A.P.J.

Abdul Kalam
president of India

In full: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

Born: October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, India
Died:July 27, 2015, Shillong (aged 83)
Title / Office: president (2002-2007), India
Political Affiliation: National Democratic Alliance

Top Questions
What is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam known for?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as president of the Republic of India from 2002 to 2007. As
president, Kalam promoted the advancement of the national nuclear
weapons program. Kalam also devised a 20-year action plan to achieve economic
growth through technological development in India.

What organizations was A.P.J. Abdul Kalam associated with?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam attended the Madras Institute of Technology, where he received a
degree in aeronautical engineering in 1960. After graduation he joined the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—an Indian military research
institute—and later the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Kalam’s
associations were not limited to research organizations: he was also associated with
political groups, such as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

When and how did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam enter politics?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam created the Technology Vision 2020 project in 1998. The project
sought to develop India’s economy through technology, particularly as applied to
agriculture, and increase the availability of health care and education. In recognition
of Kalam’s services to the country and broad popularity, the National Democratic
Alliance nominated him for president in 2002.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (born October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, India—died July 27,
2015, Shillong) was an Indian scientist and politician who played a leading role in the
development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons programs. He was president of
India from 2002 to 2007. His scientific achievements and popularity gained him
the epithets “Missile Man” and “People’s President.”
Early life and career

Kalam was born in a town in Tamil Nadu state to a fishing boat owner from a once
wealthy family. The youngest of five siblings, Kalam persevered with his education
despite his impoverished circumstances. He earned a degree in aeronautical
engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and in 1958 joined the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In 1969 he moved to the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he was project director of the SLV-III,
the first satellite launch vehicle that was both designed and produced in India. In
1980 SLV-III successfully released a satellite called Rohini into near-Earth orbit,
taking India’s space program to the international stage. Kalam oversaw further
development of launch vehicle technologies at ISRO, including the Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle.
Missile program

Having rejoined DRDO in 1982, Kalam planned the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme, which produced a number of successful missiles. Among
them was Agni, India’s first intermediate-range ballistic missile, which incorporated
aspects of the SLV-III; it was first launched in 1989. Another success was the surface-
to-surface tactical missile Prithvi.
Nuclear tests

From 1992 to 1999 Kalam was scientific adviser to India’s defense minister, and he
later served as principal scientific adviser (1999–2001) to the government, with the
rank of cabinet minister. During this period he played a key role in the government’s
weaponization of missile systems, giving India nuclear capabilities. In 1998 he was
one of the chief coordinators of the Pokhran-II series of nuclear tests, in which five
bombs were detonated at a test range in the town of Pokhran, Rajasthan state. His
prominent role in the country’s nuclear weapons tests solidified India as a nuclear
power and established Kalam as a national hero, although the tests caused great
concern in the international community. In 1998 Kalam put forward a countrywide
plan called Technology Vision 2020, which he described as a road map for
transforming India from a less-developed society to a developed one in 20 years.
Among other measures, the plan called for increasing agricultural productivity,
emphasizing technology as a vehicle for economic growth, and for widening access to
health care and education.
Presidency

A.P.J. Abdul KalamIndia's “People's President,” A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, 2007.

In 2002 India’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) put forward Kalam to
succeed outgoing Pres. Kocheril Raman Narayanan. Kalam’s stature and popular
appeal were such that he was nominated by the Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) NDA
despite his being Muslim, and even the main opposition party, the Indian National
Congress, proposed his candidacy. Kalam easily won the vote of the electoral college,
defeating former revolutionary leader Lakshmi Sahgal. He was sworn in as India’s
11th president, a largely ceremonial post, in July 2002. He left office at the end of his
term in 2007 and was succeeded by Pratibha Patil, the country’s first woman
president.
Legacy

Upon returning to civilian life, Kalam remained committed to using science and
technology to transform India into a developed country, and he served as a lecturer
at a number of universities. He was a visiting professor at several campuses of the
Indian Institute of Management and the founding chancellor of the Indian Institute of
Space Science and Technology (Thiruvananthapuram). He had great success in
connecting with children and made it a personal mission to meet, interact with, and
inspire young minds.

On July 27, 2015, Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of
Management Shillong and was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest soon afterward.
Kalam wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999), and a
book titled Ignited Minds (2002). Among his numerous awards were three of the
country’s highest honors: the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990),
and the Bharat Ratna (1997).

