APJ Abdul Kalam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology, he was one of the most beloved figures in Indian history. Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam came from a modest Muslim family. He studied physics and aerospace engineering and joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist. He played a pivotal role in developing India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which led to the development of missiles like Agni and Prithvi. Kalam served as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development. He was appointed as the 11th President of India in 2002, becoming known as the "People's President" for his approachable nature and dedication to education and youth empowerment. After his presidency, Kalam continued to teach and lecture at various institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management and Indian Institute of Technology. He wrote several books, including "Wings of Fire" (his autobiography), "India 2020," and "Ignited Minds," which have inspired millions of young Indians. He passed away on 27 July 2015 while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong, fulfilling his lifelong desire to be among students until the very end.