A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: A Visionary Leader and Scientist

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, was an esteemed aerospace scientist and statesman. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Raised in a modest Muslim family, Kalam pursued physics and aerospace engineering. His career spanned over four decades, predominantly at DRDO and ISRO, where he contributed immensely to India’s space program and military missile development. Often called the “Missile Man of India,” Kalam was instrumental in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, enhancing India’s defense capabilities.

In 2002, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was elected President with broad support from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress. Known as the “People’s President,” he dedicated himself to education, writing, and public service post-presidency. Kalam’s remarkable achievements earned him India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, Kalam suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at the age of 83. His funeral in Rameswaram was attended by thousands, including national dignitaries, and he was honored with a full state funeral.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: A Visionary Leader and Scientist (topicsxpress.com)

Early Life and Education of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in the small town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His family, though once prosperous, had fallen on hard times. His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a humble boat owner and imam at the local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, took care of the household. Growing up in a simple, religious family, Kalam learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. The family’s modest income came from ferrying Hindu pilgrims between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, but the business had significantly declined over time.

Despite facing financial hardships, Kalam was always eager to learn. As the youngest of five siblings, he often contributed to the family’s income by selling newspapers. Even though he wasn’t a top student, his teachers saw his hunger for knowledge, especially in mathematics. His curiosity and determination helped him excel academically. After completing his schooling in Ramanathapuram, he pursued a degree in Physics at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli. Later, he moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study aerospace engineering at the prestigious Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).

One of the most defining moments in his education came when he was given a difficult deadline for a project. His scholarship was on the line, but Kalam rose to the challenge and successfully completed the task, earning the respect of his dean. Although he had dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, he narrowly missed out on the opportunity, ranking ninth when only eight positions were available in the Indian Air Force.

The Journey of a Scientist

After graduating in 1960, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam started his career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), where he worked on designing a hovercraft. However, this project didn’t excite him as much as he had hoped. His real passion for space exploration was ignited when he joined the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), led by the visionary scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Kalam’s career took a significant turn when he was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.

At ISRO, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam took charge of developing India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which eventually put the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980. This achievement was a major milestone for India’s space program, and it brought Kalam national recognition as one of the country’s leading scientists. During the early years of his career, Kalam also visited NASA in the United States, where he learned about advanced rocket technologies. This experience greatly influenced his work back home in India.

In the 1970s and 1980s, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam played a crucial role in the development of India’s missile systems. He spearheaded projects like Project Devil and Project Valiant, which were instrumental in developing ballistic missile technology for the country. His leadership in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) resulted in the successful development of missiles like Agni and Prithvi, which strengthened India’s defense capabilities. While these projects faced criticism for delays and cost overruns, they were significant accomplishments for India’s military technology.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam contributions weren’t limited to missile development. In the 1990s, he was appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the DRDO. During this period, he played a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which cemented India’s position as a nuclear power. Though the tests were controversial, Kalam’s involvement made him a national hero.

Beyond his work in defense and space, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam scientific mind also contributed to healthcare. In collaboration with Dr. Soma Raju, a renowned cardiologist, he co-developed the “Kalam-Raju Stent” in 1998, a low-cost coronary stent that made heart care more affordable for thousands of patients. In 2012, the duo also introduced the “Kalam-Raju Tablet,” a rugged tablet computer designed for rural healthcare, making technology more accessible to remote areas.

Career as a Scientist

After graduating in 1960, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist, starting his career by designing a small hovercraft. However, he was not entirely satisfied with his work there. His journey into space exploration began when he joined the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), where he worked under renowned scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In 1969, he was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he became the project director for the development of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). The SLV-III successfully placed the Rohini satellite in orbit in 1980, marking a significant milestone in India’s space program.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam visited NASA’s facilities in the U.S. during the 1960s to study advanced rocket technologies, which greatly influenced his work in India. Between the 1970s and 1990s, he played a pivotal role in developing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and SLV-III projects, both of which achieved great success.

In addition to his work in space exploration, Kalam was deeply involved in India’s missile development programs. He led projects like Project Devil and Project Valiant, aimed at developing ballistic missile technologies. Under his leadership, the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was launched, resulting in the development of missiles like Agni and Prithvi. Despite criticism over cost and time overruns, these projects were crucial to India’s defense capabilities.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam also played a key role in India’s nuclear program. As the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister from 1992 to 1999, he oversaw the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. His leadership in these tests brought him national recognition as a nuclear scientist, although some controversy later arose regarding the results of the thermonuclear bomb test.