A number of roads, buildings, and institutions are named for Kalam. In 2015 the
name of a missile test site in Odisha state was changed from Wheeler Island to Abdul
Kalam Island. In 2017 a new species of bacterium found in the International Space
Station was named Solibacillus kalamii in his honor.

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Essay on APJ Abdul Kalam

Imagine a world where dreams were not just wishes but stepping stones to greatness,
where aspirations fueled not just personal growth but the progress of an entire nation. In the
heart of such a dream-filled universe lived a man whose life story is nothing short of
extraordinary - Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, affectionately known as the People's
President and the Missile Man of India. Today, we embark on a journey through the pages of
his life, exploring the roots of his greatness, the challenges he faced, and the impact he made
on the world.Early Years and EducationLet's go back to the time when a young boy was born
on October 15, 1931, in the quiet town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Known as Abdul
Kalam or Avul to his friends, he came from a modest family where his father owned a boat,
and his mother was a housewife. From them, he learned the values of hard work, honesty,
and compassion.As a child, Kalam was endlessly curious about the world. He spent hours
exploring fields, watching birds, and pondering the mysteries of the universe. Little did he
realize that these childhood adventures would shape his scientific mind and eventually
contribute to India's journey into space.In his autobiography, "Wings of Fire," Kalam fondly
recalls his early years spent unraveling the mysteries of nature. It was during this time that
his fascination with flight and the dream of soaring above the skies took root.From the
Fishing Boat to the RocketDespite facing financial challenges, Kalam's passion for education
led him to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of
Technology. His journey into the realm of science and technology had begun.Graduating in
1958, Kalam joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), marking
the initiation of a career dedicated to the advancement of India's defense capabilities. His
work on the development of indigenous guided missiles showcased not only his technical
brilliance but also his commitment to national security.Picture this: A young Kalam, with
dreams as vast as the open skies, studying the principles of flight and aerodynamics. Little
did he know that he was laying the groundwork for a future where India would soar to new
heights, quite literally.The Visionary Scientist:Dr. Kalam's brilliance and dedication soon
caught the attention of the scientific community, he found himself at the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO), where his brilliance and dedication shone. His journey into
the world of space exploration was marked by the successful launch of India's first satellite,
Aryabhata, in 1975.In the 1980s, he played a pivotal role in India's space program,
particularly the launch of the satellite launch vehicle (SLV) and the development of the Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).His leadership at the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) contributed significantly to India's emergence as a formidable player in the global
space arena. The successful launch of the satellite "Rohini" in 1980 marked a historic
achievement, making India the eighth nation in the world to have its satellite in orbit.Lessons
from FailureThe Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) failed to deliver its payload into orbit. The
disappointment echoed through the corridors of ISRO, but Kalam, instead of succumbing to
despair, drew inspiration from the failure. He embraced it as an opportunity to learn, grow,
and improve."Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong
enough," Kalam would later say. This philosophy became a guiding principle not just for his
scientific endeavors but for countless individuals seeking motivation in the face of
adversity.The Missile Man's Masterstroke:While Kalam's contributions to space technology
were substantial, it was his role as the chief architect of India's missile development program
that earned him the title "Missile Man." The Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP) aimed at creating a self-reliant India in missile technology.Under his
guidance, India successfully developed the Prithvi, Agni, Akash, and Trishul missiles,
showcasing the country's technological prowess. The successful test-firing of the Agni
missile in 1989 marked a watershed moment, solidifying India's position as a capable player
in missile technology.Presidency: A New Chapter Begins:In 2002, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
took on a new role—one that would bring him closer to the hearts of millions. He was
elected as the 11th President of India, and he approached this responsibility with the same
humility and dedication that had defined his entire career.His presidency was characterized
by an unprecedented level of interaction with the youth. Kalam was a president who
connected with students, inspiring them to dream big and work towards building a better
India. He transformed the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President, into a
space that welcomed students and teachers from across the country.The People's
President:What set Kalam apart as a president was his ability to transcend the ceremonial
aspects of the role and genuinely connect with the people. He was often seen engaging with
students, addressing their concerns, and sharing his vision for a prosperous and developed
India.His simplicity and approachability made him a president of the people, breaking down
the barriers that often exist between leaders and the citizens they serve. Whether he was
interacting with school children or scientists, Kalam's infectious enthusiasm and optimism
left an indelible mark on everyone he met.Wings of Fire: A Literary SojournIn 1999, Dr.
Kalam authored his autobiography, "Wings of Fire," which provided readers with an intimate
look into his life and the various challenges he had overcome. Written in a simple yet
captivating style, the book resonated with people from all walks of life.In "Wings of Fire,"
Kalam not only shared the story of his personal journey but also imparted valuable life
lessons. The book became a bestseller and inspired countless individuals, especially the
youth, to dream big and strive for excellence.Legacy and Honors:Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam left
an indelible mark on India and the world. His legacy is not just in the scientific and
technological advancements he contributed to but also in the hearts and minds of the people
he touched.Throughout his illustrious career, Kalam received numerous awards and honors,
including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. However, for Kalam, the true
measure of success was in the positive impact one could have on others and on
society.ConclusionDr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life is a beacon of hope, resilience, and
dedication. From the small town of Rameswaram to the highest office in the land, he
remained a humble and compassionate individual, always driven by a desire to serve his
fellow citizens.As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the "People's President" and the
"Missile Man of India," it is impossible not to be inspired. Dr. Kalam's life teaches us that no
dream is too big, no hurdle too high, and that the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of
society are endeavors worth dedicating a lifetime to.In the words of Dr. Kalam himself,
"Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action." May
the spirit of APJ Abdul Kalam continue to ignite the flames of aspiration in the hearts of
generations to come, guiding them to reach for the stars and contribute to the progress and
prosperity of humanity.

