MISSILE MAN OF INDIA
Avuakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam as APJ Abdul Kalam, born on October 15, 1931, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India. This day government has established it as "Youth Renaissance Day."
He came from a Muslim family. His father, Jaiulabdeen, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque. His mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. In his early childhood, Kalam's family had become poor; he sold newspapers to supplement his family's income early.
Dr Kalam was also known as "Missile Man of India" due to his highly researched, successful work with ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. Dr Kalam, the 11th President of India, is always an inspirational and motivational figure for millions worldwide. His legacy has contributed majorly to the field of science, especially in defence technology. He is a scientist who became the first president of India without any political background.
Kalam's hopes to become a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, he missed the Indian Air Force (IAF) chance. Later, Kalam joined the Defense Research for India and the development organization - DRDO on the senior scientist assistant post in 1958. After that, he moved to Indian Space Research Organization-ISRO in the year 1969. He also named the first satellite launch vehicle, which was planned and produced on the Indian land. Dr Kalam has executed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program while working as a director at DRDO (Defence Research for India and the Development Organization). He became senior scientific adviser to India's defence minister in the year 1992.
In 1998, Pokhran-II tests were conducted in which the five nuclear devices were detonated in the area of Rajasthan. Even though the tests resulted in economic sanctions from the other world powers, Kalam stood up against it as a national hero for this power as country security.
Our nation's hero suffered a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management(IIM) and died on July 27 2015, at 83. To his contribution and honour him towards his development and finding, the government of Tamil Nadu created an award named -Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award. The purpose of introducing this award is to recognize the brilliant talent in India in the field of Science and Humanities.
Abdul Kalam was conferred with India's highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He has written many books and novels, including his autobiography "Wings of Fire" in 1999.
Written By-
Harini Mothe
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