President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid floral tributes to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The President is visiting the city to attend the National SARAS Mela.
Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was one of India’s most distinguished scientists and played a significant role in the country’s space and defence programmes. He served as the 11th President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007.
Dr Kalam graduated in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology. As Project Director, he made a significant contribution to the development of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV-III, which successfully placed the Rohini satellite into near-Earth orbit in July 1980. He also contributed to the evolution of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s launch vehicle programme, particularly the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle configuration.
After working with ISRO for around two decades, Dr Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), where he led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. He played a key role in the development and operationalisation of the Agni and Prithvi missile systems, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
From July 1992 to December 1999, he served as Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development. During this period, he contributed to the development of strategic missile systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy. He also supported efforts to promote self-reliance in defence technologies, including projects such as the Light Combat Aircraft.
Dr Kalam received several prestigious honours during his lifetime, including the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997. He was also conferred honorary doctorates by 30 universities and institutions.
Beyond science and public service, Dr Kalam inspired generations through his writings and vision for India’s development. His books, including Wings of Fire, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, My Journey and Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India, have been widely read in India and abroad and translated into several Indian languages.
As President, Dr Kalam emphasised transforming India into a developed nation by 2020. Remembered as the “People’s President”, he continues to be recognised for his contributions to science, education and national development.
