Varalakshmi C
MY INDIAN PRIDE
**Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam** was an Indian scientist, educator, and the 11th President of India. He is widely regarded as one of India's most influential and respected figures. Here’s a detailed overview of his life and achievements: ### **Full Name**: - **Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam** (A.P.J. Abdul Kalam) ### **Birth**: - **Date**: October 15, 1931 - **Place**: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India ### **Early Life and Education**: - Abdul Kalam was born into a humble family in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu. - His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and a mosque imam, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. - Despite financial struggles, Kalam was an avid student. He graduated with a degree in **Physics** from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954. - He went on to complete his **aerospace engineering** from the **Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)**, Kharagpur, in 1960. ### **Career as a Scientist**: - Dr. Kalam’s career began at **Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)**, which later became **ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)**. - He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s **satellite launch vehicle (SLV)**, which made India the sixth country in the world to have the capability to launch satellites into space. - In the 1980s, Dr. Kalam was a key figure in the **Indian nuclear program**. He was instrumental in conducting **Pokhran-II**, India’s second series of nuclear tests in 1998, which solidified India’s position as a nuclear power. - His work earned him the title **"Missile Man of India"** due to his leadership in developing ballistic missiles, including the **Agni** and **Prithvi** missiles. ### **Presidency (2002-2007)**: - Dr. Kalam was elected as the **11th President of India** in 2002. His presidency was widely popular, especially among the younger generation, because of his humble background, scientific achievements, and visionary approach to the future of India. - He was often called the **"People's President"** because of his close connection with the common people and his openness to visiting schools and colleges to inspire students. - During his tenure, he championed the **"India 2020" vision**, which aimed to make India a developed nation by the year 2020. This vision focused on advancements in technology, education, and sustainable development. ### **Post-Presidency**: - After leaving office in 2007, Dr. Kalam continued his work as an educator, author, and advocate for youth development. - He spent much of his time interacting with young people, encouraging them to dream big and pursue excellence. He was also associated with several institutions, delivering lectures and mentoring students. - Dr. Kalam wrote several books, some of the most notable being: - **"Wings of Fire"** – an autobiography that details his early life and career. - **"Ignited Minds"** – focusing on the importance of nurturing creativity and innovation in the youth. - **"India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium"** – a roadmap for India’s progress and development. - **"My Journey"** – his reflections on his personal and professional life. ### **Awards and Honors**: - **Bharat Ratna** (1997) – India’s highest civilian award. - **Padma Bhushan** (1981) – the third-highest civilian award. - **Padma Vibhushan** (1990) – the second-highest civilian award. - **National Prize for Technology** – awarded for his contributions to the Indian space and missile programs. ### **Death**: - Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam passed away on **July 27, 2015**, while delivering a lecture at the **Indian Institute of Management (IIM)** in Shillong, Meghalaya. His sudden death left a void in the nation, but
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