Birth Anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam | 16 Oct 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu honoured former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary.

What are the Key Facts of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam? 

• About:  
  • Born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. 
  • He planned programmes to produce a number of successful missiles, which helped earn him the nickname “Missile Man of India”. 
  • He was sworn in as India’s 11th President in 2002 and completed the full term in 2007. 
• Awards Received: 
  • He was awarded the coveted civilian awards - Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). 
  • Dr. Kalam, a renowned Indian scientist, holds honorary doctorates from 48 universities and institutions in India and internationally. 
• Literary Works: 
  • Wings of Fire  
  • India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium  
  • My journey and Ignited Minds-Unleashing the power within India 
  • Indomitable Spirit  
• Contributions: 
  • Pioneer in Fiberglass Technology: He was a pioneer in fibreglass technology and led a young team to initiate this effort in ISRO. 
  • Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3): As Project Director, he played a key role in developing India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), which successfully launched the Rohini satellite into orbit in July 1980, marking India's entry into the Space Club. 
  • Indigenous Guided Missiles: He was the Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) 
    • He led the weaponization of strategic missile systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy. 
  • APJ Abdul Kalam witnessed the country's first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, and later directed Project Devil and Project Valiant -- efforts to develop ballistic missiles from the technology of the successful SLV programme. 
  • Technology Vision 2020: In 1998, he proposed Technology Vision 2020, a national plan aimed at transforming India from a developing to a developed nation within 20 years. 
  • Medical and Healthcare: APJ Abdul Kalam, in collaboration with cardiologist B. Soma Raju, developed the affordable ‘Kalam-Raju Stent’ for coronary heart disease, making healthcare more accessible.

Read More: President of India, Presidential Election, Top 10 ISRO Missions