In 1998, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam collaborated with cardiologist Dr. Soma Raju to develop the “Kalam-Raju Stent,” a low-cost coronary stent for heart patients. In 2012, the duo also developed a tablet for rural healthcare, called the “Kalam-Raju Tablet.”

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Presidency

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007, after winning the 2002 presidential election with a decisive victory. He garnered an overwhelming 922,884 votes, defeating Lakshmi Sahgal, who received 107,366 votes. His candidacy was backed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with support from the Samajwadi Party and Nationalist Congress Party. His nomination was met with widespread approval across India, as people admired him for his humility and scientific contributions.

On June 18, 2002, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam officially filed his nomination papers, accompanied by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His win was seen as a foregone conclusion due to his widespread popularity. Once elected, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam became the third President of India to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, even before becoming President. He also held the distinction of being the first scientist and bachelor to live in Rashtrapati Bhavan, earning the affectionate title of “The People’s President.”

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam tenure was defined by his approachable nature, and he connected deeply with the youth of the country. However, his presidency wasn’t without challenges. One of the toughest decisions during his time in office was signing the controversial Office of Profit Bill. Moreover, he faced criticism for not acting on 20 of the 21 mercies petitions he received, including that of Afzal Guru, convicted of the 2001 Parliament attack. He did, however, reject the mercy plea of rapist Dhananjoy Chatterjee, leading to his execution.

In addition to these tough decisions, Kalam’s presidency included notable moments like supporting the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in India during a public session in 2003. In 2005, he took the contentious step of imposing President’s Rule in Bihar.

As his term neared its end in 2007, there was a groundswell of support for A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to run for a second term. While A. P. J. Abdul Kalam initially showed willingness to serve again, he ultimately chose not to contest, wanting to keep the office above political processes. Although he was approached again in 2012 for a potential second term, with backing from various political leaders and public support through social media campaigns, he declined, expressing gratitude for the trust and love shown by the people.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam presidency left an indelible mark in India. He was a leader who combined scientific excellence with genuine compassion for the people, making him one of the most beloved presidents in Indian history.

Post-Presidency of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Continuing His Mission to Inspire

After his presidency, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam didn’t slow down. In fact, he stayed committed to his lifelong passion—education. He became a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management in Shillong, Ahmedabad, and Indore. His goal was to share his knowledge and experience with young students, whom he believed would shape India’s future. Kalam’s connection with education didn’t stop there.

He also became an honorary fellow at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and served as Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. Teaching was in his blood, and as an aerospace professor at Anna University, he took immense joy in guiding young minds toward a brighter future.

His involvement in education went far beyond just a few institutions. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam held adjunct positions at multiple academic and research institutes across India. He taught information technology at the International Institute of Information Technology in Hyderabad and technology at Banaras Hindu University and Anna University. His dream was simple: to see India flourish by nurturing the youth. He believed that the future of the country rested in the hands of young Indians, and his teaching and mentorship were his ways of contributing to that vision.

However, in 2011, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam faced some backlash. His support for the Kodan kulam Nuclear Power Plant, which he believed could be a game-changer for India’s energy needs, wasn’t well received by local protesters. The community feared for the safety and environmental risks of the plant, and they expected Kalam to stand with them. When he didn’t, some felt let down, believing he had overlooked their concerns. Despite Kalam’s assurances that the plant was safe, many remained unconvinced. It was one of the few times Kalam found himself at odds with the people.

In May 2012, Kalam launched the “What Can I Give Movement,” a campaign close to his heart. Focused on young people, the movement encouraged India’s youth to focus on what they could give to the country rather than take. The campaign’s main theme was fighting corruption, a cause that Kalam was deeply passionate about. He firmly believed that young Indians could lead the charge toward an ethical, responsible society.

A Sudden and Heartbreaking End

On July 27, 2015, while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam collapsed just minutes into his speech. He was delivering a talk on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth” when he suddenly fell unconscious. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he had suffered a massive cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 7:45 p.m. His passing was a huge shock to the nation. India had lost not just a former president but a true people’s hero. Kalam’s last words, spoken to his aide Srijan Pal Singh, were: “Funny guy! Are you doing well?” Even in his final moments, Kalam showed his characteristic humor and humanity.

