APJ Abdul Kalam birth anniversary: From newspaper boy to ‘Missile Man’ and ‘People’s President’

On October 15, India commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the esteemed former President, scientist, and engineer, whose influence remains profound. Known as the "People's President," Kalam consistently engaged with students, encouraging them to dream ambitiously and contribute to building a nation as a top destination for talent.

Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1931, Kalam's humble beginnings as a newsboy shaped his early life. Despite his father's limited formal education and wealth, Kalam pursued aerospace engineering at Madras Institute of Technology. His career began at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) before transitioning to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he directed the SLV-III satellite launch vehicle, leading to India's first successful satellite launch.

As project director of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), Kalam steered India's missile development, culminating in the creation of the Agni and Prithvi missile systems, earning him the moniker "Missile Man of India." During his presidency from 2002 to 2007, Kalam's approachable demeanor and commitment to education earned him widespread admiration.

His tenure was marked by his emphasis on national development and inspiring young Indians to pursue innovation and knowledge. Post-presidency, Kalam continued to inspire through his writings and extensive interactions with students, passing away at age 83 while delivering a lecture.