Among the great personalities that have shaped the history and culture of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam stands out as a beacon of inspiration and intellect. His life, encapsulated in the APJ Abdul Kalam Biography, is a stirring narrative of ambition, knowledge and humility. Dr. Kalam, widely respected as the 'Missile Man of India', brought transformative changes to India's space and defence sectors.
The journey of Dr. Kalam from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most revered figures in the country is not just a story of personal success but a testament to the power of determination and vision. Through his scientific and philosophical contributions, Dr. Kalam has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of millions, both in India and worldwide.
Full Name Of APJ Abdul Kalam And His Early Life
Today, APJ Abdul Kalam is an influential figure in India. However, his life and childhood were not as easy as they may seem. His father, Jainulabudeen, owned a boat, their primary income source. Here, we will briefly check APJ Abdul Kalam's full name and early life.
Full Name and Family of Kalam
The full name of Dr Kalam is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. Growing up, Kalam had four older siblings. Their past as prosperous traders, his family faced financial hardships by the time he was born. By the 1920s, they had lost much of their wealth, leaving them in poverty. This is the time when Kalam first took the responsibility of his family by selling newspapers and thus helping the limited income of the family.
Although there were many challenges, it can be said that his early experiences of working to support his family played a crucial role in developing his determination. Thus, despite the challenges of limited financial resources, his childhood was enriched with experiences that later played a significant role in shaping his character and career.
Abdul Kalam Academic Life
APJ Abdul Kalam was a bright student with a strong curiosity about how things worked. A significant moment in his early life was when his teacher, Siva Subramania Iyer, took the class to the seashore to observe birds in flight. He was 10 years old then and this practical lesson, combined with a theoretical explanation, deeply influenced Kalam and sparked his interest in flight.
Following this passion, he completed his schooling at Schwartz Higher Secondary School and then graduated in science from Saint Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli in 1954. Determined to follow his dream, he went on to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology in Madras.
In his third year of college, Abdul Kalam faced a challenging project. He and his team had to design a low-level attack aircraft. The task was tough, and their instructor set a really tight deadline. Despite the pressure, Kalam and his teammates worked hard and completed the project on time. Their dedication, especially his, left a strong impression on their guide. Around this time, Kalam dreamed of being a fighter pilot, but unfortunately, this dream didn't come true.
Later, he joined the Defence Research and the Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 as a senior scientist assistant post. He then moved to ISRO in 1969.
Lesser Known Facts About APJ Abdul Kalam
APJ Abdul Kalam led a life filled with remarkable achievements. Below are less known facts about APJ Abdul Kalam people usually miss out.
- Kalam was affectionately known as the 'Children’s President,' reflecting his deep connection with the young minds of India. Among children, he was as beloved as Prime Minister Nehru, famously known as Chacha Nehru.
- Kalam played a crucial role in the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3, which successfully launched the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980. This marked a major milestone in India's space capabilities.
- His passion for nurturing youth, especially in science and innovation, was evident in his regular interactions with them at various educational events. His approachability extended to his email account, which was famously accessible to all children in India, making him one of the most reachable Presidents.
- Kalam was instrumental in developing the PSLV, which has become the workhorse of India's space program. The PSLV has successfully launched numerous satellites, including India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, in 2008.
- His autobiography, which was translated into 13 languages including French and Chinese, resonated with people globally. His journey was so inspiring that six biographies have been written about him, each delving into the many facets of his extraordinary life.
Remembering Missile Man of India
While many know Abdul Kalam for his pivotal role in the space and defence sectors of India, there is a treasure trove of lesser-known facts about this inspiring individual. From personal anecdotes to unique contributions of the Missile Man of India, these lesser-known facts add new layers to our understanding of one of the most beloved leaders.
Early Career as a Scientist
Before becoming the President of India, Dr. Kalam had a notable career as a scientist and science administrator, primarily at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was intimately involved in the civilian space program and military missile development efforts.
Involved in India's First Satellite Launch
Dr. Kalam was a project director at ISRO and played a key role in the development and operational launch of the SLV-III, India's first satellite launch vehicle.
Integral in Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests
Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which repositioned India as a nuclear power on the world stage.
A Teacher at Heart
Even after serving as President, Kalam was passionate about teaching and continued to teach as a visiting professor at various institutes. He often interacted with students and inspired them to dream big and pursue their passions.
Recipient of Honorary Titles from Abroad
His international fame is also noteworthy, as he was the recipient of honorary doctorates from 40 universities globally, including the United States.
A Man of Simplicity
Despite his high offices and achievements, Kalam was known for his simple lifestyle and humble demeanour. He lived in his own ancestral house and was known to pay for his family travel expenses out of his pocket.
A Visionary in Technology and Education
He envisioned a self-reliant India and strongly advocated for advancements in technology and education, which he believed were the pillars of national development.
