A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

The 'Missile Man' who redefined the Presidency

A time line of A.P.J.Abdul Kalam's Life :

1954

Graduates in Physics from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli.

1960

Gains degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) and joins the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as scientist.

1969

Kalam moves to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he helms India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).

1970 :

Kalam heads Project Devil and Project Valiant, which developed ballistic missiles from the technology of the SLV programme.

1980 :

Kalam leads India’s efforts to enter the space club by putting the Rohini satellite in Earth's orbit with the first indigenous SLV-III.

1980 — 1990 :

As the chief of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, he is credited with the development and operationalisation of Agni and Prithvi missiles.

1981 :

Kalam recieves the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to the field of science and technology.

1990 :

Kalam is awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour.

1992 — 1999 :

Kalam is appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the DRDO.

1997 :

Kalam is awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.

1998 :

India conducts the Pokhran II nuclear tests with Kalam being one of the forces behind its success.

1999 — 2001 :

Serves as Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

2002 — 2007 :

Kalam is elected the 11th President of India succeeding KR Narayanan. He won the 2002 presidential election with an electoral vote of 922,884. During his five years in office, he was fondly called ‘The People’s President’.

2012 :

Kalam launches the ‘What Can I Give Movement’, a programme for the Indian youth aimed at defeating corruption.

July 27, 2015 :

Kalam passes away aged 83, after collapsing because of a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong.

All birds find shelter during the rain. But Eagles avoid rain by flying above the clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference!

A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

You cannot change your future, but, you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.

A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

If you have time, please read about this incredible human being on his Wikepedia Entry. Or you can also check his official website for more information.