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Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (/ˈʌbdʊl kəˈlɑːm/ ⓘ UB-duul kə-LAHM; 15 October 1931 –
27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the president of
India from 2002 to 2007.
Born and raised in a Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam
studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and
science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian
space programme and military missile development efforts. He was known as the "Missile Man of
India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also
played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998,
India's second such test after the first test in 1974.

Kalam was elected as the president of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya
Janata Party and the then-opposition Indian National Congress. He was widely referred to as the
"People's President". He engaged in teaching, writing and public service after his presidency. He
was a recipient of several awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

While delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac
arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83. Thousands attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown
of Rameswaram, where he was buried with full state honours. A memorial was inaugurated near
his home town in 2017.
Early life and education
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 to a Tamil Muslim family in
the pilgrimage center of Rameswaram on Pamban Island, Madras Presidency (now in the Indian
state of Tamil Nadu).[2][3] His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a boat owner and imam of a
local mosque,[4] and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife.[5][6] His father owned a boat that
ferried Hindu pilgrims between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.[7][8], Tamil Nadu

Books and publications

 Wings of Fire
 India 2020
 Ignited Minds
 Target 3 Billion
 Transcendence
 Indomitable Spirit

Associated projects
 Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
 Pokhran-II
 Project Devil
 Project Valiant
 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
 Satellite Launch Vehicle
Smiling Buddha
Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and a sister in the family.[9][10][11] His ancestors had been
wealthy Marakayar traders and landowners, with numerous properties and large tracts of land.
Marakayar are a Muslim ethnic group found in coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka who claim
descent from Arab traders and local women. The family business had involved trading goods and
transporting passengers between the Indian mainland and the Pamban Island and to and from Sri
Lanka. With the opening of the Pamban Bridge connecting Pamban Island to mainland India in
1914, the businesses failed. As a result, apart from the ancestral home, the other family fortune
and properties were lost by the 1920s, and the family was poverty-stricken by the time Kalam was
born. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers to support the family's meager income.[12][13][14]

In his school years, Kalam got average grades but was described by his teachers as a bright and
hardworking student with a strong desire to learn. He spent hours learning Mathematics.[14] He did
his schooling at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram.[15] He then graduated
in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954.[16]

Kalam moved to Madras in 1955 to study aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of
Technology.[3] While he was working on a class project, the Dean of the institution was dissatisfied
with his lack of progress and threatened to revoke his scholarship unless the project was finished
within the next three days. Kalam met the deadline, impressing the Dean, who later said to him, "I
was putting you under stress and asking you to meet a difficult deadline."[17] Later, he narrowly
missed out on his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, as he placed ninth in qualifiers, and only eight
positions were available in the Indian Air Force.[18]
Career as a scientist
This was my first stage, in which I learnt leadership from three great teachers—Dr Vikram
Sarabhai, Prof Satish Dhawan and Dr Brahm Prakash. This was the time of learning and acquisition
of knowledge for me.
Abdul Kalam[19]

After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam became a member of
the Defence Research & Development Service and joined the Aeronautical Development
Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.
During his early career, he was involved in the design of small hovercraft, and remained
unconvinced by his choice of a job at DRDO.[20] Later, he joined the Indian National Committee for
Space Research, working under renowned space scientist Vikram Sarabhai.[3] He was interviewed
and recruited into Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by H. G. S. Murthy, the first director
of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.[21]

