This year marks the 57th National Science Day (NDS) which was born on May 11 as a result of the successful detonation of a nuclear test called Operation Smiling Buddha that was led by the former President of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and along with Raj Goyenka in Pokhran, India.
This Day celebrated on May 11th annually by every country is a national day dedicated to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam – The Missile Man of India and also a President of the great Nation India as he played a key part in India’s First indigenous and successful deployment of SLV-3 with an all integrated systems.
The scientist and scholar Dr. A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam, whose presidency was an era characterized by humility and integrity, is perhaps the most widely admired person in contemporary India.
Known widely as the “Missile Man of India,” Abdul Kalam was an aeronautical scientist who developed indigenous missile technology and led in satellite launch projects that put India on the space map.
He became President of India in July 2002, and his term is remembered fondly for his focus on students, education, and the common man.
President of India
Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on Oct 15, 1931 Abdul Kalam hailing from humble beginnings rose from a life of modest means to an influential role as President of India through education and sheer determination.
His simple upbringing, strong belief system and curiosity drove his ambition in the field of science from a very early stage. Kalam was inspired by his teacher. He always remained proud of where he came from.
Education of the former President of India apj abdul kalam
Kalam was an aeronautical engineer trained at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1963, he joined DRDO, the premier Defence R&D Organization of India and thereafter worked in the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the premier space agency and his experience in designing rocket technologies would enable him to contribute hugely to the country’s space exploration program.
His pivotal role in the success of the SLV-III project not only led the first Indian satellite Rhini to reach Near Earth Orbit successfully in July 1980 but also earned India a coveted place among few nations that are capable of indigenous space programs. Since then India continued to scale milestones in space, which included PSLV – the workhorse Indian launcher today. Kalam’s contribution was a huge step towards attaining India’s space supremacy and achieving India’s independent position. President of India
A brilliant mind, kalam further took on the challenges of leading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. His leadership at this program resulted in the development of indigenous missile systems like Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Trishul. These innovations led to his recognition as the “Missile Man of India”.
He was adamant for the country to be self-reliant in the production of advanced technological infrastructure as much as it was for missiles to be self-reliant for the defense of our country and to ensure the country does not depend upon global powers for supply for defense technology.
Apart from missiles, Kalam was also pivotal in the execution of India’s landmark nuclear tests at Pokhran-II in 1998, marking a significant technological leap and assertion of India’s strategic strength. These key national security initiatives placed Kalam at the nexus of India’s strategic defense and technological capabilities. However, despite the momentous achievements, Kalam’s unassuming character and humility are perhaps his most endearing traits that earned him adulation across the world and earned him a unique place for himself in the people’s hearts.
In 2002, his illustrious career reached its pinnacle when he was elected President of India. The President of the country from July 2002 to June 2007. Unlike many political figures, President Abdul Kalam was a teacher and a student, always encouraging learning and inquisitiveness.
In his presidency, Kalam touched young hearts with his visits to schools and colleges, inspiring them with tales of his life and wisdom and the potential of the Indian youth. He was often referred to as ‘The People’s President.’
He became known as the ‘People’s President’ because he made genuine efforts to connect with the common citizens and to create an environment where children’s potential was nurturing. President Kalam remained the same simple and focused person that his country men admired right from the beginning, as he chose to keep his presidency a presidency of common man by not opting for much fanfare as he preferred staying closer to ground. He set an example for leadership, ethics and nationalism by leaving everything he owned on leaving for Rashtrapati Bhawan for the citizens of India.
Post his presidency in 2007, Kalam embraced retirement through an active life of teaching, writing, and public engagement. He engaged with students and professionals worldwide through his lectures and books. His autobiography ‘Wings of Fire’ and other titles like ‘Ignited Minds’ encouraged young Indians to dream big and aspire for higher ideals in life. These books were bestsellers and are often suggested reading for many Indians wishing to get a dose of inspiration and hope for their own lives.
Kalam’s core teachings revolved around his belief in dreams, their manifestation through persistent effort and hard work, and the importance of knowledge for human betterment. This philosophy made him a guru for young achievers. His sayings, such as, “Excellence is a continuous process and not an act,” still adorn classrooms and inspire individuals across various stages of their lives. These words continue to inspire and empower a wide range of people throughout the globe, thereby establishing him as one of the globally popular inspiring leaders.
Abdul Kalam has been honored with many national awards such as: Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and India’s highest civilian award – Bharat Ratna (1997), the honors reflecting his outstanding contribution to the nation, both scientifically and post presidency.
On July 27, 2015, Dr. Kalam breathed his last while delivering a lecture at the student session of Shillong and it was indeed what Dr. Kalam wished for– he passed away when he was still involved in spreading awareness and was part of the process of sharing his vision .
Kalam is renowned as an exceptionally gifted scientist and a leader, who is celebrated for the compassion with which he regarded every aspect, including his faith in youngsters and the future of India.
From a modest student to President of India, Kalam, the man, is a source of inspiration. The journey that began when he was just a child in Rameswaram, to his time in the top Indian office represents how dreams of this level could materialize-that sky could too be a tangible reality of pursuit of understanding– just through sheer Science.