A Nation Grieves Its People’s President

News of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam death spread like wildfire, and an overwhelming sense of loss gripped the nation. His body was flown from Shillong to Guwahati and then to New Delhi, where it arrived at Palam Air Base. There, leaders including President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gathered to pay their respects. His body was placed on a gun carriage, draped in the Indian flag, and taken to his residence at 10 Rajaji Marg in Delhi. The public, along with political leaders and dignitaries, paid their final respects to the man they adored.

On July 29, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam body was flown to Madurai and taken to his hometown, Rameswaram, in Tamil Nadu. Thousands lined up to say goodbye to their beloved leader. His body was displayed for public viewing at a local bus station in Rameswaram, where people from all walks of life came to pay homage.

The next day, on July 30, 2015, Dr. Kalam was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu Ground in Rameswaram with full state honors. It was a moment of national mourning, as over 350,000 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, and chief ministers from various states, attended his last rites. It was a testament to how deeply Kalam had touched the hearts of millions.

Global Tributes Pour In

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam death was not just a loss for India, but for the world. Tributes poured in from global leaders, acknowledging his immense contributions to science, education, and diplomacy. The Government of India declared a seven-day mourning period as a mark of respect for the former president. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his passing a “great loss to the scientific community” and emphasized Kalam’s unparalleled contributions to India’s defense and space technology. Modi also spoke about Kalam’s humility and unwavering commitment to public service, which made him an inspiration to millions.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also expressed sorrow, noting that A. P. J. Abdul Kalam legacy in making India self-reliant in defense technology would be remembered for generations. ISRO leaders who had worked closely with Kalam paid tribute to him as a great scientist and an even greater human being. ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar described Kalam as a “great personality and a gentleman,” while former ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair highlighted Kalam’s passion for helping the downtrodden and promoting peace.

Condolences from Neighboring Countries and the World

Neighboring countries also mourned A. P. J. Abdul Kalam death. In Bhutan, the government lowered its national flag to half-staff and lit 1,000 butter lamps in his memory. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay called him a leader admired by all. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Kalam as “a rare combination of a great statesman, acclaimed scientist, and an inspiration.” Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Kalam’s contributions not just to India, but to the world. Pakistani leaders, including President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, offered their condolences, acknowledging Kalam’s achievements as a scientist and leader.

International leaders also paid tribute to Kalam. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his sorrow, calling Kalam’s passing a significant loss for India. US President Barack Obama referred to him as the “People’s President” and highlighted the role Kalam played in strengthening US-India relations, particularly in space and technology. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon also recognized Kalam’s vision and contributions to global peace and development.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s death marked the end of an era, but his spirit and legacy live on. He was more than just a scientist, a teacher, or a president. He was a visionary who believed in the power of dreams and hard work. His life was a testament to the idea that no dream is too big if you are willing to work for it. Through his words and actions, Kalam continues to inspire millions to pursue their goals with passion and dedication. Even in death, his legacy remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for people around the world.

Memorial

The Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial stands as a tribute to the visionary leader and former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Established by the DRDO in Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, the memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2017. Visitors can explore replicas of rockets and missiles that Dr. Kalam worked on, alongside vibrant acrylic paintings and countless portraits that narrate the story of his life and contributions. At the entrance, a striking statue depicts him gracefully playing the Veena, accompanied by two additional statues capturing him in both seated and standing poses.

Personal Life

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was the youngest of five siblings, with an elder sister, Asim Zohra, who passed away in 1997, and three brothers: Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbie Maraikayar, Mustafa Kalam, and Kasim Mohammed. His bond with his siblings was strong, and throughout his life, he remained committed to supporting his extended family, often sending them small amounts of money. Despite his close family ties, Dr. Kalam lived as a lifelong bachelor.

Noted for his integrity and simplicity, Dr. Kalam never owned a television and maintained a disciplined lifestyle, waking up around 6:30 or 7 a.m. and going to bed by 2 a.m. His few personal belongings included books, a veena, clothing, a CD player, and a laptop. Upon his passing, he left no will, and his possessions were passed on to his eldest surviving brother.

Religious and Spiritual Views

Religion and spirituality played significant roles in Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam life. He chronicled his spiritual journey in his final book, Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji.

Islam

As a practicing Sunni Muslim, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam daily life was guided by Islamic principles, including performing namaz and fasting during Ramadan. His father, who served as the imam of a local mosque, instilled these values in his children. He also emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam fondly recalled evenings spent with his father, the head priest of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, and a church priest, where they would discuss community issues over tea. This upbringing instilled in him the belief that India’s challenges could be addressed through “dialogue and cooperation” among various religious and social leaders. He often said, “For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.”