In 1969, Kalam transferred to ISRO where he became the project director of India's first satellite
launch vehicle (SLV) which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in near-earth orbit in July
1980. He had earlier started work on an expandable rocket project independently at DRDO in
1965.[22] In 1969, Kalam received the approval from the Government of India to expand the
programme to include more engineers.[19] In 1963–64, he visited NASA's Langley Research
Center in Hampton, Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, and Wallops Flight Facility.[2]
[23]
Since the late 1970s, Kalam was part of the effort to develop the SLV-3 and Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV), both of which were successful.[24][25]

In May 1974, Kalam was invited by Raja Ramanna to witness the country's first nuclear
test Smiling Buddha as the representative of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, even though
he was officially not part of the project.[26] In the 1970s, Kalam directed two projects, Project
Devil and Project Valiant, which sought to develop ballistic missiles using the technology from the
successful SLV programme. Despite the disapproval of the union cabinet, then Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi allotted funds for these aerospace projects under Kalam's directorship
through her discretionary powers. Kalam also played a major role in convincing the cabinet to
conceal the true nature of these classified projects. His research and leadership brought him
recognition in the 1980s, which prompted the government to initiate an advanced missile
programme under his directorship.[27]

Kalam worked with metallurgist V. S. R. Arunachalam, who was then scientific adviser to the
Defence Minister, on the suggestion by the then Defence Minister R. Venkataraman on the
simultaneous development of a quiver of missiles instead of taking planned missiles one after
another.[28] Venkatraman was instrumental in getting the cabinet approval for allocating ₹3.88
billion (equivalent to ₹66 billion or US$780 million in 2023) for the project titled Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and appointed Kalam as its chief executive.[28] Kalam
played a major role in the development of missiles including Agni, an intermediate range ballistic
missile and Prithvi, the tactical surface-to-surface missile, despite inflated costs and time overruns.
[28][29]
He was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic
missile and launch vehicle technology.[30][31][32]

Kalam served as the chief scientific adviser to the prime minister and secretary of the DRDO from
July 1992 to December 1999. He played a key organisational, political and technical role in
the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in May 1998.[33] Along with Rajagopala Chidambaram, he
served as the chief project coordinator for the tests.[2][34] Media coverage of Kalam during this period
made him the country's best known nuclear scientist.[35] However, the director of the site test, K.
Santhanam, said that the thermonuclear bomb had been a "fizzle" and criticised Kalam for issuing
an incorrect report.[36] The claim was refuted and rejected by Kalam and Chidambaram.[37]

In 1998, Kalam worked with cardiologist Bhupathiraju Somaraju and developed a low
cost coronary stent, named the "Kalam-Raju stent".[38][39] In 2012, the duo designed a tablet
computer named the "Kalam-Raju tablet" for usage by healthcare workers in rural areas.[40]

Presidency
Kalam greeting then prime minister Vajpayee on 25 December 2003
On 10 June 2002, the National Democratic Alliance which was in power at the time, expressed its
intention to nominate Kalam for the post of the President of India.[41][42] His candidature was backed
by the opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party.[43]
[44]
After the support for Kalam, incumbent president K. R. Narayanan chose not to seek a re-
election.[45] Kalam said of the announcement of his candidature:

I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a
message. I was thinking what message I can give to the people of the country at this juncture. [46]
On 18 June, Kalam filed his nomination papers in the Indian Parliament, accompanied by then
prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior cabinet members.[47] He faced off against Lakshmi
Sahgal, and the polling for the presidential election was held on 15 July 2002, in the Indian
parliament and the state assemblies, with the media predicting a win for Kalam. [48] The counting
was held on 18 July, and Kalam won the elections after securing 922,884 electoral votes as
against the 107,366 votes won by Sahgal.[49] He was sworn in as the 11th president of India on 25
July 2002.[50][51] He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy the top chair at Rashtrapati
Bhawan.[52]

