WedOct 15

Abdul Kalam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, popularly called Abdul Kalam, was an Indian aerospace scientist and Indian president born on October 15, 1931. Kalam was the 11th President of India, and his political career began in 1999. He was a beloved leader and an excellent scientist! Let’s celebrate his life and acheivements today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

Nickname:

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Birth date:

October 15, 1931

Death date:

July 27, 2015 (age 83)

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 6"

Net Worth:

$2 million

Avul's Social Media:

Background

Abdul Kalam was an exceptional scientist and leader, whose skills and proficiency made him beloved within and outside his country. He was a Libra, born on October 15, 1931, and his birthplace is Tamil Nadu, India. Kalam was of Indian descent. He was born to a Muslim family as the last child and had four siblings. Although Kalam’s ancestors were wealthy Marakayar traders, he grew up poor because the family lost their wealth in the 1920s. He was a bright and hardworking student with a strong desire to learn. He graduated from Schwartz Higher Secondary School and attended Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, where he graduated with a degree in Physics. As a knowledge-hungry adult, Kalam enrolled in the Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering.

Kalam’s career as a scientist is very extensive. After graduating from Madras Institute of technology in 1960, he joined an aeronautic development organization and designed a small hovercraft. Kalam worked in the INCOSPAR committee under Vikram Sarabhai, and by 1969, he was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (I.S.R.O.). Here, Kalam was the project director, overseeing India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (S.L.V.-III), which deployed the Rohini satellite in orbit in July 1980. By the 1970s, he had directed Project Devil and Project Valiant to develop ballistic missiles. From July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the Defense R&D Organisation. In June 2002, he was nominated to contest for the presidency by India’s National Democratic Alliance party. He won the election, succeeding K. R. Narayanan in office, and got sworn in on July 25, 2002. Kalam was referred to as the people’s president and served for one term.

After his tenure in office, Kalam assumed the role of a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, amongst other colleges. He taught I.T. at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, and technology at Banaras Hindu University. As a successful scientist and beloved president, Kalam was very close to his siblings and extended family. He remained a lifelong bachelor until his death. On July 27, 2015, Kalam died of cardiac arrest five minutes into giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. He left no will and had very few possessions at the time of his death, which went to his eldest brother.

Career timeline

1969
The Indian Space Research Organization

Kalam transfers to this organization and is the project director that oversees the S.L.V.-III launch.

1992
His Chief Scientific Adviser Appointment

Kalam serves in this capacity to the Prime Minister and Secretary of Defense R&D Organisation.

1998
The Kalam-Raju Stent

Kalam and cardiologist Soma Raju design a low-cost coronary stent, naming it after themselves.

2002
His Presidency

Kalam succeeds K. R. Narayanan as India’s 11th president.

Why We Love Abdul Kalam

  1. He contributed to India’s progress

    As a scientist and president, Kalam’s contributions to India are exponential. He executed plans that bettered the country.

  2. He was beloved

    Kalam was an easygoing president who was beloved by his country. India declared a seven-day state mourning period as a mark of respect to him.

  3. He imparted knowledge

    Kalam died teaching. He imparted knowledge to the next generation of leaders.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He sold newspapers

    Kalam sold newspapers as a boy to add to his family’s meager income.

  2. He received India’s highest civilian honor

    Kalam received India’s highest civilian honor known as Bharat Ratna.

  3. He rejected a rapist’s plea

    As India’s president, Kalam had the power to grant pardons or suspend death sentences; however, he ignored the plea of a rapist who was later hanged.

  4. He wanted a second tenure

    Kalam expressed his willingness to consider a second tenure as president but changed his mind and decided not to contest again.

  5. He never owned a television

    Kalam lived a simple life and never had a television.

Abdul Kalam FAQs

What were Abdul Kalam’s last words?

Kalam asked his aide “Funny guy! Are you doing well?” before passing.

Was A.P.J. Abdul Kalam a doctor?

Kalam received seven honorary doctorates, so yes, he was a doctor.

Who is missile man of India?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was known as such.

Abdul Kalam’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 15 Wednesday
2026 October 15 Thursday
2027 October 15 Friday
2028 October 15 Sunday
2029 October 15 Monday