Abdul Kalam Biography

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam BR was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007. One such great personality that we will always be proud of is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. From humble beginnings to becoming the 11th President of India, his story exemplifies the power of perseverance, knowledge, and a deep-rooted love for his country. Inspiration for thousands of students, Abdul Kalam, was honored with “Bharat Ratna”. Also referred to as ‘People’s President’, APJ Abdul Kalam returned to his civilian life of education, writing, and public service after serving only one term. He was born on May 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He is 92 years old.

Abdul Kalam Biography, Height, Age, Wife, Family, & More

He was a scientist, engineer, and politician who played a vital role in the development of India’s missile and space programs. This Indian aerospace scientist and statesman left behind an impressive legacy through his tireless efforts toward the development of technology in India. In 1969 he moved to the Indian Space Research Organisations, where he was project director of the SLV-III, the first satellite launch vehicle that was both designed and produced in India. Kalama’s journey to become one of India’s most beloved and respected figures started with a modest upbringing. Rejoining DRDO in 1982, Kalam planned the program that produced a number of successful missiles, which helped earn him the nickname “Missile Man.”

Family

He was born into a modest Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. They all belonged to a Tamil Muslim family, and Kalam was the youngest among four brothers and one sister. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. At a small age, he had to vend newspapers so that he could help his family in earning. The simple and profound values imparted by his family continue to resonate in the hearts of millions, making him not just a beloved figure in India but also a global inspiration for generations.

Abdul Kalam With Parents and Siblings Pic

Abdul Kalam’s Wife Pic

Education

Kalam earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and in 1958 joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace engineering.

Height and Weight

His height is in centimeters- 163 cm in meters- 1.63 feet inches- 5’ 4” and his weight of this person is in kilograms- 60 kg In pounds- 132 lbs.

Career

After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (by Press Information Bureau, Government of India) as a scientist after becoming a member of the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS). Kalam’s career as a scientist began in earnest in 1965 when he joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). From 1963 to 1964, he visited NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia; Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Wallops Flight Facility. He started his career by designing a small hovercraft but remained unconvinced by his choice of a job at DRDO. The SLV-III was a remarkable achievement for India, as it made India the sixth country in the world to have a satellite launch capability. Kalam joined the INCOSPAR, working under Vikram Sarabhai, the renowned space scientist.

Under his leadership, the program developed five missile systems, including the Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul missiles. He was interviewed and recruited into ISRO by H. G. S. Murthy, the first Director of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). APJ Abdul Kalam was widely recognized as the “Missile Man of India” for his role in developing these missile systems. In 1969, Kalam received the government’s approval and expanded the program to include more engineers. In 1998, India conducted its first nuclear tests under Kalam’s guidance, making India a nuclear power. APJ Abdul Kalam believed that education was the key to unlocking India’s potential and that every child deserved the opportunity to receive an education.

Awards

In 1981, he was awarded, Padma Bhushan by the government of India.  In 1997, the Indian government awarded Abdul Kalam the “Bharat Ratna,” the Republic of India’s highest civilian honor, in addition to the “Indira Gandhi Award of National Integration” even by “Indian National Congress,” which is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1998, he was awarded the Veer Savarkar Award by the Government of India. The SASTRA “Ramanujan Award” was bestowed on him in 2000. Britain’s Royal Society also awarded him the King Charles II Medal in 2007.  In 2009, he was awarded the “Hoover Medal,” an American honor awarded to outstanding persons who make extracurricular efforts.

Other awards and honours List

• Name of award or honor Awarding organization Year of award or honor
• Von Braun Award National Space Society  2013
• Veer Savarkar Award Government of India     1998
• Ramanujan Award Alwars Research Centre, Chennai             2000
• Padma Vibhushan Government of India     1990
• Padma Bhushan Government of India     1981
• King Charles II Medal Royal Society, UK             2007
• International von Kármán Wings Award California Institute of Technology, USA 2009
• Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration Indian National Congress              1997
• IEEE Honorary Membership IEEE        2011
• Hoover Medal ASME Foundation, USA 2008
• Honorary professor Beijing University, China               2014
• Honorary Fellow National Academy of Medical Sciences, 1995
• Honorary Doctorate of Science and Technology Carnegie Mellon University 2007
• Honorary Doctorate of Science University of Wolverhampton, UK           2007
• Honorary Doctorate Oakland University          2009
• Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh            2008
• Doctor of Science Edinburgh University, UK             2014
• Doctor of Science Universiti Sains Malaysia               2008
• Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) Simon Fraser University 2012
• Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa) Nanyang Technological University, Singapore     2008
• Doctor of Engineering University of Waterloo  2010
• Distinguished Fellow Institute of Directors (India)        1994
• Bharat Ratna President of India            1997

Death

Tragically, on July 27, 2015, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. He falls inside the lecture hall only 5 minutes into it, about 6:35 p.m. His sudden demise was mourned by millions worldwide, and his loss was deeply felt by the entire nation.  In critical condition, he was brought to ‘Bethany Hospital.’ However, his legacy lives on, inspiring generations to dream big, work hard, and contribute to the progress of society.

Net worth

As of June 1, 2023, Abdul has a net worth of approximately $5 Million.

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