Kalam with prime minister designate Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 19 May 2004
During his term as president, he was affectionately known as the "People's President". [53][54][55][56] He
later stated that signing the Office of profit bill was the toughest decision he had taken during his
tenure.[57][58][59] In September 2003, during an interactive session at PGIMR in Chandigarh, Kalam
asserted the need of Uniform Civil Code in India, keeping in view the population of the country.[60]
[61]
He also took a decision to impose President's rule in Bihar in 2005.[62] However, during his tenure
as president, he made no decision on 20 out of the 21 mercy petitions submitted to him to
commute death penalties, including that of terrorist Afzal Guru, who was convicted of conspiracy in
the December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament and was sentenced to death by the Supreme
Court of India in 2004.[63] He acted only on a single plea, rejecting that of Dhananjoy Chatterjee,
who was later hanged.[64]

Towards the end of his term, on 20 June 2007, Kalam expressed his willingness to consider a
second term in office provided there was certainty about his victory in the upcoming presidential
election.[65] His name was proposed by the United National Progressive Alliance, but he did receive
the support of the ruling United Progressive Alliance.[66][67] However, two days later, he decided not
to contest the election again stating that he wanted to avoid involving the Rashtrapati Bhavan in
the political processes.[68]

Kalam addressing the nation on the eve of the 58th Republic day in 2007
In April 2012, towards the expiry of the term of the 12th president Pratibha Patil, media reports
claimed that Kalam was likely to be nominated for his second term.[69][70][71] After the reports, social
networking sites witnessed a surge in posts supporting his candidature.[72][73] While the ruling Indian
National Congress opposed the nomination of Kalam,[74] other parties such as the Bharatiya Janata
Party and the Trinamool Congress were reported by the media to be keen on his candidature.[75][76][77]
[78]
On 18 June 2012, Kalam declined to contest stating that:

Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for
me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their
wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me. [79]

Post-presidency
Kalam addressing students at IIT Guwahati in 2012
After leaving office, Kalam returned to teaching, and became a visiting professor at various
institutions. He became a visiting professor at IIM Shillong,[80] an honorary professor at his alma
mater Anna University in Chennai,[81] and an honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of
Science at Bengaluru.[82][83] In September 2007, he became the first chancellor of the newly
established Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram.[84] He also
conducted lectures for management students in India,[85] and visited China twice at the invitation of
the Chinese government to conduct sessions at the Peking University.[86]

In 2011, Kalam voiced his support towards the establishment of the nuclear power
plant at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu, giving assurances for the safety of the facility.[87] However,
some of the locals were unconvinced by his statements on the safety of the plant, and were hostile
to his visit.[88] In May 2012, Kalam launched a programme called What Can I Give Movement aimed
at the youth of India with a central theme of defeating corruption.[89][90]

Death
Main article: Death and state funeral of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
On 27 July 2015, Kalam travelled to Shillong to deliver a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet
Earth" at IIM Shillong. While climbing a flight of stairs, he experienced some discomfort, but was
able to enter the auditorium after a brief rest.[91][92] At around 6:35 p.m. IST, after five minutes into
his lecture, he collapsed.[93] He was rushed to the nearby Bethany Hospital in a critical condition,
and upon arrival, he lacked a pulse or any other signs of life. Despite being placed in the intensive
care unit, he was confirmed dead of a sudden cardiac arrest at 7:45 p.m.[94][95] His purported last
words to his aide Srijan Pal Singh were: "Funny guy! Are you doing well?"[96]

Aftermath
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial at Rameswaram
Following his death, the people of India paid tributes on social media.[97] The Government of India
declared a seven-day state mourning period as a mark of respect.[98] Various leaders from India
and abroad condoled the death of Kalam.[99][100][101] Kalam's body was flown to New Delhi on the
morning of 28 July, where dignitaries including then president, vice president, and prime minister
paid their last respects.[102] His body was placed in his Delhi residence for public viewing.[103] On 29
July, his body was flown to the town of Mandapam via Madurai, and was carried towards his home
town of Rameswaram by road. His body was displayed in an open area to allow the public to pay
their final respects until 8 p.m. that evening.[104][105][106] On 30 July 2015, following an Islamic burial
prayer performed by the local imam,[107] he was laid to rest at Rameswaram's Pei Karumbu ground
with full state honours with over 350,000 people in attendance.[108][109]

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial was built in memory of Kalam by the DRDO in Pei Karumbu in
Rameswaram.[110] It was inaugurated by then prime minister Narendra Modi in July 2017.[111][112] The
memorial displays replicas of rockets and missiles which Kalam had worked with, and various
acrylic paintings about his life. There is a large statue of Kalam in the entrance showing him
playing the veena, and two other smaller statues in sitting and standing posture respectively.[113]