His Death was Poetic
Dr. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while doing what he loved the most - teaching. He collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Passionate about Writing
Apart from his autobiography, Kalam co-authored several books on his visions for the future of the country, including “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium” and “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India”, which inspired many young minds. Some of his notable works are given below:
| Book Title | Year of Publish | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wings of Fire: An Autobiography | 1999 | Co-authored with Arun Tiwari, this book is an autobiography of Dr. Kalam. It records his life from his early childhood to his work in the space research and missile development programs of India. |
| Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India | 2002 | This book is a call to the Indian youth to ignite their minds with positivity and harness their potential to make India a developed nation. |
| India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium | 1998 | Co-written with Y.S. Rajan, this book presents Dr. Kalam's vision of how India could become a developed country by the year 2020. |
| My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions | 2013 | This autobiography gives insight into the life of Dr. Kalam, focusing on his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced. |
| Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development | 2011 | Co-authored with Srijan Pal Singh, this book focuses on the challenges of sustainable development and innovative solutions to achieve it. |
| Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges | 2012 | It discusses the various turning points in Dr. Kalam's life. |
| Forge Your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring | 2014 | This book is a compilation of his thoughts on issues facing India and how individuals can contribute to nation-building. |
APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes for Youngsters
When we think about people who have really made a mark in history, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's name shines bright. Known lovingly as 'People's President', he was more than just a big name in space and defence in India. He was a man full of kindness and deep wisdom.
His life showed us how powerful it is to be determined, to have a vision, and to stay humble. His words, which mix thoughtful ideas with real-life smarts, keep encouraging and firing up people everywhere. Here, you can find many APJ Abdul Kalam quotes for youngsters.
- A good student could learn more from a bad teacher than a poor student from even a skilled teacher.
- All Birds find shelter during rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above the Clouds.
- As a student, it is important to have an aim in life and to acquire all possible knowledge towards a goal.
- Be active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others.
- Before God trusts you with success, you have to prove yourself humble enough to handle the big prize.
- Confidence and hard-work is the only medicine to kill a disease called failure!
- Courage is individual, wisdom comes with experience.
- Don’t take a rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.
- Dream is not something that you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.
- Dreams are not those which come while we are sleeping, but dreams are those when u don’t sleep before fulfilling them.
- Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.
- Each individual creature on this beautiful planet is created by God to fulfil a particular role.
- Education gives you wings to fly.
- Failure will never overtake me if my definition of success is strong enough.
- Failure one has to analyse and find out the reason and then correct it for future programs.
- For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.
- I am not handsome but I can give my hand to someone who needs help. Because beauty is required in the heart, not in the face.
- I have always believed that cowards never make history, history is created by people with courage and wisdom.
- I have to be the captain of my problem, defeat the problem, and succeed.
- If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds. There are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher.
- If our home is corruption free, our village and city will be corruption free, then our state will be corruption free and the nation will be corruption free.
- If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means “first Attempt In Learning” So Let’s be positive.
- If you get No as an answer, remember N.O. means “Next Opportunity”. So Let’s be positive.
- If you want to leave your footprints On the sands of time Do not drag your feet.
- If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.
- Know where you are going. The great thing in the world is not knowing so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.
- Knowledge is a tangible asset, quite often the most important tool in your work.
- Leaders can create a high productivity level by providing the appropriate organisational structure and job design, and by acknowledging and appreciating hard work.
- Learning gives creativity. Creativity leads to thinking. Thinking provides knowledge. Knowledge makes you great.
- Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.
- The country doesn’t deserve anything less than success from us. Let us aim for success.
- The difference between an energetic person and a confused person is the difference in the way their minds handle their experiences.
- The end is not the end if fact E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies” So Let’s be positive.
- There is no magic formula to be successful. Hard work, hard work, and hard work.
- There seems to be an attitude problem as if we cannot shake ourselves out of a mindset of limited achievement.
Legacy Of APJ Abdul Kalam
🚀 Pioneering Space Exploration and Defense: Dr. Kalam's contributions to India's defense capabilities are arguably his most enduring legacy. He spearheaded the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), propelling India's ballistic missile technology to new heights. As the founder of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), Kalam oversaw the development of a range of ballistic missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, and Akash, which enhanced India's defense capabilities.
👨🏫 Inspiring Generations: Dr. Kalam, often referred to as the "Missile Man of India," devoted his life to teaching and inspiring generations. He believed that education was the key to India's progress and actively engaged with students and youth. Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in the development of India's cryogenic rocket engine technology, which was crucial for the country's heavy-lift launch vehicles and interplanetary missions.
💡 Visionary Leader: Dr. Kalam was a visionary leader who believed that science and technology could be used to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as poverty, hunger, and disease. He advocated for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
For young children looking for inspiration, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the most inspirational presidents we have ever had, we all can learn from his humility, passion and hunger to make a difference!
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