Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

" If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun. "

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: Image

Personal Life

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. He was the youngest of five siblings and grew up in a small coastal town in southern India. Despite facing financial challenges, Kalam was an excellent student and was always eager to learn.

After completing his education, Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist. He quickly made a name for himself and was known for his passion for science and technology.

In addition to his work as a scientist, Kalam was also a dedicated educator. He was a professor of aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, and he wrote several books on science and technology, including "Wings of Fire" and "Ignited Minds".

Outside of work, Kalam was a spiritual man who enjoyed reading and playing the veena, a musical instrument. He was known for his simplicity and humility, and was widely admired for his positive attitude and unwavering commitment to his work.

Dr. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. He left behind a lasting legacy as a scientist, educator, and as one of India's most beloved leaders.

Career

1970s : As Scientist

Dr. Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist. He quickly made a name for himself and was known for his passion for science and technology. During his time at DRDO, Dr. Kalam worked on several important projects and was instrumental in the development of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle.


1980s : Project Director

Dr. Kalam was appointed as the project director of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle program. He led the team that developed the satellite launch vehicle, which was successfully launched in 1983. This was a major milestone for India's space program and solidified Dr. Kalam's reputation as a visionary and an expert in the field of aerospace engineering.


1990s : Secretary At DRDO

Dr. Kalam was appointed as the scientific advisor to the defense minister and the Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In this role, he played a key role in India's efforts to develop its missile technology. He was widely credited for his contributions to India's efforts to become a nuclear power.


2002: President of India

Dr. Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. He was the first scientist to hold the office of the President of India, and he used his platform to promote science, technology, and education. He was known for his simple, humble, and unassuming personality and was widely admired by the people of India.


2007-2015: Professor of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Chennai

After leaving office, Dr. Kalam continued to be active in the field of education and science. He was a professor of aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai and delivered numerous lectures on science and technology across India. He also wrote several books on science and technology, including "Wings of Fire" and "Ignited Minds".

Other works

Writing

Dr. Kalam was a prolific writer and authored several books on science, technology, leadership, and spirituality. His books, such as "Wings of Fire", "Ignited Minds", and "The Luminous Sparks", have inspired countless people and continue to be widely read and celebrated for their inspiring message of hope and perseverance.


Education

Dr. Kalam was a strong advocate for education and believed that education was the key to building a better future. He delivered numerous lectures and speeches on education and inspired many young people to pursue careers in science and technology. He was also a professor of aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai and continued to be active in the field of education even after retiring from his official duties.


Spirituality

Dr. Kalam was a deeply spiritual person and believed that spirituality and science could coexist. He was known for his simple, humble, and unassuming personality and was widely admired for his positive attitude and unwavering commitment to his work. He often spoke about the importance of spirituality in one's life and encouraged people to lead a balanced life that incorporated both material and spiritual pursuits.


Music

Dr. Kalam was an avid music lover and was known for his love for playing the veena, a musical instrument. He was also a fan of classical music and enjoyed listening to devotional songs. He believed that music had the power to bring people together and was an important part of his life.


Humanitarian work

Dr. Kalam was also known for his humanitarian work and was widely respected for his integrity and his commitment to the country. He was involved in several charitable organizations and was dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged communities. He believed that it was important for people in positions of power to give back to society and make a positive impact in the lives of others.