A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015)

 Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, 

popularly known as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was a renowned Indian scientist, statesman, and author who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to a Tamil Muslim family.

Early Life and Education:

Abdul Kalam was the youngest of his siblings, and his father Jainulabdeen was a boat owner, while his mother Ashiamma was a housewife. Despite facing financial difficulties in his childhood, Abdul Kalam was a bright student who excelled in academics.

He completed his schooling from Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Ramanathapuram, and then went on to pursue a degree in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli. After completing his degree, Abdul Kalam went on to study aerospace engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

Career in Aerospace Engineering:

After completing his education, Abdul Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in 1958, where he served as a scientist for nearly four decades. During his time at DRDO, he worked on several important projects, including the design and development of India's first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and the nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni.

Abdul Kalam's contribution to India's missile technology earned him the title of "Missile Man of India," and he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 for his contribution to science and technology.

Presidency:

In 2002, Abdul Kalam was nominated as a candidate for the post of President of India by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC). He won the election with an overwhelming majority and became the 11th President of India.

During his tenure as President, Abdul Kalam worked tirelessly to promote education and social welfare. He launched several initiatives such as the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme, which aimed to provide basic infrastructure and amenities in rural areas.

He was known for his simplicity, humility, and accessibility to the common people. He also actively promoted scientific research and development, and his efforts led to the establishment of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which aimed to study neutrinos, subatomic particles that can help us understand the mysteries of the universe.

Books:

Abdul Kalam was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, My Journey, and India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium. His books were widely read and inspired millions of people, especially youth, to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of the nation.

Death:

Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His sudden demise was a shock to the nation, and he was mourned by people from all walks of life.

Legacy:

Abdul Kalam's contributions to the fields of science, technology, and education are immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as one of India's most beloved and respected leaders. He was a true inspiration to the youth of the nation and left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Several institutions, including universities, schools, and research centers, have been named after him, and his birthday, October 15, is celebrated as "World Students' Day" to commemorate his love for education and dedication to promoting it.