Hyderabad: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's father had only one boat to support his family. Dr. Kalam was a hardworking boy right from the beginning. At the tender age of five, he started selling newspapers to help his father support the family. He did this job in the evenings after school. Click on the video below to know more about the Missile Man:-
Remembering Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary
- Dr. Kalam was fascinated by physics and mathematics.
- Dr.Kalam completed his graduation from Saint Joseph’s College, Trichurapally in 1954. In 1955, he enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology.
- Dr. Kalam missed an opportunity to become a fighter pilot for the Indian Air force. He was on the ninth spot on the list, and there were only eight openings. The first eight shortlisted candidates were recruited.
- In 1960, Dr. Kalam became involved with DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment.
- In 1969, Dr. Kalam was made the project director for Satellite Launch Vehicles and was shifted to ISRO. The project became successful, and India, under the directorship of Kalam. He was able to launch the Rohini satellite series into Earth’s orbit.
- Dr. Kalam is known as the ‘Missile Man’ of India due to his continued, successful work with ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. Some interesting facts about Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:-
- Dr. Kalam also made significant contributions to the nuclear capabilities of India, the Pokhran -2 nuclear tests (in 1998).
- Dr. Kalam was honored with many awards, including the highest civilian award in the country, the Bharat Ratna (1997). His other awards include Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990).
- Interestingly, he was also honored with doctorates from 40 universities.
- Inspired by his life, a Bollywood movie was also produced with the title, I Am Kalam.
- Dr. Kalam is a source of inspiration for millions of people in India and around the world.
- Dr. Kalam became the President of the largest democracy of the world –India – on July 25, 2002. He was known as “the People’s President” because of his simple and down-to-earth attitude.
- Prez. Kalam also had a soft spot for students and children. He inspired millions of young children, answering their questions and meeting with them during his tours across the country until the day of his sad demise. He believed that children are the future of any nation.
- Dr. Kalam was frisked twice at JFK Airport in New York. He was checked for explosives by the airport staff. This incident was protested by India on the international level.
- He was once asked by a journalist how would he like to be remembered: as a scientist, a president, or a teacher. And he replied smilingly – “I want to be remembered as a teacher first and then as any other person.”
- After the term of his presidency, he became busier as a visiting professor at various institutes of management and leadership including those located at Ahmadabad, Indore, and Shillong.
- Dr. Kalam’s visit to Switzerland is commemorated as Science Day in the country. This declaration in his honor was made by the Swiss government after the sad demise of this great personality.
- Dr. Kalam wrote a great deal of poetry in Tamil and was very fond of playing a musical instrument known as the Veena.
- During his presidency, Dr. Kalam was requested to join the office again after Pratibha Patil’s term as President. However, he politely refused.
- Dr. Kalam is the first unmarried president and scientist in India.
- Dr. Kalam is among only three presidents of India who were conferred the Bharat Ratna before they were elected President.