A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: Life and Legacy

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on 15 October 1931 and died on 27 July 2015. Key aspects of his life and career include: Early Life and Education: Kalam was born into a Tamil Muslim family. His father was a boat owner and imam, and his mother was a housewife. He completed his school education in Ramanathapuram, graduated in Physics from St. Joseph's College in Tiruchirappalli and studied aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Scientific Career: After graduating, Kalam joined the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). He later moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was the project director of India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV) and was involved in the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology, earning him the nickname "Missile Man of India". He also played a key role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Presidency: Kalam was elected as the President of India in 2002, supported by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Indian National Congress. He was known as the "People's President" due to his popularity. Post-Presidency: After his presidency, Kalam engaged in teaching, writing, and public service, becoming a visiting professor at various institutions. He launched a movement called What Can I Give Movement aimed at the youth of India with a central theme of defeating corruption. Death and Memorial: Kalam died of a cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He was buried in his hometown of Rameswaram with full state honours. A memorial was inaugurated in Rameswaram in 2017, displaying replicas of rockets and missiles he had worked on. Personal Life and Interests: Kalam was a lifelong bachelor known for his simple lifestyle, integrity, and vegetarianism. He enjoyed writing Tamil poetry, playing the veena, and listening to Carnatic devotional music. He was also a teetotaler. Religious and Spiritual Views: Kalam was a practicing Sunni Muslim who valued interfaith respect and dialogue. He was also well-versed in Hindu traditions and the Bhagavad Gita. He considered Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a Hindu guru, to be his spiritual teacher. Writings: Kalam authored several books including Wings of Fire, India 2020, and Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji. In his writings, he advocated for India's development and emphasised the importance of technology, education, and spirituality. Awards and Honours: Kalam received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and the Bharat Ratna (1997), India's highest civilian honour. Legacy: Kalam's birthday, 15 October, is celebrated as World Students' Day in India. Many places and institutions have been named in his honour, including roads, islands, and educational facilities.

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