APJ Abdul Kalam Biography
Full Name Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
Age 84 years old (as of 2015)
Birth Date October 15, 1931
Birth Place Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, British India
Parents Jainulabdeen Marakayar and Ashiamma
Death Date July 27, 2015
Political Affiliations National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
Profession Aerospace Scientist, Author
Awards Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna, Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, Veer Savarkar Award, SASTRA Ramanujan Prize
Field Aerospace Engineering
Institutions Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Education St Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli (BEng), Madras Institute of Technology (MEng)
Office Former President of India
Born in a Tamil Muslim family in the small town of Rameswaram, India. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s early life was marked by financial struggles. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner who ferried Hindu pilgrims between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, while his mother, Ashiamma, was a full housewife.
Abdul Kalam was the youngest of five children, including three older brothers and a sister. Despite the family’s declining fortune and poverty, Kalam was determined to succeed and took on the responsibility of contributing to the household from an teen age by selling newspapers.
Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen, came from a lineage of wealthy Marakayar traders, known for their boat-making and grocery trade with Sri Lanka and other regions. However, by the time Kalam was born, the family’s fortune had dwindled due to the collapse of their business.
Despite the hardships, Abdul Kalam was close to his family, particularly his mother, and maintained a strong connection with them throughout his life. Although he remained a unmarried, he continued to support his family financially and emotionally.
APJ Abdul Kalam Age Abdul Kalam is 84 years old (as of 2015), born on October 15, 1931.
APJ Abdul Kalam Age
Kalam’s received his education in Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. Despite being an average student in school, he was described as a hardworking boy who had a deep interest in always learning, especially in mathematics.
After completing secondary school, he pursued a degree in Physics at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, graduating in 1954. His passion for aviation led him to the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), where he studied aerospace engineering.
Abdul Kalam had dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, but fate had other plans. He secured the ninth position in the selection exam for the Indian Air Force program, while only eight positions were available. Although disappointed, this setback didn’t deter him from his larger goal of contributing to India’s scientific progress.
After graduating from MIT in 1960, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist in Indian, where he worked on a hovercraft project. However, his career truly took off when he transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in year 1969. As the Project Director for the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), he played a crucial role in the successful deployment of the Rohini satellite in year 1980, marking India’s entry into space exploration.
Abdul Kalam also made significant contributions to India’s missile programs. Known as the “Missile Man of India,” he was pivotal in the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles, which strengthened India’s defense capabilities. Additionally, he was a key figure in India’s nuclear tests in 1998, which established the nation as a nuclear power in the world today.
In year 2002, APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India with widespread support from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress Party. During his presidency, he was popularly known as the “People’s President” due to his approachable nature and his focus on youth empowerment. He used his position to inspire students and the younger generation, often visiting schools, colleges and universities to encourage them to dream big and work hard.
His presidency was also marked by his emphasis on national development, particularly through technology and innovation. He played an important role in India’s Vision 2020 plan, which sought to transform India into a developed nation.
Dr. Kalam lived a soft and humble life. Despite his accomplishments, he remained deeply connected to his roots and was known for his modest lifestyle. He never married but he dedicated his life to education, science, and serving his country. His dedication to promoting knowledge and empowering the youth of India earned him admiration across the nation.
On July 27, 2015, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong. His sudden demise left the nation in mourning.
He died at the age of 84 and was taken to Bethany Hospital, where he was declared dead at 7:45 p.m. His last words, spoken to his close associate Srijan Pal Singh, were, “Funny guy! Are you doing well?”
Dr. Kalam was buried in his hometown of Rameswaram with full state honors, and his funeral was attended by over 500,000 people or more, including top political leaders and dignitaries.
APJ Abdul Kalam Death Date and Place
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was honored with numerous awards. Some of his notable accolades include:
Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) from the Government of India for his work in ISRO and DRDO.Bharat Ratna (1997), India’s highest civilian honor, for his contributions to science and public service.Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997).Hoover Medal (2009) from the ASME Foundation for his contributions to humanity.Honorary doctorates from over 40 universities, including Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and the University of Edinburgh (UK).
Dr. Kalam was a prolific writer and authored several books during his lifetime, inspiring millions across the world. Some of his famous works include:
Wings of Fire (1999) – An autobiography that details his life and career.India 2020 (1998) – His vision for India as a developed nation by the year 2020.Ignited Minds (2002) – A book aimed at inspiring the youth of India.Turning Points (2012) – A sequel to his autobiography, reflecting on his time as President.
Although Dr. Kalam was not active on any social media platform during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through numerous accounts and platforms dedicated to his memory. His net worth was modest, as he lived a simple life and donated much of his earnings to charity and education initiatives.
Q. When was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam born? A. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931.
Q. What is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam known for? A. He is known for his contributions to India’s missile and space programs and for serving as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Q. Did APJ Abdul Kalam win the Bharat Ratna? A. Yes, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997, India’s highes civilian honor.
Q. What books did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam write? A. Some of his famous books include Wings of Fire , India 2020 , Ignited Minds , and Turning Points .
Q. When did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam pass away? Q. He passed away on July 27, 2015, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a lecture at IIM Shillong.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is an extraordinary story of perseverance, dedication, and selflessness. He rose from a small town in Tamil Nadu to become one of India’s most respected figures. His contributions to science, technology, and education continue to inspire millions, and his legacy as the “People’s President” will live on in the hearts of the Indian people for generations to come.
