His full name is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, born to a Tamil muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He was an aerospace scientist, who served as 11th president of India from 2002-2007. Widely referred to as ‘People’s President’.
He is known for his contributions in the field of nuclear power, increase agricultural productivity, emphasis on technology and wide access to health care and education.
For his contributions in nuclear power,he also came to be known as ‘Missile Man’.
His contributions:
- Dr Kalam launched India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)
- Dr Kalam is known for ballistic missile projects, The Agni Missiles and Prithvi
- Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in Pokhran-II Nuclear tests
- Dr Kalam alongwith cardiologist Soma Raju developed ‘Kalam-Raju Stent’ which made healthcare accessible to all
- Dr Kalam and Soma Raju designed a tablet computer named ‘Kalam-Raju Tablet’ for better health care in rural areas
- Dr Kalam received 7 honorary doctorates from 40 universities
- Dr Kalam was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna in 1997
On July 27, 2015 Dr Kalam while delivering a lecture at IIM, Shillong had collapsed because of sudden cardiac arrest. The Tamil Nadu state government observes ‘Renaissance Youth Day’ on birth anniversary of Dr Kalam. ‘World Students’ Day’ is celebrated annually to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Kalam, 15 October to celebrate his passion for teaching.
On his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Kalam’s death is a great loss to the scientific community. He took India to great heights. He showed the way.”