Personal life and interests

Kalam's veena on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum in Delhi
Kalam was the youngest of five siblings, the eldest of whom was a sister, Asim Zohra (d. 1997),
followed by three elder brothers: Mohammed Lebbai (5 November 1916–7 March 2021),[114]
[115]
Mustafa Kalam (d. 1999) and Kasim Mohammed (d. 1995).[116] He was close to his elder siblings
and their extended families throughout his life, and would regularly send small sums of money to
his older siblings, though he himself remaining a lifelong bachelor.[116][117]

Kalam was noted for his integrity and his simple lifestyle.[117][118] He was a teetotaler,[119] and
a vegetarian.[120] Kalam enjoyed writing Tamil poetry, playing the veena (an Indian string
instrument),[121] and listening to Carnatic devotional music every day.[122] He never owned
a television, and was in the habit of rising at 6:30 or 7 a.m. and sleeping by 2 a.m.[123] His personal
possessions included a few books, a veena, clothing, a compact disc player and a laptop. He left
no will, and his possessions went to his eldest brother after his death.[124][125]

Kalam set a target of interacting with 100,000 students during the two years after his resignation
from the post of scientific adviser in 1999. He explained, "I feel comfortable in the company of
young people, particularly high school students. Henceforth, I intend to share with them
experiences, helping them to ignite their imagination and preparing them to work for a developed
India for which the road map is already available." His dream is to let every student to light up the
sky with victory using their latent fire in the heart.[14] He had an active interest in other
developments in the field of science and technology such as developing biomedical implants. He
also supported open source technology over proprietary software, predicting that the use of free
software on a large scale would bring the benefits of information technology to more people. [126]

Religious and spiritual views

Religion and spirituality were very important to Kalam throughout his life.[127] He was a
practising Sunni Muslim, and daily namaz and fasting during Ramadan were integral to his life.[122]
[128]
His father was an imam of a mosque, and had strictly instilled these Islamic customs in his
children.[4] His father had also impressed upon the young Kalam the value of interfaith respect and
dialogue. As Kalam recalled: "Every evening, my father A. P. Jainulabdeen, an imam, Pakshi
Lakshmana Sastry, the head priest of the Ramanathaswamy Hindu temple, and a church priest
used to sit with hot tea and discuss the issues concerning the island."[129][130] Such early exposure
convinced Kalam that the answers to India's multitudinous issues lay in "dialogue and cooperation"
among the country's religious, social, and political leaders.[128] Moreover, since Kalam believed that
"respect for other faiths" was one of the key cornerstones of Islam, and he remarked: "For great
men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool." [131]

One component of Kalam's widespread popularity among diverse groups in India, and an enduring
aspect of his legacy, is the syncretism he embodied in appreciating various elements of the many
spiritual and cultural traditions of India.[122][128][132] In addition to his faith in the Quran and Islamic
practice, Kalam was well-versed in Hindu traditions, learnt Sanskrit.[133][134] and read the Bhagavad
Gita.[135][136] In 2002, in one of his early speeches to Parliament after becoming the president, he
reiterated his desire for a more united India, stating that "During the last one year I met a number
of spiritual leaders of all religions ... and I would like to endeavour to work for bringing about unity
of minds among the divergent traditions of our country".[132] Describing Kalam as a unifier of diverse
traditions, Shashi Tharoor remarked, "Kalam was a complete Indian, an embodiment of the
eclecticism of India's heritage of diversity".[122] Former deputy prime minister L. K. Advani concurred
that Kalam was "the best exemplar of the Idea of India, one who embodied the best of all the
cultural and spiritual traditions that signify India's unity in immense diversity. [137]

Kalam's desire to meet spiritual leaders led him to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Hindu guru
of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), who Kalam would
come to consider his ultimate spiritual teacher and guru.[128] Kalam and Pramukh Swami met eight
times over a fourteen-year period and on his first meeting on 30 June 2001, Kalam described
being immediately drawn to Pramukh Swami's simplicity and spiritual purity.[129][138] Kalam stated that
he was inspired by Pramukh Swami throughout their numerous interactions, and recalled being
moved by Swami's equanimity and compassion, citing this incident as one of his motivations for
writing his experiences as a book later.[129] Summarising the effect that Pramukh Swami had on
him, Kalam stated that "[Pramukh Swami] has indeed transformed me. He is the ultimate stage of
the spiritual ascent in my life ... Pramukh Swamiji has put me in a God-synchronous orbit. No
manoeuvres are required any more, as I am placed in my final position in eternity." [128][139]