Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
- Born:
- October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, British India
- Died:
- July 27, 2015, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Scientist, Aerospace Engineer, Author, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Tamil Muslim family of modest means.
- Early education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Ramanathapuram.
- Graduated with a degree in physics from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954.
- Studied aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958.
- Significant contributions to India's space program at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Project Director for India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
- Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
- Played a pivotal role in India's nuclear tests in 1998.
- Served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Notable Works
- India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
- Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
- Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
- Indomitable Spirit
- Turning Points: A journey through challenges
Legacy and Impact
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, often referred to as the "Missile Man of India," left an indelible mark as a scientist, engineer, and statesman. His contributions to India's space and missile programs were transformative. Many people find this abdul kalam short biography very helpful.
Awards and Honors
Award | Year |
---|---|
Padma Bhushan | 1981 |
Padma Vibhushan | 1990 |
Bharat Ratna | 1997 |
Ramanujan Award | 2000 |
King Charles II Medal | 2007 |