Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a man who embodied the role of a statesman like no other. Arguably one of the most inspirational leaders in modern history, his life and legacy serve as an example for anyone trying to find their own path.
Early Life of Abdul Kalam
Abdul Kalam was born into a Muslim family in India. At the age of six, he began to study for his examinations, showing an early interest in science and mathematics. He won a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad when he was sixteen years old. In 1947, Abdul Kalam finished his schooling and enrolled in Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering. His career started in Aerospace Research Establishment. He was later appointed as the Head of Missile Development Wing.
Early Career of Abdul Kalam. Between 1963 and 1965, Kalam worked as a missile designer at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India’s first Space agency. In 1967, he joined the Defence Research & Development Organization as a Scientific Adviser to the Indian Defense Minister. During this time he also developed rockets and missiles that could be used for military purposes. He was then appointed as the project director of Project Harinaut (a missile) in 1968. This was his first rocket that could be used for military purposes. It had an effective range of 30 km and a maximum altitude of 40 km.In 1972, he became the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) on deputation from DRDO. In 1973, he came up with the Fundamental Concepts Study on Rockets and Missiles (FCS ), which was approved by the Indian Prime Minister. This study prepared India for its first indigenous satellite launch and rocket program.
It was in 1975 that he became the Director of the Project for Monitoring Atmospheric Composition (PMAC), a project funded by the United States Department of Defense, to study the composition of the atmosphere and its effects on weather. The results from this research led to the development of techniques for forecasting meteorological phenomena such as hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones. He is also credited with discovering that the sun has an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux which is nearly seven times that of the solar photosphere. He also discovered sunspots during this time and their importance as indicators of solar activity. He was awarded the Polar Medal by the Government of India in 1981 for his contributions to Space research.He was at BARC when he first met Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a chemical engineer student at BHU and developed a high regard for him.
Personal life
APJ Abdul Kalam was the president of India from 2002-2007. He was also a scientist, educator and the father of India’s missile program. Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 in what is now known as Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu in South India. Kalam began his career by attending Madras University where he studied physics and aerospace engineering. His first paper was published when he was only 22 years old. After graduating from university, Kalam went on to become one of the leading scientists in India. After graduating from university, Kalam became a professor at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory where he worked for over 30 years. He also served as the head of DRDL. Kalam’s first paper was published when he was only 22 years old. After earning his PhD, Kalam applied to become a member of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Achievements and awards
APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away in July 2015, was among India’s most respected scientists. He pioneered the development of India’s missile and space programs as well as its nuclear program. He received numerous awards and honors including the Padma Bhushan and the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Political Life and Death
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam led a very influential and inspiring life. He was the leader of India from 2001 to 2007 and created many weapons for the United States that were used in war. His death was very controversial because he did not want to be buried in a cemetery when he died, but instead wanted to be cremated so his ashes would not be scattered in the air but would be given back to nature.
