A. P. J.

Abdul Kalam

-By Rithvik Akshath P

Introduction:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the “Missile Man of India”, was one of the
most loved and respected figures in modern Indian history. He was a scientist,
teacher, author, and the 11th President of India, but beyond all that, he was a
man who lived a simple life full of big dreams. He inspired millions of Indians,
especially the youth, to believe in themselves and never stop learning. He
believed in the power of education and hard work.

Born in a small town, Dr. Kalam rose to the highest levels in both science and
public service. He played a key role in developing India’s space and missile
programs and became a national hero for his work in defence and nuclear energy.
Later, when he became President in 2002, people across all ages and regions
admired his honesty, intelligence, and humility.

Dr. Kalam lived a life of purpose. Even though he held high positions, he never
chased fame or wealth. He spent most of his time teaching students, writing
books, and encouraging young minds to dream big. His speeches, books, and life
story continue to inspire people even after his death. He truly earned the title
“People’s President.”

1
Early Life and Education
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15th October 1931 in a small town
called Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His full name was Avul Pakir
Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. His father was a boat owner and imam of a
local mosque, while his mother was a caring and loving homemaker.
Though his family was not wealthy, they were rich in values like honesty,
discipline, and kindness. Kalam grew up in a simple home and learned
the importance of hard work at an early age.

As a child, Kalam was very curious and interested in learning. He used to

wake up early, deliver newspapers before school to support his family,
and then attend his classes. He loved mathematics and science and was
known to be a quiet, thoughtful student. He completed his schooling in
Rameswaram and then went to Saint Joseph’s College in
Tiruchirapalli, where he earned a degree in physics. Later, he joined the
Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) to study aerospace engineering.

It was at MIT that his dream of becoming a scientist truly took shape. He
worked hard and impressed his teachers with his dedication. He believed
that education was the most powerful weapon to change the world. His
journey from a poor boy in a coastal town to one of India’s greatest
scientists proves that dreams can come true with hard work, vision,
and belief.

2
Career as a Scientist
After finishing his studies in aerospace engineering, Dr. Kalam joined the
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His first major project was the SLV-III,
India’s first satellite launch vehicle, which successfully sent the satellite Rohini
into space in 1980. This success made India proud and placed the country among
nations capable of space research.

Kalam played a major role in developing India’s missile technology, which

earned him the nickname “Missile Man.” He led projects like Agni and Prithvi,
which were long-range and short-range missiles, respectively. His work helped
India become more secure and self-reliant in defence. He was not only a scientist
but also a leader who encouraged young engineers and scientists to innovate and
work with passion.

He also led India’s nuclear tests in 1998 at Pokhran, which made India a nuclear
power. Despite the controversy, the nation saw this as a major achievement, and
Dr. Kalam was praised for his role. But what made him truly special was his
humility. Even after great success, he remained grounded, always saying that
teamwork and young minds were behind every mission. He believed that science
should always serve society.

3
President of India (2002–2007)
In 2002, Dr. Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. He was the
first scientist and the first bachelor to hold this high position. His presidency was
unique. He stayed away from political drama and focused on using his role to
connect with students, scientists, and the common people. This is why people
across the country started calling him the “People’s President.”

During his time in Rashtrapati Bhavan, he opened the gates of the grand
presidential house to school children and students from rural areas. He travelled
widely across India, delivering lectures, encouraging innovation, and listening to
the dreams and concerns of the youth. His speeches were always filled with
wisdom, vision, and positivity. He believed that India could become a developed
country only if its young generation was skilled, inspired, and hardworking.

Even in tough moments, he showed strength and grace. He took independent

decisions and followed the Constitution seriously. His term as President may not
have involved big political changes, but his connection with the people was
unmatched. After completing his term in 2007, he chose not to seek a second
term and returned to what he loved most—teaching and writing.

4
Post-Presidency and Love for Students
After leaving Rashtrapati Bhavan, Dr. Kalam became even more active in
education and youth empowerment. He believed that India’s future lay in the
hands of its students, and he spent the rest of his life working to motivate them.
He visited schools, colleges, and universities across the country, delivering
lectures that encouraged young minds to dream big and work hard.

He launched programs like “What Can I Give?” which encouraged students to

contribute positively to society. He also served as a professor at IISc Bangalore,
Anna University, and several other institutions. He never missed a chance to sit
with students, answer their questions, and remind them that they could achieve
anything with discipline and dedication.

Dr. Kalam also wrote many inspiring books such as Wings of Fire (his
autobiography), Ignited Minds, India 2020, and My Journey. These books
became very popular among young readers because they were full of real stories,
simple language, and deep messages. He always said, “A dream is not something
you see while sleeping. It is something that doesn’t let you sleep.” His words
continue to guide and inspire young Indians even today.

5
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Kalam received many awards for his outstanding service in science,
technology, and public life. Some of the most prestigious honors include the
Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and the Bharat Ratna
(1997)—India’s highest civilian award. These awards were given not just for his
scientific work but also for his service to the nation and his inspirational role in
society.

He was awarded honorary doctorates from over 40 universities across the globe.
He was invited by international bodies like the United Nations and NASA to
speak on topics such as space research and global peace. His speeches always
emphasized the power of youth, knowledge, and cooperation among nations.

But the recognition he valued most was the love of the people—especially
children and students. To them, he was not just a former President or a top
scientist, but a guide and a friend. He believed that a truly successful life is one
that makes a difference in the lives of others. Dr. Kalam’s journey is a story of
brilliance, simplicity, and selfless service, and that’s why his name shines so
brightly in Indian history.

6
Death and Legacy
Dr. Kalam passed away on 27th July 2015, while delivering a lecture at the
Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. He collapsed while speaking to
students and died doing what he loved most—sharing knowledge. His sudden
death shocked the nation. Millions of people, from leaders to students, mourned
the loss of a man who had become a symbol of hope, wisdom, and humility.

His funeral was attended by thousands, and the Government of India declared a
seven-day mourning period. His body was laid to rest in Rameswaram, his
hometown, with full state honors. Even after his passing, his thoughts, books, and
teachings remain alive. Schools and colleges now celebrate Abdul Kalam's
birthday (15th October) as World Students’ Day in honor of his love for youth
and education.

His legacy is not only about rockets and missiles. It is about the message that
anyone, no matter how poor or unknown, can rise and do something
extraordinary. His life inspires millions to believe in themselves, serve others,
and work with passion. He once said, “If you want to shine like the sun, first burn
like the sun.” And he lived exactly like that.

7
Final Thoughts
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s life is a perfect example of simple living and high
thinking. He was a visionary, yet he remained grounded. He worked hard to bring
scientific progress to India, but he always believed that technology must serve
humanity. His actions matched his words, and that’s why people trusted and
admired him so deeply.

He proved that no dream is too big and no person is too small to change the
world. His journey—from a newspaper boy in Rameswaram to the President of
India—reminds us that with courage, education, and belief in ourselves, anything
is possible. His books, speeches, and teachings continue to light the way for
those who want to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Today, Dr. Abdul Kalam is not just a name; he is a role model, an icon, and a
legend. His thoughts will continue to inspire the youth for generations to come.
He once said, “Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better
tomorrow.” And that’s exactly what he did. He gave his life to knowledge, to
science, and to the future of India. And that’s why his legacy will live on forever.