APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Interesting Journey Of A Boy From Rameswaram Becoming President

Dr. Kalam Birth Anniversary: The United Nations started celebrating Dr Kalam's birthday as 'International Students' Day' in 2010 in view of his contribution as a teacher.

Former President Of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. (File Photo)

APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary: Today is the birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India and "Missile Man". He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to a middle-class Muslim family. In 2002, he became the 11th President of India.

Abdul Kalam spent his childhood in poverty as his father was just a regular fisherman. His father had to work hard and struggle to provide family. Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and one sister in his family. Abdul Kalam, who grew up in this atmosphere, was interested in studies from the beginning. Given the poor financial condition of the family, a smart and intelligent Abdul Kalam started to sell newspapers to continue his education. He would wake up at 4 a.m. at the age of eight and then after his daily routine would go to study mathematics. After coming from tuitions, Abdul Kalam used to go to Rameswaram railway station and sell newspapers at the bus stand there regularly.

APJ Abdul Kalam used to say that the reason for his joining aerospace technology was his fifth-grade teacher. He said that one day while studying in class, his teacher asked the students how birds fly. No student in the class could answer this question. The next day his teacher took them to the beach, where he showed them flying birds and explained to all the students the reason for their flying and also explained the body structure of the birds. Watching these, Kalam decided that he would go into aviation in the future. Kalam then studied physics and studied Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Engineering College.

International Students' Day:

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the select personalities of the country whose entire life is inspiring for the younger generation. His learnings still help the youth to achieve their goals. He always taught the children that no matter what kind of situation there may be in life if you are determined you turn your dreams into a reality. His same thoughts still inspire the younger generation to move forward. It may be recalled that the United Nations had also started celebrating Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's birthday as 'International Students' Day' in 2010, appreciating his contribution as a teacher.

This Is Why Dr Kalam Is Called The Missile Man:

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was very simple natured, was famous as former President of India, a well-known scientist and an engineer. For nearly four decades, he primarily looked after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a scientist and administrator of science. He also participated in India's civil space programme and efforts to develop military missiles. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was awarded the title of 'Missile Man' in India for his development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology.

First indigenous launch vehicle under Dr Kalam SLV-3 was built:

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam reached ISRO in 1962. India's first indigenous launch vehicle SLV-3 was built under him as project director here. In 1980, the Rohini satellite was placed near earth's orbit. At the same time, India also became a member of the International Space Club. Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam then designed the indigenous guided missile. He used Indian technology to build missiles like Agni and Prithvi. From 1992 to 1999, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was also the defence advisor to the Defence Minister. At this time, the Vajpayee government had also conducted a second nuclear test in Pokhran and at the same time, India became a part of the countries manufacturing nuclear weapons. Vision 2020 is also Kalam's gift. Under this, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gave a special idea of making India state-of-the-art by 2020 through new advancements in the field of science.

Dr Kalam also played the role of Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of India:

 Dr Kalam also played the role of Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. In 1982, he became director of DRDO, a defence research and development organization. At the same time, he was also awarded the title of Doctor by Anna University. Kalam also prepared a proposal for an integrated guided missile development programme with Dr V.S. Arunachalam, scientific advisor to the Defence Minister. A committee headed by Kalam was also formed for the development of indigenous missiles. During its first phase, emphasis was laid on the manufacture of missiles with medium-range strikes from ground to ground. In the second phase, it was proposed to build a missile that had a surface-to-air strike range, tank piercing, and reentry experiment launch vehicle (Rex). Missiles called Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag were also built.

Honoured with several awards:

Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's highest civilian honour, by the Government of India in 1981, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 1990. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He was the third President of the country to be awarded the Bharat Ratna before being appointed to the highest office of India. On July 27, 2015, this great man bid adieu to the world forever, but he still lives in the hearts of the people.