Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He is known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his great contributions in Missile development & Space programmes in India. In 1998, the First Indigenous coronary stent & in 2012, an indigenous tablet (PC) for healthcare workers at primary health centres in rural areas was developed.
Dr. Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 in Tamil Nadu. He was also an expert in playing ‘Veena’ (a musical instrument) & deeply influenced by Carnatic music. He was also equipped with the Bhagwat Geeta & Upanishads. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam died on 27 July 2015 at IIM Shilllong while interacting & addressing the students. In honor of his dedication to students and his constant commitment in shaping the next generation, his birth anniversary (15th October) is celebrated as World Students’ Day.
World Students’ Day
- World Students Day is observed on the 15th of October each year in India to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Though celebrated in India as a World day, It is not officially designated by the United Nations, as October 15 is marked by the UN as the International Day of Rural Women.
- He 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. A.P.J. Abdul 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.
Achievements of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
| Area | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Space Technology | Led the development of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III, as the project director) 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
| S. No. | Achievement | Description |
| 1 | India’s first Indigenous Hovercraft | Dr. Kalam and his team developed Nandi, India’s Indigenous hovercraft, symbolizing strength and innovation. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | INCOSPAR Committee | Dr. Kalam was part of the committee that established TERLS, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, for space research. |
| 4 | Ballistic Missile Project | Leading DRDO, Dr. Kalam developed indigenous guided missiles like Agni and Prithvi based on the SLV Program. |
| 5 | Chief Scientific Advisor and DRDO Secretary | He served as a Chief scientific advisor to the government of India coordinating the Pokhran II nuclear test. |
| 6 | 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). |
| 7 | 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’. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | 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. |
| 11 | 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. |
PATNA Missiles
The program was started by the Indian government, in 1983 and led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, which was concluded in March 2012 significantly boosting India’s defence capabilities.
PATNA is a mnemonic to remember the five missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) established by the Indian government to achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology.
It stands for:
- Prithvi (Surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile)
- Agni (Surface-to-surface intermediate range ballistic missile)
- The Trushul (Short-range surface to air missile)
- Nag (Third generation anti tank missiles)
- Akash (Medium-range surface-to-air missile)
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.
- Vision 2020, as supported by Dr. Kalam, sought to transform India into a developed country by 2020 by creating rural-urban, education, and health parity, however it faced difficulties, and most of its objectives extended till 2030.
- The agenda 2026 of India focuses on high-tech and sustainable development (green energy, AI, creative economy) towards a 2047 developed status.
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’.
Do You Know?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India (2002-2007) is widely known as the People’s President for his tremendous popularity, simplicity, and his connection with citizens, particularly youth and children.
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.
Books & Literary Keywords
- “Wings of Fire Summary”: His autobiography remains a top-searched inspirational book.
- “Ignited Minds”: Focusing on his message to the youth of India.
- “Indomitable Spirit”: His reflections on values and purpose.
- “Turning Points”: His journey through the presidency.
- “Advantage India”: One of his final books discussing the future of the nation.
| 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.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s Quotes
- “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
- “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.”
- “To become “unique,” the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine until you reach your destination.”
- “Dream is not something that you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”
- “When our signature changes to autograph, this marks the Success.”
FAQs on A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, 11th President of India
Who is the Missile Man of India?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, for his pivotal role in the development of India’s ballistic missile and space launch vehicle technology.
What are the contributions of APJ Abdul Kalam?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam contributed to the development of SLV-III (Rohini, 1980), IGMDP missiles (Agni, Prithvi), and co-developed low-cost Kalam–Raju stent and tablet for healthcare etc.
