APJ Abdul Kalam Images: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen "A. P. J." Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. A career scientist turned reluctant politician, Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organizational, technical, and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974. APJ Abdul Kalam Images: Kalam was elected President of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Indian National Congress. After serving a term of five years, he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Free Stock Photos [1] APJ Abdul Kalam Images [2] Major Contributions of Dr. Kalam: APJ Abdul Kalam's contributions to science, technology, and national development, coupled with his humility and passion for inspiring the youth, have earned him a place of admiration and reverence in the hearts of people across India and the world. Some of his significant contributions include: Kalam played a crucial role in the development of India's ballistic missile and space programs. He was the key figure in the successful development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles, which bolstered India's defence capabilities. As the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the head of the Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Kalam played a pivotal role in India's successful nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998, establishing India as a nuclear power. Kalam was closely associated with India's space research organization, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He advocated and supported the development of various satellite launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Kalam was a visionary leader who articulated the concept of "Vision 2020," a blueprint for transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2020. He emphasized the importance of technology, education, and sustainable development in achieving this goal. Kalam was an inspiration to millions, especially the youth of India. He actively engaged with students and encouraged them to pursue careers in science and technology. His speeches and interactions with students will motivate generations to aim high and work towards a better India. The government of India celebrates APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday as World Student Day on October 15 annually. Also, an island near the coast of Orrisa was renamed APJ Abdul Kalam Island after his death on 4 September 2015. Free Images For Students [3] APJ Abdul Kalam Images [4] Former President of India - Dr. Kalam Free Stock Photos [5]