Essay on apj Abdul Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – The People’s President
Introduction
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was one of India’s most loved and respected personalities. He was a great scientist, teacher, and also the President of India. People called him the Missile Man of India because of his work in developing missiles and rockets. He was also known as the People’s President because of his simple nature and love for the public, especially students. His life is an example of how hard work, honesty, and dedication can help anyone achieve success, no matter where they come from.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in a small town called Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner and also worked at a mosque, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. The family was not rich, but they were honest and kind. Kalam grew up with strong values of discipline, faith, and hard work.
As a child, Kalam was very curious and always wanted to learn new things. He used to sell newspapers after school to help his family. Even though he was not a top student at first, he worked very hard and loved studying science and mathematics. He completed his schooling in Rameswaram and went on to study physics at St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli. Later, he joined the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) to study aerospace engineering, where he developed a dream of flying and working with aircraft.
Career as a Scientist
After finishing his studies, Dr. Kalam started working as a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. Later, in 1969, he joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). There, he played a major role in making India’s first rocket called the SLV-III (Satellite Launch Vehicle), which successfully launched the Rohini satellite into space in 1980. This was a proud moment for India and for Dr. Kalam.
Later, he returned to DRDO and became the head of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Under his leadership, India developed many successful missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and Nag. These developments made India stronger in defense technology and earned him the title “Missile Man of India.”
In 1998, Dr. Kalam also played an important role in India’s nuclear tests at Pokhran, which made India a nuclear power. His hard work and leadership in science and defense made him one of the most respected scientists in the world.
President of India
In 2002, Dr. Kalam became the 11th President of India. He was supported by both major political parties, which showed how respected he was by everyone. During his time as President, he was loved by people from all walks of life. He was humble, honest, and always smiling. He often met students and encouraged them to study well and follow their dreams.
Dr. Kalam believed that young people were the future of India. He wanted them to think big and work hard to make India a developed nation. He called his dream “Vision 2020,” which was a plan to make India strong and self-reliant by the year 2020.
Even as President, he lived a simple life. He didn’t own a house or many personal belongings. After his term ended in 2007, he chose to go back to teaching instead of joining politics. He said that teaching was his true passion.
His Vision and Beliefs
Dr. Kalam always believed in the power of dreams. One of his most famous quotes is:
“Dream is not the thing you see in sleep, but it is the thing that doesn’t let you sleep.”
He taught that dreams give us the strength to work harder and achieve success. He also believed that education is the most powerful tool to change a person’s life. He respected teachers and always said that good teachers help build a strong nation.
Dr. Kalam believed that science and spirituality could work together. He was deeply spiritual and often read both the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita. He lived a simple, disciplined life and never cared about money or fame. His only goal was to serve his country and its people.
Books and Writings
Dr. Kalam loved writing and wrote many books to inspire others. His most famous book is “Wings of Fire,” which tells the story of his life — from his childhood in Rameswaram to his success as a scientist. The book has motivated millions of readers across India and the world.
Some of his other popular books include “Ignited Minds,” “My Journey,” “India 2020,” and “Indomitable Spirit.” In these books, he shared his ideas about education, youth, and how India can become a great nation. His simple words and powerful thoughts continue to inspire readers of all ages.
Awards and Achievements
Dr. Kalam received many awards and honors during his lifetime. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1997 — India’s highest civilian award. He also received honorary doctorates from many universities in India and abroad.
These awards were a recognition of his tireless work for science, technology, and education. But Dr. Kalam always remained humble and said that his greatest reward was seeing young people inspired by his work.
Death and Legacy
Dr. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong. Even at the age of 83, he was working and doing what he loved most — teaching students. His sudden death shocked the entire nation, and people from all over the world mourned his loss.
Though he is no longer with us, his teachings and ideas continue to live on. Schools, awards, and programs have been started in his memory. His birthday, October 15, is celebrated as World Students’ Day to honor his love for students and education.
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