APJ Abdul Kalam Biography, World Students’ Day, Awards, Achievements

APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary

World Students’ Day, celebrated on October 15, is dedicated to honouring the contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to the field of education. This date is significant because it coincides with his birth anniversary. Dr. Kalam, India’s 11th president and renowned as the “Missile Man of India,” was not only a prominent scientist but also a dedicated administrator who dedicated over four decades to the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Origin of World Students’ Day

In 2010, October 15 was officially designated as World Students’ Day to commemorate Dr. Kalam’s numerous contributions, especially in academia and research. While some reports suggest that this declaration was made by the United Nations, it’s important to note that this celebration primarily takes place in India.

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APJ Abdul Kalam Biography

APJ Abdul Kalam, full name is Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was an accomplished scientist who later became India’s 11th president from 2002 to 2007. Over the course of more than 40 years, Kalam worked mostly for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist and administrator. He had a direct connection to India’s efforts to develop military missiles and a civilian space programme. He was given the moniker “The Missile Man of India” for his efforts on ballistic missile development and launch vehicle technology. He had a significant part in Pokhran-II Nuclear Test in 1998.

He was chosen as the nation’s 11th president in 2002 and quickly earned the moniker “People’s President.” Following his stint as president, he focused on doing what he enjoyed most: teaching, writing, and reading. He received India’s highest civilian honour, the “Bharat Ratan Award,” for his scientific accomplishments and contributions.

On July 27, 2015, while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, he departed for the celestial home. He was buried with full state honours, and hundreds of people, including national officials, attended his funeral.

APJ Abdul Kalam and Early Life

On October 15, 1931, in the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, APJ Abdul Kalam was born into a low-income Tamil Muslim family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and the local mosque’s imam, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a stay-at-home mom. With four older brothers and a sister, he was the youngest member of the family.

Despite the family’s limited financial resources, all of the kids were reared in a loving, compassionate environment. Kalam had to sell newspapers during his formative years in order to supplement the family’s income.

He was an average student at school, but he worked extremely hard and had a strong desire to study. He adored mathematics and devoted countless hours to its study. He continued his study after graduating from “Schwartz Higher Secondary School,” and in 1954 he received his degree from “Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli.” He aspired to be a fighter pilot, but there were only eight spots available in the IAF, and he was only able to secure the ninth spot.

A P J Abdul Kalam’s Educational Background

Kalam put in a lot of effort and had a strong desire to study, despite receiving ordinary grades in school. He put a lot of effort into his studies and had become particularly interested in mathematics. Following completion of his primary schooling, Kalam enrolled at Saint Joseph’s College in Tiruchirapalli before leaving for Schwartz Higher Secondary School. 1954 saw his physics graduation from Saint Joseph’s College. To pursue his studies at the Madras Institute of Technology in aerospace engineering, he relocated to Madras in 1955.

APJ Abdul Kalam: Missile Man of India

After earning a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology, Kalam began working for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. As the SLV-III, the nation’s first satellite launch vehicle, project director, he joined the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1969. He managed a programme that produced several successful missiles when he returned to the DRDO in 1982, giving him the nickname “Missile Man of India.”

A P J Abdul Kalam’s as Scientist

He received his degree from the “Madras Institute of Technology” in 1960 and, after joining the “Defence Research and Development Service,” began working as a scientist at the “Aeronautical Development Establishment.” While he was a member of the “INCOSPAR” committee, Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned space scientist, was also a mentor to Kalam. In 1969, Kalam was moved to the ‘Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’. He was appointed to lead the SLV-III project, the nation’s premier satellite launch vehicle. Under Kalam’s direction, SLV-III successfully launched the ‘Rohini’ satellite into a low-Earth orbit in July 1980.

In 1970, Kalam took part in several projects, including “Project Devil.” Although the project did not work out, it did lay the groundwork for the 1980 creation of the “Prithvi Missile.” He was connected to “Project Valiant” as well. Kalam rejoined DRDO as its director in 1983 after being asked to oversee the “Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme” (IGMDP).

