Essay : Dr APJ Abdul Kalam - Missile Man of India

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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam - Missile Man of India

Overview

• Known as 'Missile Man' of India. 
• Family profile and educational life.
• Joined DRDO, then transferred to ISRO. 
• Awarded with many honours. 
• Became the 11th President of India. 
• Wrote many remarkable books. 
• Always remembered for his ideals.

"Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy the success".

APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly known as 'Missile Man' rose to the height of being the first citizen of India, the President of India. He was the architect of India's integrated missile development programme and a recipient of the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. He is a rare example of honesty and social contributor in today's world, where most of the people are engulfed by mediocrity, hypocrisy, corruption. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15th October, 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His father, Jainulabdeen was a boat owner and Imam of a local mosque and his mother, Ashiamma was a house maker Kalam was youngest of all in his siblings. In his early years of school, Kalam was an average student but a determined and hardworking one.

After completing his schooling from Schwartz Higher Secondary School, he earned a graduation degree in physics from Saint Josephs' College in 1954. He moved to Madras in 1955 to study aerospace engineering. In 1960, Kalam joined Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) but he was unconvinced with his choice of a job at DRDO. After nine years, in 1969, he was transferred to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he directed the creation of India's First Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-111) which successfully deployed the `Rohini' satellite in July 1980.


With great success in his various endeavours, like directing projects to develop ballistic missiles, creation of polar satellite launching vehicle and advance missile programmes', Kalam was the best known nuclear scientist termed as 'The Missile Man of India' for his work When the developed countries, the superpowers, stuffed with arrogance because of the unmatching might they possess, jeered at our country, struggling to arrange basic needs of the people and depending for arms on them, to defend its sovereignty, Dr Kalam, rallied the intelligentsia and scientists together to realise the ambition of Integrated Guided Missile Programme. His contribution in development of scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India brought him prestige, laureate honours and awards. He was bestowed with honours like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna, Veer Savarkar Award and many more. Despite being awarded with honorary doctorates from over 40 universities, national and international awards Kalam lead a very simple life. He was noted for integrity and position influential attitude.

In 2002, Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India with support of both the ruling parties, Bhartiya Janta Party and Indian National Congress. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, widely referred to as 'The peoples President' is known for his zest for life and pursuits that might make other scientists astonished. He believed, "If you want to shine like a Sun. First burn like a Sun". Because "Without your involvement, you can't succeed. Without your involvement you can't fail". Avoracious reader, a lover of classical music and a poet of Tamil literature, a great scientist, a religiously theist personality and what not, he can be termed as an ideal person of our time.

A leading columnist wrote about Dr Kalam that "India needs a Kalam in every Institution". In his literary pursuit, Dr Kalam has authored and co-authored many books, such as 'Wings of Fire', '2020-A Vision for the New Millennium', `My Journey', 'Ignited Minds, 'The Luminous Sparks', 'The Life Tree', 'Children Ask Kalam', 'Indomitable Spirit', 'Inspiring Thoughts', 'Envisioning an Empowered Nation', 'Mission India'. Many of these have become household names in India and among the Indian nationals abroad. These books have been translated in many Indian languages.

Dr Kalam (aged 83) passed away on 27th July, 2015 while delivering a lecture at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, due to an apparent cardiac arrest. He was cremated with full states honours in his hometown, Rameswaram where a memorial is being constructed in his honour. Dr Kalam is known for his motivational speeches and interaction with the student community in India. Some of the inspiring quotes by him are :

"We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilisational heritage." "Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career." India is indebted to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in uncountable ways and proud of such a brilliant personality..

Difficult Words with Meanings :

• Engulfed enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
• Mediocrity ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not outstanding
• Hypocrisy insincerity by virtue or pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have
• Endeavours to seriously or continually try to do
• Intelligentsia a group of intelligent and well educated people who guide or try to guide the political or social development of their society
• Bestowed to give (something) as a gift or honour
• Zest lively excitement
• Pursuits striving towards

shared by Nisheeta Mirchandani

 

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