APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the Missile Man of India, served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, widely referred to “People’s President”. He was a source of inspiration for all. The life philosophy and teachings of Kalam are reminisced by the both younger and older generations.
APJ Kalam, who would have turned 84-year-old on October 15 in 2021, took his last breath on July 27 in 2015 after a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong. His innovative contributions have not only enabled scientists and writers across globe but have generated courage in each and every Indian. At a time when it was no less than a dream for India to have its own Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), Dr Kalam’s hard work and efforts for over a decade, making it possible for the country to have its first indigenous SLV. SLV III was developed by Kalam which was used for launching the Rohini satellite into Earth’s orbit. It also marked India’s entry into the Space club. After working for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over two decades, Dr Kalam took the responsibility of developing indigenous guided missiles at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He also engineered the Pokhran-II nuclear tests which catapulted India into the club of Nuclear Powers. It was till then only exclusive to five countries – USA, China, UK, France, and Russia. APJ Kalam was also a recipient of the ‘Bharat Ratna’, which is India’s highest civilian honour.
