APJ Abdul Kalam Death Anniversary: Missile Man of India
APJ Abdul Kalam Death Anniversary: On July 27, 2015, Dr Kalam was delivering a lecture at the IIM, Shillong, where he collapsed and passed away due to a cardiac arrest.
On July 27, 2015, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, India’s former president, died. Every year, and every time India achieves a milestone in science, particularly in space and missiles, the nation honours him. While serving as India’s 11th President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a driving force behind the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
Dr. Kalam also wrote a number of novels, including the well-known Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, that encouraged both children and adults to achieve their aspirations.
APJ Abdul Kalam Early Life
His own personal tale was similar to that of a superhero. Dr. Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to a humble family. Throughout his life, he suffered adversity but never gave up. Dr. Kalam received his bachelor’s degree in physics from St. Joseph’s College after graduating from Schwartz Higher Secondary School. He was supposed to study for hours at a time, focusing on mathematics in particular. Dr. Kalam earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology after graduating.
About his Professional Life
Dr. Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958, and then the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. (ISRO). He was the project manager for the SLV-III, India’s first satellite launch vehicle, which he developed and built. Dr Kalam returned to DRDO in 1982 and implemented the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program, which later earned him the famous nickname of the “Missile Man of India”.
His Contribution for India
However, his greatest contribution to India was yet to come. Dr. Kalam was also unique in that he collaborated with political groups from all sides of the ideological divide. Under the PV Narsimha Rao government, he was appointed as the scientific advisor to the defence minister.
Dr. Kalam was a key figure in India’s 1998 nuclear test, which was led by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While the international community was outraged by the development and even threatened India with economic sanctions, the Pokhran-II tests in May 1998 made Dr. Kalam a household celebrity.
Dr. Kalam served as the government’s chief scientific adviser from 1999 until 2001, when Mr. Vajpayee was re-elected. He took over as President of India from KR Narayanan a year later. Dr. Kalam was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honours, in 1990 and 1997, respectively.
Inspiring Quotes by APJ Abdul Kalam
“We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
“Know where you are going. The great thing in the world is not knowing so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”
“When your hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.”
“He who knows others is learned, but the wise one is the one who knows himself. Learning without wisdom is of no use.”
“Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.”
“Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy the success.”
Death
The “Missile Man of India” was giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong on July 27, 2015, when he slumped and died of a heart arrest. He, on the other hand, lives on in the hearts of Indians.
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