APJ Abdul Kalam once said “When I am dead, do not declare a holiday; instead work a day extra”. 27th July 2022, the 7th death anniversary of President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The country remembers him as ‘Missile Man of India’.
He was born on 15 October 1931, in a Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram. As a child he used to sell newspapers to add to the family’s humble income.
Kalam, since his childhood was a bright student, he would spend hours studying, he was especially interested in Mathematics. He grew up studying Physics and Aerospace Engineering. Later Dr APJ Abdul Kalam worked as a scientist and science administrator for the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Dr Kalam played an integral role in the scientific advancement of India. He was the project director for the SLV-III, which was the first satellite launch vehicle that put the Rohini satellite into orbit around the earth. He also executed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program, earning him the famous title “Missile Man of India.”
Under Kalam’s guidance and supervision, the country made the surface-to-surface missile Prithvi, surface-to-air missile Trishul and anti-tank missile Nag among other advancements.
He has been awarded with the Padma Bhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor, in 1997.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th president of India. He was popularly known as the “People’s President”, because of his simplicity, he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He is a role model for many leaders of India.
