Investigatory Project
a. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, known as APJ Abdul Kalam ( Missile Man of
India)
b. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931, to a Tamil Muslim family. Kalam
was the youngest of four brothers and one sister in his family. As a young boy he had
to sell newspapers to add to the family's limited income.
In his school years, Kalam had average grades but was described as a bright and
hardworking student who had a strong desire to learn. He spent hours on his studies,
especially Mathematics. After completing his education at Schwartz Higher
Secondary School, Ramanathapuram, Kalam went on to attend the St. Joseph's
College, Tiruchirappalli from where he graduated in Physics in 1954.
Kalam moved to Madras in 1955 to study aerospace engineering in Madras Institute
of Technology. He narrowly missed achieving his dream of becoming a fighter pilot,
as he placed ninth in qualifiers, and only eight positions were available in the IAF.
c. He started his career by designing a small hovercraft, but remained unconvinced by
his choice of a job at DRDO. In 1969, Kalam was transferred to the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) where he was the project director of India's first
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in
near-earth orbit in July 1980; Kalam had first started work on an expandable rocket
project independently at DRDO in 1965. Between the 1970s and 1990s, Kalam made
an effort to develop the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and SLV-III projects,
both of which proved to be successful.
Kalam's work in space technology significantly advanced India's capabilities in
satellite launch systems, paving the way for subsequent missions and projects. Dr.
Kalam was also deeply involved in India's missile development programs. He led the
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which aimed to develop a
range of missiles for various applications, including surface-to-surface and surface-
to-air missiles.Under his leadership, India successfully developed and deployed
missiles like the Agni series (Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III, etc.) and the Prithvi series
(Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II), enhancing India's strategic defense capabilities.
d. The applications and future prospects of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's work are diverse and
far-reaching, encompassing both civilian and defense sectors, as well as broader
societal impacts.
1) Space Exploration and Satellite Technology:
• Kalam's contributions to India's space program laid the foundation for continued
advancements in space exploration, satellite technology, and remote sensing.
• Future prospects include the expansion of India's satellite capabilities for
communication, navigation, earth observation, and scientific research.
2) Missile Defense and Strategic Deterrence:
• The missile technologies developed under Kalam's leadership have bolstered India's
defense capabilities, including its ability to deter potential threats.
• Future prospects include the continued enhancement of India's missile defense
systems.
3) Scientific Research and Innovation:
• Kalam emphasized the importance of investing in scientific research and fostering a
culture of innovation. His work continues to inspire scientific advancements across
various disciplines.
• Future prospects include encouraging interdisciplinary research, promoting
collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and supporting
emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and
biotechnology.
4) Education and Youth Empowerment:
• Kalam's advocacy for education and youth empowerment remains relevant today, as
nations seek to develop a skilled workforce and nurture future leaders.
• Future prospects involve reforming education systems to emphasize critical thinking,
creativity, and entrepreneurship, as well as expanding access to quality education,
particularly in rural and underserved areas.
e. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's work has had a profound impact on society and the world in
several ways:
1) Technological Advancements:
• Kalam's contributions to India's space and missile programs have propelled the
nation's technological capabilities forward, positioning India as a significant player in
space exploration and defense.
2) National Pride and Identity:
• Kalam's achievements, particularly in leading India's successful nuclear tests in 1998,
bolstered national pride and affirmed India's status as a responsible nuclear power.
3) Inspiration:
• Kalam's life story, from humble beginnings to becoming the President of India, serves
as a source of inspiration for countless individuals, especially youth from
marginalized backgrounds.
4) Education and Empowerment:
• Kalam was a passionate advocate for education and believed in its transformative
power to uplift individuals and society.
5) Legacy of Innovation and Progress:
• Kalam's legacy extends beyond his lifetime, as his ideas, principles, and teachings
continue to shape policies, initiatives, and aspirations in India and beyond.
