APJ Abdul Kalam, full name Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was an Indian scientist, educator, and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and grew up in a humble background. He graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960 with a degree in aerospace engineering and went on to have a distinguished career as a scientist, playing a key role in India’s civilian space program and military missile development.
Kalam also served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and as the Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organization. He was known as the “Missile Man of India” for his role in the development of ballistic missile technology.
Apart from his scientific and technological achievements, Kalam was a beloved figure in India and was known for his simplicity, humility, and commitment to education. He was a prolific writer and authored several books, including “Wings of Fire,” an autobiography that has become a best-seller in India.
Kalam was also a strong advocate for youth development and education and was known for his inspirational speeches to students and young people. He was awarded several prestigious awards and honors, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, and the Veer Savarkar Award.
Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, Meghalaya. He remains a highly respected and admired figure in India and is often referred to as the “People’s President” and the “People’s Scientist.”
Achievements of APJ Abdul Kalam
APJ Abdul Kalam had a distinguished career as a scientist, educator, and politician. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
- Missile Development: Kalam played a key role in the development of India’s civilian space program and military missile development. He was known as the “Missile Man of India” for his contributions to the development of ballistic missile technology. He led the team that developed the country’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
- Presidency: Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 and served in the role until 2007. He was widely respected for his integrity, humility, and commitment to education.
- Science and Technology: Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and as the Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organization. He made significant contributions to India’s nuclear and space programs, and was a strong advocate for the use of technology to solve societal problems.
- Education and Youth Development: Kalam was a strong advocate for education and youth development. He launched several initiatives aimed at improving education and empowering young people, including the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) program, which aimed to provide basic amenities and infrastructure in rural areas.
- Author: Kalam was a prolific writer and author. His autobiography, “Wings of Fire,” is a best-seller in India and has been translated into several languages. He also wrote several other books on science, technology, and education.
Overall, Kalam’s achievements spanned science, technology, education, and politics, and he is widely regarded as one of India’s most respected and inspirational figures.
25 quotes of APJ Abdul Kalam
- “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
- “The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom.”
- “We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
- “All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
- “Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
- “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
- “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
- “You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.”
- “We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
- “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
- “Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
- “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual.”
- “The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation.”
- “Without your involvement, you can’t succeed. With your involvement, you can’t fail.”
- “One best book is equal to a hundred good friends, but one good friend is equal to a library.”
- “Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
- “If four things are followed—having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance—then anything can be achieved.”
- “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”
- “To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”
- “Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.”
- “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”
- “I am not a handsome guy, but I can give my hand to someone who needs help. Beauty is in the heart, not in the face.”
- “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.”
- “Love your job, but don’t love your company, because you may not know when your company stops loving you.”
- “It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone.”
