Remembering 'People's President' & 'Missile Man' Dr Kalam

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, renowned as the 'Missile Man of India' and affectionately called the 'People's President,' passed away on this day in 2015 at the age of 83 while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong. This year marks the eighth anniversary of his death. Kalam, whose full name was Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, served as the 11th President of India and made significant contributions to the nation's space and military research. He is also celebrated as one of history's greatest educators.

Kalam, who expressed a desire to be remembered as a teacher, continued to pursue his passion for education even during his presidency in 2002. He regularly sought opportunities to meet and inspire students, reflecting his lifelong dedication to learning and knowledge sharing.

Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam was the youngest of five siblings. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. The family faced financial difficulties, and young Kalam contributed by distributing newspapers while attending school. His early fascination with aeroplanes, rockets, and space led him to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. After completing his secondary education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram, he earned a degree in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954. Kalam then attended the Madras Institute of Technology in Chennai, where he specialised in aeronautical engineering.

Kalam began his career in 1958 as a senior scientific assistant at the DTD&P (Air) in Delhi, now known as the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA). He later joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), where he designed a small hovercraft. In 1969, Kalam moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a rocket engineer, becoming the project director of the SLV-III, India's first satellite launch vehicle, which successfully placed the Rohini satellite into Earth's orbit. His leadership in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program earned him the title 'Missile Man of India.' He also played a crucial role in India's 1998 nuclear tests under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership.

From 2002 to 2007, Kalam served as the President of India, advocating for a strong and self-reliant nation. His contributions were recognised with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1997, India's highest civilian honour.

Dr Kalam's life and legacy continue to inspire millions. His final moments were spent doing what he loved—teaching—before he tragically collapsed due to cardiac arrest at IIM Shillong. He once famously said, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep,” a testament to his belief in the power of dreams and hard work.