Abdul Kalam
11th President of India
In office July 25, 2002 – July 25, 2007
Vice President	Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Preceded by	K. R. Narayanan
Succeeded by	Pratibha Patil
Born	October 15, 1931 (1931-10-15) (age 76)[1] Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, Madras Presidency,
Political party	Not affiliated
Spouse	Single; Never married
Religion	Sunni Islam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (Tamil: அவுல் பகீர் ஜைனுலாப்தீன் அப்துல் கலாம்) (Hindi: अवुल पकिर जैनुलाअबदीन अब्दुल कलाम) born October 15, 1931, Tamil Nadu, India, usually referred as Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam^ , was the eleventh President of India, serving from 2002 to 2007.^[2] A distinguished engineer, he is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work and is considered a progressive mentor, innovator and visionary in India. He is also popularly known as the People's President. His term as president ended on July 25, 2007. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 286 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (687 × 1439 pixel, file size: 553 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The President of India (Hindi: Rashtrapati) is the head of state and first citizen of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Kocheril Raman Narayanan (Malayalam: കോച്ചേരില്‍ രാമന്‍ നാരായണന്‍; 4 February 1921 — 9 November 2005), also known as K. R. Narayanan, was the tenth President of the Republic of India. ... Pratibha Patil (Marathi: प्रतिभा पाटील) (born December 19, 1934) is the 12th and current President of India. ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Confluence Dhanushkodi is a city at the southern tip of the Rameswaram island, at the eastern coast of the Tamil Nadu state of India. ... This article is about temple town. ... Madras Presidency, also known as Madras Province and known officially as Presidency of Fort St. ... In relationships, a single person is one who is not married, or, more broadly, who is not in an exclusive romantic relationship. ... A bachelor is a man above the age of majority who has never been married (see single). ... Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam. ... Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ... Hindi (हिन्दी) is a language spoken mainly in North and Central India. ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... Indian names are based on a variety of systems and naming conventions, which vary from region to region. ... The President of India (Hindi: Rashtrapati) is the head of state and first citizen of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. ... Look up engineer in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Scientific progress is the idea that scientific knowledge accumulates and refines through either the application of a scientific method, or some more haphazard heuristic. ...

Honors

He has received honorary doctorates from as many as thirty universities .^[3] The Government of India has honored him with the nation's highest civilian honors: the Padma Bhushan in 1981; Padma Vibhushan in 1990; and the Bharat Ratna in 1997. The Government of India (Hindi: भारत सरकार [1]Bhārat Sarkār), officially referred to as the Union Government, and commonly as Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of a federal union of 28 states and 7 union territories, collectively called the Republic of... The Padma Bhushan is an Indian civilian decoration established on January 2, 1954 by the President of India. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ...

Kalam is the Fourth President of India to have been honoured with a Bharat Ratna before being elected to the highest office, the other three being Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ,V. V. Giri and Zakir Hussain. He is also the first scientist and first bachelor to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan. Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. ... Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ,Tamil:(சர்வேபள்ளி ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்), (September 5, 1888 – April 17, 1975), was a philosopher and statesman. ... Varahagiri Venkata Giri (August 10, 1894 - June 23, 1980), commonly known as V. V. Giri, was the fourth president of the Republic of India (August 24, 1969 - August 23, 1974). ... Dr Zakir Husain (February 8, 1897 - May 3, 1969) was the third President of India from May 13, 1967 until his death. ... Immediately in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Jaipur Column, topped by a star. ...

Referred to as the "People's President", Kalam is often considered amongst India's greatest presidents, going on to win a poll conducted by news channel CNN-IBN for India's Best President. CNN-IBN is an English language Indian TV news channel. ...

In October 2007, Kalam received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Wolverhampton.^[4] The University of Wolverhampton is a British university, located on four campuses across the West Midlands and Shropshire. ...

