Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Biography
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the eleventh President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. He was born on May 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics as well as aeronautical engineering.
In 2002, APJ Abdul Kalam was chosen as India’s 11th President, Having backing from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata as well as the opposing Indian National Congress After his one tenure as President, APJ Abdul Kalam resumed civilian life in teaching, writing, and public service.
Education and Struggles
Kalam was extremely earnest and diligent in his studies, but his teachers recognised him as having a tremendous desire to study. He finished his secondary studies at Ramanathapuram’s Schwartz Secondary School. In 1955, he graduated from Saint Joseph’s College at Tiruchirappalli with a diploma in physics.
He subsequently went to Madras to further his education, graduating from the Engineering And Technology Institute with a diploma in aircraft engineering. His dream of becoming a military pilot was crushed when the IAF only had eight slots available, and he finished ninth. Following graduation, he worked as a scientist for the “Defense Research Service” and the “Aeronautical Development Establishment.”
Presidency
Sir Kalam was the rightful 11th Indian President. His presidency lasted from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007. The National Democratic Alliances’ nomination for President was endorsed by the Samajwadi Party and the National Congress Party. He was often referred to as the people’s President because of his numerous contributions to the well-being of the people and the country.
He was daring and brave enough to make and implement difficult, delicate, or contentious judgments. Perhaps the most difficult Act he had to sign was the “office of profit.” Under the English Settlement Act of 1701 in 1701, the “office of profit” indicates that no one individual who is a professional setup process underneath the royal family or who has any arrangement with or is receiving a pension from the prince does have the ability to work for the “House of Commons.”
Awards and Achievements
Kalam received several honours during his lifetime. In 1981, he was granted the “Padma Bhusan,” the Republic of India’s third-highest civilian honour. Then, in 1990, he was granted the Padma Vibhushan, the Republic of India’s second-highest civilian honour.
In 1997, the Indian government awarded Abdul Kalam the “Bharat Ratna,” the Republic of India’s highest civilian honour, in addition to the “Indira Gandhi Award of National Integration” even by “Indian National Congress,” which is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The following year, in 1998, he was given the “Veer Savarkar Award.” The SASTRA “Ramanujan Award” was bestowed to him in 2000.
India’s missile man APJ Abdul Kalam
India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)
Working as the project director at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr Kalam put in over 10-year-long hard work for the development of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). His immense contributions ultimately resulted in one of the greatest scientific achievements of the country.
Making India a nuclear power
Working as the project director at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr Kalam put in over 10-year-long hard work for the development of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). His immense contributions ultimately resulted in one of the greatest scientific achievements of the country.
Developed indigenous guided missiles
Dr Kalam was responsible for the development of Indigenous Guided Missiles at DRDO after having worked for 20 years at ISRO. He conceived the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) where he played a major role in the development and operationalisation of Agni and Prithvi missiles. After achieving the goal of making India self-reliant in missile technology, the DRDO formally announced the successful completion of the IGMDP.
Creating a cost-effective stent
Dr Kalam contributed immensely to the health sector, as well. He along with cardiologist Soma Raju developed a cost-effective coronary stent called ‘Kalam-Raju-Stent’ to save the lives of people who could not afford expensive alternatives.
“Science is a beautiful gift to humanity :
we should not distort it.”