Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian scientist, engineer, and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. He was the youngest of five brothers and one sister.
Kalam completed his schooling in Rameswaram and later graduated in Physics from St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli. He then completed his Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology in Chennai.
Kalam began his career as a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, which successfully deployed Rohini satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980.
In the early 1980s, Kalam served as the Project Director of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and was responsible for the development of several successful missiles, including Agni and Prithvi.
In 1992, Kalam was appointed as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and later served as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from 1999 to 2001.
In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India, becoming the first scientist and the first person from the southern state of Tamil Nadu to hold the office. During his tenure, he was known as the “People’s President” for his focus on education and his efforts to connect with the common people.
After his presidency, Kalam returned to a life of teaching and writing. He continued to be a strong advocate for education and was involved in many philanthropic activities.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam died on July 27, 2015 while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, Meghalaya. He was widely respected and admired as a visionary leader, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Some of his most famous sayings include:
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
“Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
“Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.”
“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
“Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.”
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
These sayings reflect Dr. Kalam’s emphasis on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the power of positive thinking in achieving one’s goals and aspirations