Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president, was a nuclear scientist, author, poet, and educator. On July 27, 2015, he died at the age of 83. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen (APJ) Abdul Kalam excelled in a variety of professions and served the country until his death. Kalam, often known as the People’s President, was also awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to nuclear physics.
Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and coming from a lower middle class family he became the 11th President of India, he was also known as the “Missile Man of India.” Between 2002 through 2007, he served as India’s President.
Dr. Kalam’s hard work and efforts for over a decade made it feasible for the country to have its own indigenous SLV at a time when it was no less than a fantasy for India to have its own Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). Kalam created SLV III, which was used to launch the Rohini satellite into Earth orbit. It was also India’s first foray into space.
Dr Kalam was in charge of the development and deployment of the Agni and Prithvi missiles, earning him the title “Missile Man of India.”
He also commanded the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which launched India into the Nuclear Powers. It was formerly only available in five countries: the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia.
Dr. Kalam has been involved with avionics since he graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology, where he specialised in Aeronautical Engineering. He was significantly involved in the development of the country’s Light Combat Aircraft and was the first Indian Head of State to fly a fighter plane.
He passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a speech at IIM Shillong. When the country lost this man, our country not only lost a great human being but also lost a priceless jewel that will never be replaced. His contributions to the nation and its people will leave them indebted to him for the rest of their lives. On this day, all Indians pay honour to the ‘Missile Man’ of India.
His Quotes which will keep us inspired throughout
You have to dream before your dream can come true.”
“If four things are followed – having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance – then anything can be achieved.”
“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
“If you fail, never give up because FAIL means ‘First Attempt In Learning’.”
“When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your trust… Withhold your hands from striking, and from taking that which is unlawful and bad…”
“Thinking is progress. Non-thinking is stagnation of the individual, organisation, and country. Thinking leads to action. Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant. Knowledge with action converts adversity into prosperity.”
“Be active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others.”
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.”
“For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.”
“You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.”
