Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam - "You must Dream before your dreams can come true".

Today is the death anniversary of India's one of the most celebrated and reverend scientist who was also the 11th President of India. On 27th July 2015, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, The missile man of India, left our side to take his place in the Heaven above. Dr Kalam was a man of many talents, yet his humility and simplicity show that there was not an inch of arrogance present in his mind.

Dr Kalam dedicated his life for the progress and development of our country. He contributions, be it scientific or literary, for India has no parallel. Today, we are remembering this great personality and cherishing his achievements and contributions to our country.

Early Life of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam:

The complete name of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born in the village called Rameswaram in the state Tamil Nadu on October 15, 1931.
Jainulabudeen was the name of his father. His father was a boat owner as well as an imam of a local mosque.
Ashiamma was the mother of Dr Kalam.
Dr Kalam was the youngest of his five siblings.
Dr Kalam was popular among the Indians, especially among Youth.

Education & Work:

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world".

-Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr Kalam completed his education at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram.
He completed his graduation in physics in 1954 from Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.
He then went to Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) to study aerospace engineering in 1955.
He worked in the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as a leading scientist.

Achievements and Scientific Contributions:

Dr Kalam was responsible for the evolution of ISRO's launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) configuration.
He also played a significant role in developing India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV).
At the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) he was responsible for the Indigenous Guided Missiles
Kalam was the Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
As Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Dr Kalam envisaged the Technology Vision 2020 and provided a road map for transforming India from developing status to a developed nation.
Dr Kalam started his academic pursuit as Professor, Technology & Societal Transformation at Anna University, Chennai.
Dr Kalam is passionate about bringing prosperity among rural mass through PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), in which science and technology play a key role.
Dr Kalam Played a major role in converting India into a nuclear weapon state.
He was the Project Director of Project Valiant and Project Devil.
Dr Kalam propelled the development of light-weight capillaries to air people with motor disorders.
The 'Kalam-Raju' stent was developed to dilate constricted coronary arteries.

Why Dr Kalam is Called Missile Man?

Dr Kalam’s Work at Indigenous Guided Missiles at DRDO earned him the title “ The Missile Man of India”.
Under his leadership at Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) he developed five indigenous missiles:
1. Prithvi
2. Agni
3. Trishul
4. Akash
5. Nag
Dr Kamal envisioned the concept of Joint partnership between India and Russia which resulted in the formation of BrahMos Aerospace.

Awards & Recognitions:

“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”

-Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

In the year 1981, Dr Kalam’s won the coveted civilian awards – Padma Bhushan.
In 1997, he was awarded the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.
Dr Kalam is one of the most renowned scientists of India with the unprecedented honour of receiving honorary doctorates from as many as 48 Indian and Foreign Universities and institutions.
The Royal Society, UK has conferred Dr Kalam with the King Charles-II Medal for Science and Technology in October 2007.
He received the Woodrow Wilson Award in 2008.
The Royal Academy of Engineering, London awarded him the International Medal 2008 in June 2009.
The Hoover Board of Awards presented him the Hoover Medal 2008 at New York, USA in April 2009.
In September 2009, Dr Kalam was honoured by the 2009 International Von Karman Wings Award. This award was bestowed by Aerospace Historical Society in collaboration with the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT) at the California Institute of Technology awarded

11th President of India:

On 25th July 2002, Dr Kalam took the oath as the 11th President of India.
Dr Kalam was a scientist and engineer, who served as the President of India from 2002- 2007.
Dr Kalam was one of the most loved and popular presidents of India.
He was known as People’s President.
He was the first scientist and also the first bachelor to occupy the top position Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Literary Pursuit:

“We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness.”

- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr Kalam had written more than 30 books and essays during his life.
Some of his famous works are:
- Wings of Fire - Books
- India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
- My Journey – Transforming Dreams into Actions
- Ignited Minds – Unleashing the power within India
- Turning Point
- Indomitable Spirit
- You are to Blossom
- Target 3 Billion

This is all about the beloved Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Though Dr Kalam is not among us, his work, dedication and quotes will motivate us and guide us forever. With his an unparallel contribution to our country's advancement, he will always have a place in our heart.

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