10 Things about Abdul Kalam: The Missile Man of India 

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an Aerospace Scientist. He served India as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He is also called the Missile Man of India because of big innovations in Aerospace technologies. He was born on October 15, 1931, and was raised in Rameswaram and Tamil Nadu. He was a great promoter of Education and Innovation.

10 Things about Abdul Kalam you need to know:

Kalam was hardworking, dedicating and humble personality who has propagated the education as a tool for development. Kalam said, “If four things are followed having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance – then anything can be achieved.” The Missile man took his last breath on 27th July 2019. Here are the 10 most important things, you must know about him.

1. In 1960, Kalam became involved with DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. Later in 1969, Kalam was given the position of project director for Satellite Launch Vehicles and was shifted to ISRO. Under the directorship of Kalam, India was able to launch the Rohini satellite series into Earth’s orbit.

2. He had significant contributions in enriching the nuclear capabilities also. The credits of the success of Pokhran -2 nuclear tests (in 1998) goes to Kalam.

3. He had received the greatest honours of the country, Bharat Ratna (1997), Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990).

4. He is honoured with the Doctorates from 40 Universities.

5. He was called “The Peoples’ President” because of his humble and down to earth nature.

6. When asked by a journalist, how would he like to be remembered: as a scientist, a president or a teacher. He replied smilingly – “I want to be remembered as a teacher first and then like any other person.”

7. He was the first President hailing into politics without being from a political background. Before the presidency, he was a Scientist and after the presidency, a teacher.

8. He gave a few amazing talks in the UN, as Indian president, at the European Parliament and other several world platforms stressing on the world peace and India’s contribution in the same.

9. He was the man behind PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas) that works for the betterment of rural India.

10. What was his greatest achievement? Dr Kalam claimed the greatest achievement of his career was designing low-weight Ortho callipers for kids who were affected by Polio.

Kalam was the man with a big heart and peaceful soul and much greater wisdom. He was a promoter of art, innovation, technology and holistic development. Closing this article with an amazing quote by Kalam, “My message, especially to young people is to have the courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to young people.”

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