A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
The Early Life: Dreams Born on Rameswaram’s Shores A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, a quiet coastal town in Tamil Nadu. His father Jainulabdeen was a simple boat owner while his mother Ashiamma was a housewife. Despite financial struggles, Kalam’s upbringing was imbued with strong values and a thirst for knowledge. As a child, he loved flying kites and watching birds soar in the sky. This aroused his curiosity about flight and aviation. Kalam’s early schooling was at a local primary school, where he emerged as a promising and hardworking student. He sold newspapers to supplement his family’s income, but despite his busy routine, his enthusiasm for studies never waned. These modest beginnings laid the foundation for his extraordinary dreams. Family Background: Father: Jainulabdeen Marakayar, a landowner and boat owner. He was a highly respected person in the community and also a source of guidance for Kalam. Mother: Ashiamma, a kind and supportive woman. • Siblings: He had three brothers (Mustafa, Kamil and Muthiah) and one sister (Zohra). Death Date: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s education journey is a story of perseverance and excellence: 1. Schooling: He completed his early education at Scholars School in Rameswaram. For his secondary education, he went to Rameswaram Primary School and later studied at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. 2. Undergraduate Studies: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam went to St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1954. 3. Postgraduate Studies: After graduation, he moved to Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in Chennai, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in 1960. The journey to becoming India’s Popular scientistA. P. J. Abdul Kalam Road to success was not easy; it was filled with obstacles and lessons. After completing his schooling, he obtained a degree in physics at St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli. Later, his dream of working with aircraft led him to the prestigious Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), where he specialized in aeronautical engineering. At MIT, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was known for his dedication and passion. He worked on projects that required intense focus and creativity, and his professors recognized his potential. After graduation, he joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), where his journey as a scientist began. His commitment to developing India’s space and defense capabilities was unwavering; he put his whole heart into it, which marked the beginning of his legacy.In 1969, Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and worked on India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). This project—a significant success—helped launch the Rohini satellite into space and earned him the title of a visionary in space technology. The Missile Man of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam contributions to India’s defense systems earned him the nickname “Missile Man of India.” His work at DRDO and ISRO guided indigenous missile systems such as the Agni and Prithvi. These missiles further enhanced India’s defense capabilities, demonstrating its self-reliance in critical technologies. he loves to spend time with trees, because believe that trees are good friends of humans. What made A. P. J. Abdul Kalam truly exceptional was his ability to dream big and rally his team to make the impossible possible. Whether designing missiles or encouraging young scientists, his enthusiasm was infectious. Kalam believed that challenges must be accepted with confidence and innovation, and his work reflected this belief. For him, every failure was a step towards success. Beyond missiles, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam also contributed to India’s nuclear program. He played a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, which put India on the global map as a nuclear power. Despite his great achievements, he always maintained humility and never sought personal credit, so there has never been anyone like him. Name of Missile Date of Launch/Development Range Key Features (Khubi) Agni 1989 (First tested) 700–5,000+ km (various versions) Long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads; solid and liquid propulsion systems. Prithvi 1988 (First tested) 150–350 km India’s first indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile. Versatile for army, navy, and air force. Trishul 1985 (Development started, tested through the 1990s) 9 km Short-range, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile designed for anti-sea skimmer roles. Akash 1990 (Development tested until the 2000s) 25–30 km Medium-range surface-to-air missile can simultaneously track and destroy multiple targets. Nag 1990 (First tested) 4–7 km (varies) Anti-tank guided missile with a “fire-and-forget” system, equipped with imaging infrared guidance. A Visionary President with a People’s Heart In 2002, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was elected President of India. Often referred to as the “People’s President,” he used his position to inspire and connect with the youth and to address their problems. His presidency was not limited to politics; it was a platform to spread hope and dreams among ordinary Indians. Kalam loved interacting with students and encouraged them to dream big He believed that India’s future depends on the dreams and efforts of its youth. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of education, innovation, and sustainable development. His vision document, “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium,” outlined ambitious goals to transform India into a developed nation. Unlike most political leaders, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was approachable and practical. He continued his tradition of simplicity by connecting with people through speeches, books, and public meetings. His tenure as president was not just a duty; it was a mission to ignite minds and sow the seeds of progress. A legacy that lives on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. Even in his last moments, he was doing what he loved most interacting with and guiding young minds. His death was a great loss to the nation, but his legacy lives on forever in every aspiring student and
