Introduction: APJ Abdul Kalam Biography
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam came to be one of India’s most well known figures — a scientist, visionary, educationist, and the eleventh President of India. Popularly referred to as the Missile Man of India, his humble beginnings and towering achievements preserve to inspire hundreds of thousands.
Born in a modest circle of relatives in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he rose to persuade ISRO, DRDO, and later the nation as President. Even after retirement, Kalam remained committed to younger humans and education till his remaining breath.
Early Life and Childhood
- Full Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
- Date of Birth: 15 October 1931
- Place of Birth: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Religion: Islam
- Family: Father Jainulabdeen (boat owner), Mother Ashiamma (homemaker)
Humble Beginnings
Kalam grew up in a horrible family wherein schooling and values have been deeply instilled. He may wake up at 4 AM, examine arithmetic, and promote newspapers to guide his circle of relatives. This conflict fueled his passion for understanding and perseverance.
Education and Academic Journey
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Schwartz Higher Secondary School | Rameswaram |
| Bachelor’s Degree | St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli | B.Sc. in Physics |
| Engineering | Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) | Aeronautical Engineering |
At MIT, he was recognized for his brilliance in aircraft design, which later paved his path into India’s defense and space missions.
Career in Science and Technology
Kalam started his profession at DRDO (1958) and later joined ISRO (1969), in which he led several key space missions.
Major Projects:
- SLV-III Project – India’s first indigenously advanced satellite tv for pc television for computer launch automobile
- Rohini Satellite – Successfully deployed into Earth’s orbit in 1980
- PSLV Program – Groundwork at some stage in his time at ISRO
- Tejas and LCA Program – Contributed to indigenous plane development
Kalam mixed technological knowledge with a deep experience of nationalism, making him one of India’s quality visionaries.
Missile Development and IGMDP
After rejoining DRDO, Kalam spearheaded the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP):
| Missile | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Agni | Surface-to-surface | Nuclear-capable ballistic missile |
| Prithvi | Surface-to-surface | Tactical short-range missile |
| Trishul | Surface-to-air | Short-range SAM |
| Akash | Surface-to-air | Medium-range SAM |
| Nag | Surface-to-surface | Anti-tank missile |
This program earned him the title of “Missile Man of India.”
Role in Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests
In 1998, Kalam performed a strategic function in India’s second nuclear check — Pokhran-II. Under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, Kalam helped efficiently execute underground nuclear checks that hooked up India as a nuclear energy.
He was the leader of the scientific manual to the authorities at some point of this crucial length.
Presidency (2002–2007)
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Term | 25 July 2002 – 25 July 2007 |
| Age at Election | 70 |
| Predecessor | K. R. Narayanan |
| Successor | Pratibha Patil |
| Nickname | People’s President |
Kalam became India’s 11th President and remained a non-political, apolitical figure. He was widely popular for his humility, wisdom, and love for students.
Major Contributions as President:
- Encouraged e-governance and nuclear protection
- Refused to sign Office of Profit Bill, reflecting his independence
- Initiated dialogues on schooling reform and youngsters improvement
Life After Presidency
After leaving office in 2007, Dr. Kalam persisted to:
- Teach at establishments like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Shillong, and Anna University
- Travel drastically, meeting college students and turning in motivational talks
- Promote his Vision 2020 plan to make India a developed state
Books Written by manner of APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr. Kalam authored numerous inspirational books:
| Book Title | Year | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Wings of Fire | 1999 | Autobiography |
| India 2020 | 1998 | Vision for development |
| Ignited Minds | 2002 | Motivating youth |
| Turning Points | 2012 | Post-Presidency reflections |
| Transcendence | 2015 | Spiritual journey with Pramukh Swami |
Each book offers insights into his mind, values, and hope for the future.
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Bhushan | 1981 | Govt. of India |
| Padma Vibhushan | 1990 | Govt. of India |
| Bharat Ratna | 1997 | Highest Civilian Honor |
| Hoover Medal (USA) | 2008 | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| Doctorates | 40+ | Across Indian and global universities |
He is one of only three Presidents to have received the Bharat Ratna before becoming President.
👤 Personal Life, Age, Net Worth
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam |
| Birth Date | 15 October 1931 |
| Death Date | 27 July 2015 |
| Age at Death | 83 |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Known For | Integrity, Simplicity, Humility |
| Net Worth | Approx ₹1 crore (He donated most earnings) |
He owned no property or personal wealth, often giving away his salary to charities.
Death and Legacy
On 27 July 2015, whilst addressing college students at IIM Shillong, Dr. Kalam collapsed from a large cardiac arrest and passed away.
National Mourning:
- The Government of India declared 7 days of mourning.
- Thousands paid tribute across India.
- His body was modified to be buried with entire united states honors in Rameswaram.
Important Facts Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Missile Man of India |
| Birthday | 15 October 1931 |
| Died | 27 July 2015 |
| Place of Birth | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu |
| Education | MIT, Chennai |
| Profession | Scientist, President, Author |
| President Term | 2002 – 2007 |
| Books | Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, etc. |
| Honors | Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, etc. |
| Vision | India as a Developed Nation by 2020 |
FAQs about APJ Abdul Kalam
Q2. What is Kalam’s maximum well-known ebook?
“Wings of Fire”, his autobiography.
Q3. Did APJ Abdul Kalam ever marry?
No, he remained single, dedicating his existence to the era and public company.
Q4. How did APJ Abdul Kalam die?
He died of a cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015 at the same time as giving a lecture at IIM Shillong.
Q5. What is APJ Abdul Kalam’s net worth?
Though he held high posts, his internet worth changed into around ₹1 crore, most of which he donated.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. All facts are sourced from publicly available records. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not claim official representation. Readers are advised to verify independently before making conclusions based on this content.
