Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is no more. A great scientist who decked the throne of President of India, above all a great human being passed away today – 27th July 2015, at Shillong. His passion for work and spreading knowledge was alive till his last breath. Dr. Kalam died while he was still delivering a lecture.
Dr. Kalam was born in Rameshwaram in a poor family and had to work from a very early age to support the family income. He graduated in Physics and continued his education with Aerospace Engineering. Though Kalam’s passion was to work as Fighter Pilot, he missed it and started working in DRDO and later shifted to ISRO. His first recognition came when he successfully developed SLV III which launched Rohini.
He was elected as the 11th President of India, the highest post anybody can attain. During his position as President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was keener on interacting with students, delivering lectures and promoting education. He was fond of children and always mixed with them freely and happily. His humanitarian thinking earned him the title People’s President. His contribution towards science and research earned him the title the Missile Man of India.
After completing 5 successful years as President he opted not to contest again and took to his passionate field – Teaching. He worked as Visiting Professor at IIM, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Indore.
He was a positive force and advocated education. He imbibed interest in science amongst children through his lectures. He was a great visionary and had plans to develop India by the year 2020 which he has explained in his book India 2020. His great contribution towards science and nation was honored with Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna Awards among many others honors.
Though he ascended the highest post of India as President, he was known for his simplicity. Everybody who has met him has some extraordinary experience with Dr. Kalam. India lost a great visionary, scientist and a human being.
