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A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

11th President of India

By chandruPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, widely known as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was the 11th President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. Born on October 15, 1931, in the small town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most revered leaders.

Kalam was the youngest of five siblings and grew up in a lower-middle-class family. Despite financial difficulties, he was a brilliant student and was highly motivated to pursue higher education. He completed his bachelor's degree in physics from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and later obtained a degree in aerospace engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

In 1958, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist and later worked at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he played a key role in India's first satellite launch vehicle program, Rohini. He was instrumental in the development of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and the operationalization of satellites for remote sensing and satellite-based meteorological services.

In the late 1970s, Kalam was transferred to DRDO, where he served as the project director for India's first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III). He was later appointed as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During this time, he played a key role in India's civilian space program and the development of military missile technology.

In 1998, Kalam was part of India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which established India as a nuclear power. His contributions to India's missile program earned him the nickname "Missile Man of India".

In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, making him the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the office. He was known for his humble and inspiring personality and was highly respected across the country. During his presidency, Kalam worked towards promoting science and technology education and was a strong advocate of the use of technology for the betterment of society. He also made efforts to bridge the gap between the government and the people and was known for his speeches which were aimed at inspiring the youth of India to work towards the betterment of their country.

Apart from his scientific and political career, Kalam was also an accomplished writer, and authored several books, including the best-selling "Wings of Fire" and "Ignited Minds". He was known for his simple lifestyle and his devotion to teaching, and was widely respected across India for his integrity and dedication to the country.

Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. His sudden death was a great loss to the country and he was widely mourned by millions of people across India.

In conclusion, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a visionary leader who inspired millions with his simple yet powerful message of love for one's country and the importance of education and hard work. He will always be remembered as one of India's most inspiring leaders, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations. He is an example of how one person can make a difference and leave a lasting impact on the world.

NOTE: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian statesman and scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was a key figure in India's civilian space program and the development of its military missile technology, and was known as the "Missile Man of India." Kalam was a dedicated educator and was committed to inspiring the youth of India to work towards the betterment of their country. He was widely respected across India for his integrity, simplicity, and devotion to teaching. Kalam passed away in 2015 while delivering a lecture, but his legacy continues to inspire millions and he is remembered as one of India's most beloved leaders.

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