Dr.Sundar ram MBBS., MD
Fabulous Personalities- 13
A.P.J.ABDUL KALAM
15 OCT 1931 – 27 JUL 2015
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India for the term 2002 to 2007. Popularly known as the People’s President,he was the chief architect behind India’s attainment of the nuclear status in the global arena and was rightly known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his work on development of ballistic missiles and space rocket
technology.
EARLY LIFE
Abdul Kalam was born to Jainulabdeen, a boat owner and Ashiamma. He had four brothers and a sister, all elder to him. Although his ancestors had been wealthy traders, the family had descended into difficult times and Kalam used to sell newspapers as a child to add on to his family’s modest income. After finishing his education at the Schwartz higher secondary school in Ramanathapuram, he went on to attend St.Joseph’s college in Tiruchirapalli where he graduated in Physics in 1954. He moved to Madras in 1955 to study Aerospace engineering in Madras Institute of Technology. His dream of becoming a fighter pilot was thwarted when he missed the qualifier by a narrow margin. He was ranked ninth but only 8 positions were available with IAF.He was destined to achieve something bigger.
CAREER AS A SCIENTIST
After graduating from the MIT,Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishments of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist . He was also a part of the INCOSPAR committee working under Vikram Sarabhai, the renowned space scientist. In 1969, he was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) where he was the project director of India’s first SLV-III (Satellite Launch Vehicle) which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in near earth orbit in July 1980. He was also responsible for developing India’s integrated guided missile development program. Under his supervision, the country made surface-to-surface missile(Prithvi) , surface -to-air missile (Trishul) and anti-tank missile(Nag) among other advancements. He was nicknamed “The Missile Man of India” by the media for his achievements.
NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Dr.Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the DRDO from July 1992 – December 1999. The famous Pokhran-II nuclear tests were conducted during this period in which he played an intensive political and technological role. He served as the Chief Project Coordinator , along with Rajagopala Chidambaram, during the testing phase. The success of this event helped our country in obtaining a full-fledged nuclear status.In 1998, along with cardiologist Soma Raju , Kalam developed a low cost coronary stent named “Kalam-Raju Stent”.
LIFE AS
THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
Kalam served as the 11th president of India , succeeding K.R.Narayanan. He won the 2002 presidential election with a majority of votes against Lakshmi Sahagal. His term lasted from July 25,2002- July 25,2007. He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy Rashtrapathi Bhawan. He was affectionately known as the People’s President . He had a unique simplicity and innocence that let him to connect with the people ,students and youth instantly. Post presidency he continued doing what he loved most – teaching students. He became a visiting professor at few IIM institutions and held few honorary posts.
A man of simplicity with pure heart and prudent thoughts , Dr.Kalam was always destined to be a torch bearer for future generation of youths. His down to earth attitude, calm demeanour and selfless service is worth emulating.
