Missile Man: Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam On His 87th Birth Anniversary

Bhubaneswar: Today is the 87^th birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Born as Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam on October 15, 1931 at Rameshwaram in Madras Presidency, Kalam came from a financially poor background and used to distribute newspapers after school to support his family’s income. However, he did not let this take a toll on his studies. After completing his school, Kalam graduated in Science from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli in 1954. After this, he secured a scholarship and joined a course to study aerospace engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

Known as ‘Missile Man’, Kalam was the chief architect of Pokran II Nuclear tests, the Agni and the Prithvi missiles. He also served as the President of India from 2002-07. The inspirational Bharat Ratna recipient has left behind us a legacy of inspiration and guidance, to succeed in every aspect of life. He breathed his last on 27 July 2007 while doing what he was known best for-imparting knowledge at IIM Shillong. Kalam was 83 at that time.

Kalam started his scientific career by designing a small helicopter for the Indian Army. He was also a part of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) team, working under another great Indian scientist, Vikram Sarabhai. Kalam who rigorously worked for the development of ballistic missile was bestowed with the title of Missile Man. Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation from July 1992 to December 1999.

However, not many know that Kalam wanted to join the Indian Air Force. Unfortunately, he was placed ninth in the qualifier and only eight positions were available at the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Dr. Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, succeeding K. R. Narayanan. He won the 2002 presidential election with an electoral vote of 922,884. He served as the President from July 25, 2002 to July 25, 2007. He later launched a programme for the youth of India titled ‘What Can I Give Movement’ with an aim to uproot corruption in our nation.

In 1997, the Government of India honoured him with the highest civilian title, Bharat Ratna. He has several honorary doctorates from 40 universities, from across the globe.

Despite his success, Dr Kalam was one of the most endearing presidents because of his compassion, kindness and unconditional love for everyone. There are various documentaries made on his life- the most famous being ‘I Am Kalam’ which was inspired by his work and life. He also has various biographies on his life and work as a scientist.

Abdul Kalam was a people’s president. He was loved by one and all. He taught us that dreams can be fulfilled with perseverance. Everything is possible if we are determined to do it. One of the greatest lessons that we can take from his life is to be humble and stay grounded, even after tasting success and fame.

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