Biography of APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the most inspiring life stories in India. This biography of APJ Abdul Kalam covers his whole journey, from a small town to the highest office in the country. He started life in a small town called Rameswaram and went on to lead India’s missile and space programmes. Later, he became the 11th President of India. People loved him so much that they called him the “Missile Man” and the “People’s President.” In this post, you will read his full biography in simple English, along with his achievements, his books and his famous quotes.
- Early Life and Education
- Career at DRDO and ISRO
- Missile and Nuclear Programme
- President of India (2002-2007)
- Books and Awards
- Recommended Book on His Life
- Legacy and Death
- APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Early Life and Education
APJ Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, a town in Tamil Nadu. His father owned a small fishing boat, and the family did not have much money. Kalam was the youngest of five children, but he never stopped studying. He earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology. His hard work and simple habits shaped the man he later became. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was known as the People’s President because he met students, teachers and villagers with the same warmth he showed to scientists and politicians. He often spoke about dreams, hard work and the need for India to become a developed nation with strong education and innovation.
Career at DRDO and ISRO
In 1958, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In 1969, he moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). There, he led the SLV-III project, which was the first satellite launch vehicle designed and built fully in India. In 1980, SLV-III successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit. This was a big step for India’s space programme. Kalam wrote several books, including Wings of Fire, India 2020 and Ignited Minds. In these books he shared his own struggles, his ideas about science and his hopes for young people. He also taught at institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad and Anna University, and he encouraged students to ask questions rather than simply memorise answers.
Missile and Nuclear Programme
In 1982, Kalam returned to DRDO and planned the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Under this programme, several missiles were developed, including Agni and Prithvi. Agni was India’s first intermediate-range ballistic missile, and it was first launched in 1989. This is why he is known as the “Missile Man” of India.
In 1998, Kalam was one of the main coordinators of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. The same year, he presented a plan called “Technology Vision 2020.” This plan showed how India could become a developed country in 20 years, with better farming, technology, health care and education. Kalam often said that failure is a teacher, not an end. He described early setbacks in his career, including the rejection of some of his first ideas, and he treated them as lessons. His message to students was to keep dreaming, keep learning and keep working, even when results take years to appear.
President of India (2002-2007)
In 2002, the ruling NDA alliance nominated Kalam for the post of President. He won the election easily and became the 11th President of India in July 2002. He was loved by people from all backgrounds, which is why he became known as the “People’s President.” His term ended in 2007, and he was succeeded by Pratibha Patil. Students who want to follow Kalam can start with one habit at a time, such as reading a science article each week or solving a small problem in their community. His life suggests that large national goals are reached through many small, steady actions taken by ordinary people.
Books and Awards
Kalam wrote several books. His most famous book is his autobiography, Wings of Fire, published in 1999. Another popular book is Ignited Minds, published in 2002, which was written to inspire young people.
He received three of India’s highest civilian honours: the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997).
Recommended Book on His Life
If you want to read his story in his own words, Wings of Fire is the best place to start. It tells the story of his childhood, his struggles and his journey into science. You can buy the book from Amazon using the link below.
Legacy and Death
After his presidency, Kalam continued to teach at universities. He loved meeting students and encouraging them to dream big. On 27 July 2015, he collapsed while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, and he passed away soon after. Today, roads, buildings and even a new bacteria species have been named after him.
APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes
- Dream, dream, dream. Dreams turn into thoughts and thoughts result in action.
- Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.
- Those who dream big are the ones who change the world.
- Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
- Believe in yourself, and the world will believe in you too.
You can read more of his thoughts in our post on APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was APJ Abdul Kalam born?
He was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
Q2. Why is APJ Abdul Kalam called the Missile Man?
He played a key role in developing India’s missile programme, including the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
Q3. What is Wings of Fire?
Wings of Fire is Kalam’s autobiography, published in 1999.
Q4. When was APJ Abdul Kalam the President of India?
He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Reference: Britannica – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Also read: Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes in Hindi and Gandhi Jayanti Quotes in Hindi.
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