Essay About APJ Abdul Kalam for Students
Essay About APJ Abdul Kalam for Students
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, better known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was an Indian scientist who worked in aerospace and was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
He is often called the “People’s President” and the “Missile Man of India.”
His inspiring journey from a simple upbringing to becoming the President shows how smart, determined, and dedicated he was to his country.
Early Life and Education
Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a humble family.
His father, Jainulabdeen, owned a boat and was the imam of a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, took care of the home.
Even though they didn’t have much money, Kalam’s parents believed that education was very important.
He started his schooling at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram.
Although he was just an average student, he had a huge curiosity and a strong wish to learn more.
His interest in mathematics and physics led him to pursue a degree in Physics from Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, affiliated with the University of Madras.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Kalam moved to Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) to study Aerospace Engineering.
This move was pivotal in shaping his future career.
During his time at MIT, Kalam developed a deep passion for aeronautics and space science, which would later become the cornerstone of his professional life.
Career in Aerospace and Defense
After graduating from MIT in 1960, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.
His first major project was designing a small helicopter for the Indian Army.
Although the project was ultimately discontinued, it provided Kalam with valuable experience in his field.
In 1969, Kalam was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he served as the project director of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
Under his leadership, the team successfully launched the Rohini satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980, marking India’s entry into the space club.
Kalam’s work at ISRO caught the attention of the government, and he was appointed as the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) in 1983.
The goal of this program was to help India become independent in missile technology.
With Kalam in charge, India created many successful missiles like Agni and Prithvi, which is why he is often called the “Missile Man of India.”
He was honored with several awards for his efforts in boosting India’s defense, such as the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.
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In 2002, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government chose Kalam to run for president.
He won the election by a huge margin and became the 11th President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007.
During his time in office, Kalam was loved for being friendly and for his efforts to connect with young people across the nation.
He focused on promoting education, especially in rural areas, and encouraged students to dream big and help build the country.
His idea of a developed India, which he called “Vision 2020,” inspired many to strive for progress and creativity.
After finishing his term as president, Kalam went back to his love for teaching.
He became a visiting professor at several well-known universities, like the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Shiv Nadar University.
He kept writing, giving talks, and engaging with students, always stressing the importance of knowledge, hard work, and honesty.
Dr. Kalam made a huge impact on science and technology in India.
His efforts in aerospace engineering and missile technology played a big role in making India a nuclear power and a strong player in space exploration.
Some of his important achievements are:
– Creating India’s first homegrown Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III)
– Leading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
– Developing lightweight braces for polio patients
– Contributing to India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
Kalam was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including his autobiography “Wings of Fire,” which inspired millions of readers worldwide.
His other notable works include “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium,” “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India,” and “Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges.“
Kalam’s ideas were based on the strong belief that knowledge can set people free.
He always highlighted how important education, creativity, and being self-sufficient are for a country to grow.
His dream for India wasn’t just about technology; it also included improving society and the economy.
He often talked about wanting India to be fully developed by 2020 and pointed out five key areas that needed attention:
agriculture and food processing, education and healthcare, information and communication technology, building better infrastructure, and being self-reliant in important technologies.
Kalam thought that young people were the key to a nation’s success.
He loved talking to students, motivating them to aim high and put in the effort to reach their dreams.
His talent for connecting with young people and encouraging them to think outside the box made him a unique leader and mentor.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s influence goes way beyond just his work in science and his time as president.
He inspires millions of people in India, especially young folks, who look up to him as a role model for what can be accomplished with hard work, determination, and a love for the country.
His work in India’s defense and space programs helped build the strong foundation that the country has today.
The missiles and satellite launch vehicles he was involved with are still important for India’s defense and space missions.
Kalam also focused on education and innovation, which has led to many new programs in schools across India.
His ideas are now part of many school lessons, encouraging students to think creatively and explore science.
His dream of a better India still shapes government policies and discussions today.
The “Vision 2020” plan has been taken up by different groups, both in the government and private sectors, to speed up India’s growth.
Even while being president, Kalam lived a simple life and showed humility and honesty, setting a high standard for public service in India.
His life teaches us that you can achieve great things without giving up your values and principles.
Challenges and Criticisms
Even though Kalam achieved a lot and was very popular, he did have some critics.
Some people thought his ideas for India were too hopeful and didn’t really tackle the tough social and economic problems the country faced.
Others were not happy with his role in India’s nuclear program, believing it added to problems in the region.
During his time as president, he also faced criticism for how he dealt with some constitutional issues, especially when he decided to dissolve the Bihar Assembly in 2005, a move that the Supreme Court later reversed.
Still, these criticisms didn’t really change how most people in India viewed him. His honesty, commitment to the country, and ability to motivate others were still widely admired.
Final Years and Lasting Memory
APJ Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.
He was doing what he loved most—teaching and inspiring young people—right up until the end.
His passing was deeply felt across India and beyond. The Indian government observed a seven-day mourning period, and he received a state funeral with full military honors.
Today, people remember Kalam not just as a scientist or a president, but as a visionary who dreamed of a strong and self-sufficient India.
His life story continues to motivate millions, showing that with hard work and determination, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to achieve great things.
Final thoughts:
To sum it up, APJ Abdul Kalam’s path from a tiny town in Tamil Nadu to becoming the President of India in New Delhi is a tale of intelligence, hard work, and a strong dedication to improving the country.
His work in science and technology, along with his inspiring leadership and ability to motivate young people, has made a lasting impact on India.
As the country moves closer to being fully developed, the values and dreams of the “People’s President” still guide us toward a brighter future.
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