Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the “Missile Man of India,” was an Indian scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and passed away on July 27, 2015, in Shillong, Meghalaya. He was one of India’s most respected and influential leaders, known for his contributions to the field of science and technology, as well as his efforts to promote education and inspire young people to become leaders in their own right.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Kalam was born in a poor family in Rameswaram and had to struggle to get an education. Despite this, he was determined to pursue a career in science, and he went on to graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1958. He later received a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
Career in Science and Technology
Dr. Kalam began his career as a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958, where he worked on the development of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3. He later joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he played a key role in the development of India’s satellite launch vehicle program, and the successful launch of Rohini, India’s first satellite, in 1980.
In the 1980s, Dr. Kalam took on a leadership role at the DRDO, where he oversaw the development of India’s ballistic missile program, including the successful test-firing of the Agni missile in 1989. For his contributions to the field of science and technology, Dr. Kalam was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
Presidency
Dr. Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002, becoming the first scientist to hold the office. He was known for his simplicity and humility, and he used his platform as President to promote education and inspire young people to become leaders in their own right. He launched the “Dr. Kalam Vision 2020” program, which aimed to make India a developed nation by 2020. He also worked to promote better relations between India and its neighbours, and to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
During his presidency, Dr. Kalam launched several initiatives aimed at improving education and empowering young people. He introduced the “Dr. Kalam Vision 2020” program, which aimed to make India a developed nation by 2020. The program focused on providing quality education to all children and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
Contribution to Education and Youth Empowerment
Dr. Kalam was a strong advocate for education and believed that it was the key to the development of a nation. He was deeply committed to empowering young people and encouraging them to reach their full potential. He often said, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
Dr. Kalam also established the “Dr. Kalam Centre for Science and Technology” in his hometown of Rameswaram, which aimed to provide young people with access to quality education and resources in the field of science and technology. He also established the “Kalam-Raju Education Foundation,” which worked to provide education to underprivileged children.
Dr. Kalam was a powerful speaker and he often spoke to young people, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. He was a role model for many young people in India and his contributions to education and youth empowerment will continue to inspire future generations.
Conclusion
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a visionary leader who made significant contributions to the field of science and technology, and used his platform as President to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. He will always be remembered as the “Missile Man of India” who dedicated his life to the service of his country and its people.
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