ESSAY ON APJ ABDUL KALAM

 

Introduction
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was a renowned aerospace scientist. He served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007. He played a leading role in the development of India's civilian space program and military missile system. He was popularly known as 'missile man' of India.

 

Abdul Kalam : Early Life & Education

Dr Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. His father Jainulabdeen was a boat owner and his mother Ashiamma was a housewife. To support his family financially, Dr Kalam started selling newspapers at an early age. He completed his school education from Schwartz Higher Secondary School and later he went to Saint Joseph's College where he became a physics graduate. In 1955, he moved to study aerospace engineering in Madras Institute of Technology.

 

Abdul Kalam as a Scientist

Dr Kalam started his career with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. Here, he designed a small helicopter for the Indian Army. He soon moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he was project director of the SLV-3, India's first indigenously designed satellite launch vehicle. He supervised various projects for the development of ballistic missiles. He also headed multiple nuclear tests at Pokhran.

 

Dr Kalam became the 11th president of India on 25th July 2002 and served till  2007. He was one of India's most adored presidents. He often spoke to the country's youth-inspiring and motivating them to think big. Kalam wrote several books including an autobiography, 'Wings of Fire'. He was awarded with the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibushan(1990) and the prestigious Bharat Ratna (1997). He will continue to be source of inspiration for everyone.