🟦 Dr. A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam – The People’s
President and Missile Man of India
🔹 Introduction
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, lovingly called the "Missile Man of India," was an
eminent scientist, visionary teacher, and the 11th President of India. His life is a saga of
determination, simplicity, innovation, and patriotism. Born into a humble family in the coastal
town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam rose to become a towering figure in India's
scientific and strategic defense community.
A devout Muslim, a committed patriot, and an eternal student of science, Dr. Kalam was
deeply spiritual, rooted in tradition, yet modern in outlook. His unique combination of
scientific brilliance and moral leadership made him one of the most beloved figures in
contemporary Indian history. He envisioned a developed India and spent his entire life
inspiring the youth to dream big and achieve excellence. His legacy is not only in missiles
and technology but in minds ignited with purpose.
🔹 Life Sketch
● Born: October 15, 1931
● Place of Birth: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
● Father: Jainulabdeen Marakayar (Boat owner and Imam)
● Mother: Ashiamma Jainulabdeen
● Siblings: Five (He was the youngest)
● Education: Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Tiruchirapalli; St. Joseph’s College;
Madras Institute of Technology (MIT)
● Died: July 27, 2015, Shillong, Meghalaya
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in a modest Muslim household in the pilgrim town of
Rameswaram. His father Jainulabdeen was a boat owner and also served as the imam of a
local mosque. His mother Ashiamma was a kind-hearted homemaker. Though not financially
affluent, the family was rich in values, spirituality, and simplicity.
Kalam was a bright student, fascinated by the mysteries of flight and engineering. He worked
as a newspaper boy in his early years to support his family’s income. He graduated in
Physics from St. Joseph’s College and pursued Aerospace Engineering at MIT, where he
laid the foundation of his lifelong passion for aerospace and defense technology.
🔹 Early Life and Education
Kalam’s early life was shaped by discipline, hard work, and inspiration from his father, who
taught him honesty and self-discipline, and from his teachers, who spotted his potential
early. At Schwartz High School in Ramanathapuram, young Kalam was recognized as a
diligent and curious student. He would rise at 4 AM, do his prayers, distribute newspapers,
attend school, and study late into the night.
While studying aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology, Kalam faced
challenges but rose above them through perseverance. His final year project—a hovercraft
design—impressed his professors and launched his scientific career. He was particularly
inspired by legendary scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, whom he would later consider his
mentor.
🔹 Career
➤ Scientific Journey
Dr. Kalam joined the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and
later moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. He was
instrumental in designing the SLV-III (Satellite Launch Vehicle) which successfully
deployed the Rohini satellite in 1980—India's first indigenously developed satellite launch.
He returned to DRDO in the 1980s to lead India’s missile program under the Integrated
Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). As the program director, he was behind
the development of Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, and Nag missiles. His success earned
him the moniker "Missile Man of India."
➤ Role in Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests
In 1998, Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in India’s nuclear weapons tests at Pokhran,
Rajasthan. These successful tests catapulted India into the elite club of nuclear-capable
nations and demonstrated Kalam’s technical acumen and strategic foresight. As Scientific
Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Chief of the DRDO, Kalam coordinated with multiple
agencies to ensure the success of this confidential operation.
➤ Leadership Positions
Kalam held several crucial positions, including:
● Director of DRDL (Defence Research and Development Laboratory)
● Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister
● Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India
● Chief Scientific Coordinator of Pokhran-II
His leadership style was collaborative and motivational. He empowered young scientists and
encouraged a culture of innovation. He believed in developing indigenous technology to
make India self-reliant in defense and space sectors.
🔹 Contributions
➤ As President of India (2002–2007)
In 2002, Dr. Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India with overwhelming support
from all political parties. He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy
Rashtrapati Bhavan. Widely referred to as the "People’s President", he brought a fresh
spirit to the Presidency. He remained accessible to the common man, especially students,
and used the office to ignite young minds across the nation.
He advocated for VISION 2020, a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation by
2020, emphasizing education, infrastructure, healthcare, and technological development. His
presidency was marked by humility—he refused many privileges and often funded his
charitable endeavors with his salary.
Despite being in a ceremonial post, he raised his voice on important moral and national
issues. He exercised his discretion in controversial cases, including returning the Office of
Profit Bill for reconsideration and expressing discomfort with certain mercy petitions of death
row convicts.
➤ Kalam’s Vision: Igniting Young Minds
Dr. Kalam strongly believed that youth is the real wealth of the nation. He traveled
extensively across India, giving lectures in schools, colleges, and rural institutions. His
interaction with millions of students gave rise to one of his most famous books, "Ignited
Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India."
He often said, "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result
in action." He inspired children to aim high, work hard, and serve the nation with integrity.
🔹 Books and Writings
Dr. Kalam was also a prolific writer. His books blend science, spirituality, and patriotism.
Some of his most influential works include:
● Wings of Fire – His autobiography, a powerful account of his journey from
Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan
● Ignited Minds – A call to the youth to shape the future of the nation
● India 2020 – A roadmap for national development
● My Journey – A personal memoir
● Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji – Reflecting his
deep spiritual side
His writing is simple yet profound, often infused with poetic reflections and scientific
foresight. His words continue to resonate with youth, educators, and policymakers alike.
🔹 The Humanitarian and Teacher
Though a scientist by profession, Kalam always considered himself a teacher first. After
his presidency, he returned to what he loved most—teaching students. He held visiting
positions at:
● Indian Institute of Management (IIM) – Shillong, Ahmedabad, Indore
● Anna University, Chennai
● Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
He never missed an opportunity to engage with young people. He would carry books, read
student essays, and answer their questions patiently. His classroom could be a large
auditorium, a street, or even an airplane aisle.
He remained apolitical and unbiased, believing in merit and ethics above all. He practiced
what he preached—discipline, humility, and purpose. Even his personal belongings were
few—a copy of the Quran, Bhagavad Gita, a veena, and simple clothing.
🔹 Legacy
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s legacy is larger than life. He showed the world that one can rise
from the most modest beginnings to the highest offices of the land through integrity,
innovation, and service. He left behind:
● A generation of youth inspired to dream big
● A roadmap for national development
● Indigenous missile and space programs that continue to evolve
● A spiritual and ethical model of leadership
● Literature that guides thinkers, doers, and dreamers
His birth anniversary on October 15 is celebrated as World Students’ Day by the United
Nations—a testament to his global influence as a teacher.
He passed away doing what he loved most—teaching. On July 27, 2015, while delivering a
lecture at IIM Shillong, he collapsed and later passed away due to a cardiac arrest. The
entire nation mourned, and his funeral was attended by thousands, including dignitaries and
common citizens.
🔹 Conclusion
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s life is an embodiment of hope, hard work, humility, and heroism.
He was not just a missile man, president, or scientist—he was a beacon of light for
millions. He broke barriers of religion, politics, and privilege and reminded Indians of their
potential.
He leaves us with a simple yet powerful message:
"If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun."
As India moves forward in the 21st century, Kalam’s vision, values, and voice continue to
guide its path. His story is not just history—it is a blueprint for the future.
