“Our Birth may be an Incident but our death should be a History” is the famous quote by APJ Abdul Kalam. He lived it by example. Hailing from a small town in southern India called “Rameswaram” to becoming the president of India, APJ Abdul Kalam was the greatest inspiration to all the people of India especially Students. Particularly youngsters consider him the greatest role model.
APJ Abdul kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in the small town Rameswaram in the state of Tamilnadu, India. He was born into a humble Muslim family. His Father Jainulabdeen Marakayar was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque and his mother Ashiamma was a housewife. Kalam was the youngest child to his parents with 4 elder brothers and 1 elder sister.
Kalam did his schoolings at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Ramanathapuram, During his school, he was described as an average student with hardworking nature. Kalam had a greater interest in mathematics. Later he went on to study BSc in Physics at St. Joseph College, Trichy. After completion, he moved to Chennai then Madras to Pursue Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.
Work as a Scientist
After graduating in Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to work as a scientist in Aeronautical Development Establishment. After a short stint there, he was transferred to the Indian Space Research organization to lead a project as the project director. It is from ISRO where Kalam rose to prominence. He headed and successfully executed several crucial projects in ISRO. For his outstanding contribution in developing ballistic missiles, he was called with the name ‘missile man of India’. While at ISRO, he extensively contributed to the success of various rocket & missiles mission making the world’s sight turn towards India. He was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1997 for his outstanding contribution in the field of Science and India’s Defence Research and Development.
As a Preident of India
Owing to his great contribution to science and progress of the society, Kalam was unanimously elected as the 11th president of India in the year, 2002. He was famously referred to as People’s President. APJ Abdul Kalam was also the First Scientist to become the president of India. During his 5 year tenure as a president, he greatly exhibited his leadership abilities and put forth his every effort for the progress of the nation.
After Presidency
After his tenure as a president, People’s president kalam shifted his interest towards teaching. He delivered guest lectures to students, and academicians in universities across India. He also worked as a visiting professor in few universities. He was also invited as a special guest in several schools, colleges, and universities across India. Despite very knowledgeable, his humble nature won him a place in millions of million hearts in India. Kalam loved his teaching profession of all the professions he had. He had a greater interest in interacting with young minds. He inspired millions of students in India.
Death
on 27th July 2015, Kalam suddenly collapsed and died of cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth” in the Indian Institue of Management, Shillong. His sudden passing away shooked the entire India. Millions of People condoled and paid tributes to their favourite president and Scientist. His remains were airlifted to New Delhi for public homage and were airlifted to his native town Rameswaram. He was laid to rest in Rameswaram’s Pei Karumbu Ground with full state honors.
