huge stepping stone in India's progress in space technology.

In the late 1980s, Kalam moved on to missile design and headed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). His efforts resulted in the successful development of key missiles such as AGNI and PRITHVI, which became the backbone of Indian defence capabilities.

Political Career

Kalam's scientific output earned him the position of Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister from 1992 to 1999. Most notably, he had a key role to play in India's nuclear arms program, especially with the successive Pokhran-II nuclear tests held in 1998, which gave India status as a nuclear power in the international world.

He won the presidential seat in 2002 with widespread political consensus, even garnering votes from both the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the opposition Congress Party. While heading India, he envisaged a goal of developing India to be a developed country by the year 2020 through different projects, such as Technology Vision 2020, aimed at advancing technology in every sector.

Legacy and Later Life

After the completion of his term in 2007, Kalam resumed his academic and public works and engaged with the youth through lectures and writing. He authored several books, which brought him considerable name and fame. Some of them include the autobiography, Wings of Fire, which galvanized many Indians.

It was on July 27, 2015, that Kalam succumbed to death while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. There was immense sorrow all over the country since the nation had found an iconic figure in Kalam himself.

Awards and Honors

Kalam received numerous accolades throughout his life, including:

• Padma Bhushan (1981)
• Padma Vibhushan (1990)
• Bharat Ratna (1997), India's highest civilian award.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam remains an enduring symbol of inspiration for generations, embodying the spirit of innovation and dedication to national development.

Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire generations with his dedication to science, education, and national progress. From his pivotal role in India's missile and nuclear programs to his presidency and mentorship, he remains a symbol of innovation, humility, and perseverance for future leaders and dreamers alike.