Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam fondly called as APJ Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Kalam was a scientist and was responsible for developing the AGNI and BRAHMOS missiles.
Kalam was born in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. He was made a president for appraising his dedication towards the nation.
He was accepted by all the political parties, and there was no blame or criticism against him during his tenure as the President.
He is known as the missile man of India. He was also instrumental and played a major role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
APJ Abdul Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna too. Kalam is an inspiration for the younger generation. After his tenure ended as the president, he took on himself to meet children all over the country and inspire them by giving speeches and sharing his experience.
Career
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 to a Tamil Muslim family in the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram. His father was an imam of the local mosque and mother a housewife; his father also owned a boat which ferried Hindu pilgrims back and forth between Rameswaram and the now uninhabited Dhanushkodi.
Kalam graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960; He joined as a scientist with Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Kalam was then transferred to ISRO where he was the project director of India’s First Satellite.
Kalam also made an effort to develop the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and SLV-III projects, which were proven to be successful. Kalam had also directed two projects, Project Devil and Project Valiant, which sought to develop ballistic missiles from the technology of the successful SLV programme.
Due to the efforts of Kalam, the government was prompted to initiate an advanced missile programme under his leadership. Due to constant efforts and support from the government Kalam was successful in developing many missiles like Agni, and Prithvi. Kalam played a major role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests which made him the country’s best known nuclear scientist.
Presidency
Kalam was the 11th President of India; he succeeded K. R. Narayanan. The National Democratic Alliance(NDA) nominated Kalam for the presidency which was supported by the opposition parties too. Kalam said of the announcement of his candidature:
“I am overwhelmed. Everywhere both on the Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message. I thought what message I could give to the people of the country at this juncture.”
Kalam was known as the people’s president. Out of 21 mercy pleas Kalam acted on only one for which he was criticized too. Kalam also supported the Uniform Civil Code.
Death
Kalam died on died on 27th July 2015 while he was at Shillong for delivering a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth.” The entire country was a shock, people were crying, and condolences came from all over the world. Leaders around the world shared their condolences on social media. Tamil Nadu government also declared 15th October as Youth Renaissance Day in memory of Kalam. Many institutions, streets and placed where Kalam stayed or worked were renamed after his name. There is even a memorial museum at Rameshwaram.
Conclusion
Irrespective of age, religion, caste and creed Kalam was liked by all. He was liked for the work he did the person he was. It is very difficult for a person to be liked by every political party, but Kalam was the one. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was and forever will be an inspiration for young minds in the nation and all over the world.
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