Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Introduction

Everyone was surprised when the ruling NDA Government nominated world famous scientist Dr. Abdul Kalam as their candidate for presidential elections. People wondered whether a scientist could shoulder the responsibility of the President of India. However Congress, SP, RJD, and AIADMK supported his candidature where as the communists erected their own candidate Captain Maxmi Saigal of Azad Hinda Fauz against Dr. Kalam only to be defeated by a large margin. Kalam won the battle securing over 90% vote and became the President of India on 25th July, 2002.

Family Background

He was born on 15th October, 1931 in Tikundi of Dhanuskodi in the district of Rameswaram, TamilNadu. His father was Jainaluddin, mother Ashiamma. His full name is Abdul Pakir Jainaluddin Abdul Kalam

Childhood Days

His father, Jainaluddin was a poor boatman, who earned very little and so they had to face utter hardship. Little Kalam loved the sea very much and spent hours on the sea beach watching the waves of the blue ocean. His parents were very simple and religious that influenced his lifestyle

Student Life

His education begins in a rural primary at Rameswaram. Later he gets admitted in a Ramnathpuram missionary school, Schoartz. To meet the expense of the school he starts hawking the newspaper. His struggle is appreciated by the teachers of his school when they come forward to help him noticing the spark of brilliance within him. In 1950 he gets admission in St. Joseph College, Trichi and graduated in science. Later he gets admitted in Madras Institute of Technology with a desire to be a pilot.

Job Profile

Passing out of MIT he joins the DRDO as the Senior Officer in 1958 in order to materialize his dream to construct an esteemed, powerful India. In his autobiography, “Wings of Fire” he writes ” The searching period of my life spans from 1931 to 1963. Then I have sought for the goal of my life and the very way to achieve it often I used to ask myself what should I do?”At last he joins ISRO in 1962 and next year engages himself in the research of launching the satellite, and comes in close contact with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof Satish Dhawan. Few months later he becomes the Project Director of SLV-3 satellite research programme; this marks the 2nd phase of his life.

APJ Abdul Kalam