Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a distinguished scientist and former President, was born on October 15, 1931, in Tamil Nadu. In honor of his dedication to students and his commitment to shaping the next generation, his birth anniversary is celebrated as World Students’ Day.
- Dr. Kalam, often referred to as the ‘Missile Man of India’, played a crucial role in advancing the country’s space and defence programs as a scientist.
Furthermore, his lasting legacy as an educator, author, and visionary President has made significant contributions to the development of the nation.
Glimpse of Dr. Kalam’s Life
- Kalam, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna award, was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
- Throughout his career, Kalam held prominent positions as an administrator in the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
- In 2002, this esteemed aerospace scientist became the 11th President of India, serving in office until 2007. Following his presidency, he continued to devote himself to teaching.
- He took on roles as a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad, IIM Shillong, and IIM-Indore.
- For his contributions as a scientific advisor to the government of India, Kalam was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan awards.
- Nevertheless, the significant contributions of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to scientific and technological advancements in the country are still remembered today.
Table of Achievements of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
| Area | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Space Technology | Led the development of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) and successfully launched Rohini satellite in 1980, establishing India as a space-faring nation. |
| Missile Development | Chief architect of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), leading to successful development of Agni, Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, and Nag missiles. Earned the title “Missile Man of India.” |
| Defence & Nuclear Tests | Played a key role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister; contributed to India becoming a nuclear weapon state. |
| Scientific Leadership | Served as Secretary of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. |
| Presidency | Served as the 11th President of India (2002-2007), promoting education, technology, peace, and national development; introduced the concept “Vision 2020” for a developed India. |
| Awards & Honours | Received Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), Bharat Ratna (1997), Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997), Veer Savarkar Award, Ramanujan Award, King Charles II Medal, Hoover Medal, and 40 honorary doctorates from various global universities. |
| Educational Contributions | Advocated for youth education and innovation; known as “People’s President” for engagement with students and scientific outreach. |
Contributions of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: In Space, Engineering and Medicine
India’s first Indigenous Hovercraft
Dr. Kalam and his team developed Nandi, India’s Indigenous hovercraft, symbolizing strength and innovation.
India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle
As project Director of ISRO, Dr. Kalam led the development of SLV III, successfully launching the Rohini satellite in 1980.
INCOSPAR Committee
Dr. Kalam was part of the committee that established TERLS, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, for space research.
Ballistic Missile Project
Leading DRDO, Dr. Kalam developed indigenous guided missiles like Agni and Prithvi based on the SLV Program.
Chief Scientific Advisor and DRDO Secretary
He served as a Chief scientific advisor to the government of India coordinating the Pokhran II nuclear test.
Launch Vehicle
Dr. Kalam promoted and backed the advancement of different satellite launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
Dr. Kalam at DRDO implemented this program which advanced India’s missile technology, as a result he was named as ‘Missile Man of India’.
Kalam- Raju Stent (Universal Healthcare Plan)
Dr. Kalam and D. Soma Raju collaborated to develop a coronary stent ‘Kalam-Raju Stent‘ to make healthcare accessible to all.
Kalam Raju Tablet
Dr. Kalam and Dr. Soma Raju, came up with a rough tablet computer to take care of the health of underprivileged people of rural India.
PURA – Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas
Dr. Kalam gives the strategy for rural development in India as discussed in his book Target 3 Billion. It proposes that urban infrastructure and services be provided in rural hubs to create economic opportunities outside of cities.
An Innovator in Fiberglass Technology
He played a pioneering role in the field of fiberglass technology and guided a team of young individuals to embark on this endeavour at ISRO. Their work encompassed the entire process, starting from designing and developing composite rocket motor cases, all the way to their production.
Technology Vision 2020
- In 1998, a comprehensive plan named Technology Vision 2020 was proposed.
- Its objective was to outline a roadmap for India’s transformation from a less-developed nation to a developed society within a span of 20 years.
- The plan aimed to achieve this by implementing various measures, including enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting technology as a catalyst for economic growth, and improving accessibility to healthcare and education.
Dr. Kalam talked of ‘Creating a Liveable Earth’ – In Last Speech
- “Sustainable development enables the realisation of green clean environment without pollution, having prosperity without poverty, peace without fear of war and a happy place to live for all citizens of the nation of the world.”
- In this last speech, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam laid the blueprint of his ‘World vision 2030 of a liveable planet earth’.
Interesting Facts about APJ Abdul Kalam
- Dr. Kalam was awarded the Doctor of Science degree by 28 universities. He has received several awards including the National Design Award, Dr. Biren Roy Space Award, Professor Y Nayudhamma Memorial Gold Medal (1996), GM Modi Science Award (1996), R K Firodia Award for Excellence in Science and Technology (1996), Veer Shavalkar Award (1998), For National Integration Indira Gandhi Award (1997).
- He is a member of numerous professional societies including Aeronautical Society of India, Astronautical Society, and Aeronautical Society of India, Indian National Academy of Engineering, Indian Academy of Sciences and Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers.
- He is also the author of many books – India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, Wings of Fire: An Autobiography, and Ignited Minds-Unleashing the Power within India etc.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam |
| Birthdate and Place | October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Early Life | Born into a poor Tamil Muslim family; distributed newspapers as a child to support his education |
| Education | Graduated in aerospace engineering from Madras Institute of Technology |
| Scientific Titles | Known as the “Missile Man of India” for his work on ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology |
| Key Role | Chief architect of India’s missile development programs and Pokhran-II nuclear tests |
| Presidency | 11th President of India (2002-2007), widely called the “People’s President” |
| Personal Traits | Known for simplicity; never owned a television; possessions included books, a veena (musical instrument), a CD player, and a laptop |
| Honors and Awards | Bharat Ratna (1997), Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and over 40 honorary doctorates globally |
| Unique Personal Facts | First bachelor president of India; lifelong vegetarian |
| Contributions Post-Presidency | Promoted education, especially among youth; served as visiting professor at various institutions |
| Legacy | Author of inspirational books like “Wings of Fire”; his autobiography translated into 13 languages |
| Death | Passed away in 2015 due to cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture in Shillong |
| Popularity | Loved by children and youth; accessible via email for students; strong advocate of nurturing young talent |
Conclusion
Thus, despite the accomplishments and contributions of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he always wished to be recognized as a teacher. He breathed his last on July 27, 2015, and collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM-Shillong and died from a cardiac arrest. Thus, his contributions are still remembered as some of the scientific and technological developments in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): DR. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Who is the Missile Man of India?
The “Missile Man of India” is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He earned this title for his pivotal role in the development of India’s ballistic missile and space launch vehicle technology, especially leading projects like Agni and Prithvi missiles and the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
What did APJ Abdul Kalam invent?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam didn’t patent singular “inventions”; he led developments: SLV-III (Rohini, 1980), IGMDP missiles (Agni, Prithvi), and co-developed low-cost Kalam–Raju stent and tablet for healthcare.
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