Dr. Kalam was notable for being the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the office of the President of India.
Dr. Kalam was notable for being the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the office of the President of India.
Unique Status
Unique Status
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
Birth
Birth
For nearly 40 years, Kalam made monumental contributions as a scientist and science administrator at ISRO and DRDO.
For nearly 40 years, Kalam made monumental contributions as a scientist and science administrator at ISRO and DRDO.
Career as a Scientist
Career as a Scientist
He was instrumental in developing crucial missiles under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), including Prithvi and Agni.
He was instrumental in developing crucial missiles under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), including Prithvi and Agni.
Missile Development
Kalam played a significant role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which were pivotal for India’s nuclear capabilities.
Kalam played a significant role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, which were pivotal for India’s nuclear capabilities.
Nuclear Testing
Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007, earning the title of the ‘People’s President.’
Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007, earning the title of the ‘People’s President.’
Presidency
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, making him the third President to receive it, after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Zakir Husain.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, making him the third President to receive it, after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Zakir Husain.
Honors
On July 27, 2015, he collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
On July 27, 2015, he collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
Final Moments
His funeral in Rameswaram was attended by thousands, reflecting his profound impact and enduring legacy as a scientist and leader.
His funeral in Rameswaram was attended by thousands, reflecting his profound impact and enduring legacy as a scientist and leader.