He was important for India’s ‘Porkhran-II’ nuclear tests in May 1998. Kalam became a national hero as a result of the success of these nuclear tests, and his popularity soared. He provided various ideas as a technical visionary in the areas of technology advancements, agriculture, and nuclear energy to make India a developed country by 2020.

A P J Abdul Kalam’s as President

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the party in power, nominated Kalam as its presidential nominee in 2002, and he went on to win the election. He was inaugurated as India’s 11th President on July 25, 2002, and held office through July 25, 2007. He also became the third Indian President to be awarded the “Bharat Ratna” prior to taking office.

He earned a moniker called “The People’s President” because of his approach to work and interactions with regular people, particularly young people. The most difficult choice Dr. Kalam made during his administration was to sign the “Office of Profit Bill,” according to him.’

He received criticism for his inaction in deciding the outcome of mercy petitions that were filed to him when he was President. He only responded to one of the 21 requests for mercy. He advocated for president’s rule in Bihar in 2005, which was also a contentious choice.

APJ Abdul Kalam Awards and Achievement

Kalam won a number of awards during his lifetime. He received the “Padma Bhusan,” the third-highest civilian distinction bestowed by the Republic of India, in 1981. The second-highest civilian accolade bestowed upon the Republic of India was the Padma Vibhushan, which was given to him in 1990. The coveted “Bharat Ratan,” “Padma Vibhushan,” and “Padma Bhushan” awards from the Indian government were given to Kalam. In 1997, the Indian government presented him with the “Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration.”

He was the recipient of Veer Savarkar Award. In 2000, he was bestowed with ‘Ramanujan Award’ by the ‘Alwars Research Centre.’ In 2007, he received the ‘Kings Charles II Medal’ from the Royal Society. The ASME Foundation, USA, honoured Kalam with the Hoover Medal. He also received honorary doctorate from 40 universities. The United Nations recognized Kalam’s 79^th birthday as World Students’ Day. In 2003 and 2006, he was nominated for the ‘MTV Youth Icon of the Year.’

Awards of APJ Abdul Kalam

APJ Abdul Kalam Book

Several educational and motivational books, such as “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium,” were written by Dr. Kalam and others. The works “Wings of Fire,” “The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours,” and others The book “Mission of India: A Vision of Indian Youth” “You Are Born To Blossom,” “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India,” and other works ‘Guiding Souls’, ‘Inspiring Thoughts,’ ‘Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges,’ ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences,’ ‘Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow’s India,’ and several more.

APJ Abdul Kalam and Youth

When Kalam’s death pleaded with him to continue doing what he had devoted his life to doing—sharing knowledge—destiny was seen as being gracious. As he breathed his last, Kalam did what he loved most and was surrounded by the people he cared about most—youth. His life ended up serving as a role model for the nation’s youth. Due to his modesty, his straightforward and laid-back demeanour, and his capacity to engage young minds, he became a role model and an inspiration for the younger generation.

APJ Abdul Kalam Death Anniversary

APJ Abdul Kalam’s Death Anniversary is celebrated on the 27^th of July every year around the World who is also known as the Missile Man of India. 27^th July 2023 is celebrated as the 8^th death anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam.

APJ Abdul Kalam Death

On July 27, 2015, Kalam travelled to IIM Shillong to present a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth.” He complained a little as he ascended a set of steps but continued to the auditorium. Around 6:35 IST, five minutes into the talk, he passed out in the classroom. He was sent to “Bethany Hospital” in a serious state. Despite not showing any signs of life, he was maintained in the intensive care unit. He was pronounced deceased as a result of cardiac arrest around 7:45 IST.

On July 28, Kalam’s body was transported by helicopter from Hyderabad to New Delhi. He was honoured by a large group of dignitaries and the general public at his home at 10 Rajaji Marg. The national flag-wrapped body of Kalam was subsequently flown to Mandapam, from which point an army truck transported it to Rameswaram, where he was born. In Rameswaram, his body placed on display in front of a bus stop so that mourners may pay their respects to the departed soul. The former president was buried with full state honours on July 30, 2015, at Rameswaram’s Pei Karumbu Ground. Over 350,000 people attended Kalam’s funeral ceremonies.

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