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| A.P.J Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) |
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam : popularly known as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, was an Indian scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and passed away on July 27, 2015, in Shillong, Meghalaya. In this article, we will explore his life and legacy in detail.
Early Life and Education
Kalam was born into a humble family of boat owners and fishermen. Despite coming from a modest background, he was a brilliant student and had a keen interest in science from a young age. He completed his schooling at Ramanathapuram Schwartz Matriculation School and then went on to study Physics at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Kalam moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He completed his master's degree in aerospace engineering in 1958 and later joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist.
Scientific Career
Kalam's scientific career was distinguished by his contributions to India's civilian space program and military missile development. He played a key role in the development of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which were instrumental in putting India's remote sensing and communication satellites into orbit.
Kalam also led the development of India's first indigenous guided missile program, which resulted in the successful test-firing of the Agni missile in 1989. He later became the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and played a crucial role in India's nuclear weapons program.
Presidency
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, succeeding K. R. Narayanan. His tenure as President was marked by his efforts to promote education, technology, and rural development in India. He was widely respected for his vision and leadership and was affectionately referred to as the "People's President."
During his presidency, Kalam was also an advocate for peace and disarmament. He proposed the concept of a "World Knowledge Platform" to encourage cooperation among nations in the areas of science, technology, and education.
Legacy
Kalam was a highly respected figure in India and around the world. He was known for his humility, his dedication to public service, and his passion for science and technology. He inspired millions of young people in India to pursue careers in science and engineering, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
In addition to his scientific and political contributions, Kalam was also a prolific writer and poet. He wrote several books, including Wings of Fire, an autobiography that describes his early life and career, and Ignited Minds, which discusses the role of education in national development.
Kalam's life and legacy serve as an inspiration to people everywhere, and his example continues to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and leaders. His contributions to India's space program and missile development have left a lasting impact on India's scientific and technological progress, and his commitment to education and public service has inspired millions around the world.
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