APJ Abdul Kalam
APJ Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist, politician. He also played a leading role in development of India’s Missile. And he was the president of India since 2003 to 2007 . Also he has earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and in 1958 joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Later in 1969 he moved to ISRO ( Indian Space Research Organisation). He is known by the nickname Missile Man of India.
He was born on 15th October 1931, in Rameswaram, India. His full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. And he was born in a Muslim family . He was fascinated by flying birds which developed into an interest in aeronautics after he saw a newspaper article about a British fighter plane. He had a modest beginning. Kalam was a very bright student. He attended St. Joseph’s College and earned degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology.
His dreams of becoming a fighter pilot were shattered when he narrowly missed out on a spot at the Indian Aur Forces Kalam instead joined the Defense Research and Development Organization as a senior scientific assistant in 1958. After moving to the newly formed Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969, he was named project director of the SLV-III, the first satellite launch vehicle designed and produced on Indian soil.
Returning to the DRDO as director in 1982, Kalam implemented the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. He then became the senior scientific adviser to India’s defense minister in 1992, a position he used to campaign for the development of nuclear tests.
Kalam was a key figure in the May 1998, Pokhran-II tests in which five nuclear devices were detonated in the Rajasthan Desert.The tests resulted in condemnation and economic sanctions from other world powers, Kalam was hailed as a national hero for his staunch defense of the country’s security.
On July 27 2015, Kalam suffered a massive heart attack while lecturing at the Indian Institute of Management and subsequently died at the age of 83. He was laid to rest on July 30 with full state honors in his native Tamil Nadu. In honor of the scientist and former president, the southeast Indian state government of Tamil Nadu created a Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, which recognizes exceptional individuals who promote the sciences, students and humanities. The government has also established Kalam’s birthday (October 15) as “Youth Renaissance Day.”