Syncretism

One of the remarkable aspects of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam legacy is his embodiment of syncretism—a respect for the diverse spiritual and cultural traditions of India. While he practiced Islam, he was well-versed in Hindu customs, having learned Sanskrit, read the Bhagavad Gita, and embraced a vegetarian lifestyle. He found joy in writing Tamil poetry, playing the veena, and listening to Carnatic devotional music daily. In a speech to Parliament after becoming president, he expressed a desire for a more united India, emphasizing the need to bring together the divergent traditions of the country. Political leaders recognized him as a symbol of unity in India’s diverse heritage.

Pramukh Swami as Guru

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam quest for spiritual guidance led him to meet Pramukh Swami, the Hindu guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sampradaya, whom he came to regard as his ultimate spiritual teacher. Their first meeting occurred on June 30, 2001, in New Delhi, where Dr. Kalam was struck by Pramukh Swami’s simplicity and spiritual depth. Their interactions left a profound impact on him, especially after witnessing Pramukh Swami’s compassionate response following the terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar in 2002. Dr. Kalam’s admiration for Pramukh Swami’s equanimity influenced his writing of Transcendence and was a testament to the transformation he experienced through their relationship.

Writings

In his influential book, India 2020, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam envisioned a roadmap for India to emerge as a “knowledge superpower” by the year 2020. He identified five key areas for development: agriculture, education and healthcare, information and communication technology, infrastructure, and self-reliance in critical technologies. He believed that progress in these interconnected domains would lead to enhanced food, economic, and national security.

A pivotal moment in Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam life occurred when he sought Pramukh Swami’s insights on realizing this vision. The guru emphasized the importance of integrating faith and spirituality into the framework of development, which became a guiding principle in Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam life. His dedication to engaging with youth remained unwavering, aiming to inspire them to ignite their imaginations and contribute to India’s progress.

Awards and Honors

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam received numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including seven honorary doctorates from various universities. The Government of India recognized his contributions with the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1997. He also received the Hoover Medal in 2008 and the Von Braun Award in 2013 for his leadership in space-related projects.

After his passing, tributes poured in. The Tamil Nadu government declared October 15, his birthday, as Youth Renaissance Day. They also established the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award, recognizing residents for achievements in scientific growth and student welfare.

In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam with a commemorative postage stamp on the anniversary of his birth. His legacy continued with the naming of a new bacterium found on the International Space Station as Solibacillus kalami in his honor.

Educational Institutions Named After Him

Following Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam death, various educational and scientific institutions were named in his memory. Kerala Technological University and Uttar Pradesh Technical University were among those renamed to honor his contributions. Additionally, an agricultural college in Bihar was dedicated to him on the day of his funeral, and plans for the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna began in 2019.

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Roads and Locations

Prominent locations also celebrated his legacy, with a road in New Delhi renamed from Aurangzeb Road to Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Road. In 2015, Wheeler Island, a national missile test site, was renamed Abdul Kalam Island.

Other awards and honours

Year of Award or Honour	Name of Award or Honour	Awarding Organisation
2014	Honorary Professor	Beijing University, China
2014	Doctor of Science	Edinburgh University, UK
2013	Von Braun Award	National Space Society
2012	Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa)	Simon Fraser University
2011	IEEE Honorary Membership	IEEE
2010	Doctor of Engineering	University of Waterloo
2009	Honorary Doctorate	Oakland University
2009	International von Kármán Wings Award	California Institute of Technology, USA
2008	Doctor of Science	Universiti Sains Malaysia
2008	Hoover Medal	ASME Foundation, USA
2008	Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa)	Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
2008	Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
2007	Honorary Doctorate of Science and Technology	Carnegie Mellon University
2007	King Charles II Medal	Royal Society, UK
2007	Honorary Doctorate of Science	University of Wolverhampton, UK
2000	Ramanujan Award	Alwars Research Centre, Chennai
1998	Veer Savarkar Award	Government of India
1997	Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration	Indian National Congress
1997	Bharat Ratna	President of India
1995	Honorary Fellow	National Academy of Medical Sciences
1994	Distinguished Fellow	Institute of Directors (India)
1990	Padma Vibhushan	Government of India
1981	Padma Bhushan	Government of India