Political views

Kalam's probable views on certain issues have been espoused by him in his book India 2020 where he strongly advocates an action plan to develop India into a knowledge superpower and into a developed nation by the year 2020. Kalam is credited with the view that India ought to take a more assertive stance in international relations; he regards his work on India's nuclear weapons program as a way to assert India's place as a future superpower. This article is about powerful states. ... A developed country is a country that is technologically advanced and that enjoys a relatively high standard of living. ... 2020 (MMXX) will be a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The mushroom cloud of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, 1945, rose some 18 kilometers (11 mi) above the hypocenter A nuclear weapon derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions of fusion or fission. ... This article is about powerful states. ...

Kalam continues to take an active interest in other developments in the field of science and technology as well. He has proposed a research programme for developing bio-implants. He is a supporter of Open source software over proprietary solutions and believes that the use of open source software on a large scale will bring more people the benefits of information technology. A Bio-implant may be defined as Artificial organic material that can be surgically implanted into a persons body to replace damaged tissue [1]. The common areas of application include orthopedic (especially maxillofacial) reconstructive Prosthesis, cardiac prostheses (artificial Heart_valves like Chitra heart valve), Skin and Cornea. ... Open source refers to projects that are open to the public and which draw on other projects that are freely available to the general public. ... Computer software (or simply software) refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of a computer for some purpose. ... Information and communication technology spending in 2005 Information technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. ...

Kalam's belief in the power of science to resolve society's problems and his views of these problems as a result of inefficient distribution of resources is modernistic. He also sees science and technology as ideology-free areas and emphasizes the cultivation of scientific temper and entrepreneurial drive. In this, he finds a lot of support among India's new business leaders like the founders of Infosys and Wipro, (leading Indian IT corporations) who began their careers as technology professionals much in the same way Kalam did. A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor demonstrates the Meissner effect. ... A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor demonstrates the Meissner effect. ... Infosys Software Development Center in Pune. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Wipro Technologies. ...

His views on issues of peace and weapons seem to be contradictory. On close examination of his thoughts it looks practical. He is quoted as follows

In the 3,000-year history of India, barring 600 years, the country has been ruled by others. If you need development, the country should witness peace and peace is ensured by strength. Missiles were developed to strengthen the country.[[1]]

Personal life

APJ Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 in a middle-class family in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, a town well-known for its Hindu shrines. His mother tongue is Tamil. His father, a devout Muslim, owned boats which he rented out to local fishermen and was a good friend of Hindu religious leaders and the school teachers at Rameshwaram. APJ Abdul Kalam mentions in his biography that to support his studies, he started his career as a newspaper vendor. This was also told in the book, A Boy and His Dream: Three Stories from the Childhood of Abdul Kalam by Vinita Krishna. The house Kalam was born in can still be found on the Mosque street at Rameswaram, and his brother's curio shop abuts it. This has become a point-of-call for tourists who seek out the place. Kalam grew up in an intimate relationship with nature, and he says in Wings of Fire that he never could imagine that water could be so powerful a destroying force as that he witnessed when he was six. That was in 1934 when a cyclonic storm swept away the Pamban bridge and a trainload of passengers with it and also Kalam's native village, Dhanushkodi. Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Rameswaram is a town in the southern part of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. ... Tamil ( ; IPA ) is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities of speakers in many other countries. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam (1999) is an autobiography of A P J Abdul Kalam, ex-President of India. ...

Kalam observes strict personal discipline, vegetarianism, teetotalism and celibacy. Kalam is a scholar of Thirukkural; in most of his speeches, he quotes at least one kural. Kalam has written several inspirational books, most notably his autobiography Wings of Fire, aimed at motivating Indian youth. Another of his books, Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life reveals his spiritual side. He has written poems in Tamil as well. It has been reported that there is considerable demand in South Korea for translated versions of books authored by him. ^[5]. A variety of vegetarian food ingredients Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, and slaughter by-products. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Celibacy refers either to being unmarried or to sexual abstinence. ... Tiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari Tirukkural (திருக்குறள் in Tamil) is an important work of Tamil literature by Tiruvalluvar written in the form of couplets expounding various aspects of life. ... Kural is one of the most important forms of traditional Tamil poetry. ... Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam (1999) is an autobiography of A P J Abdul Kalam, ex-President of India. ...

Dr. Kalam visited the Carnegie Mellon campus on October 16th, 2007 where he spoke in front of numerous students and faculty regarding the role of science and the view of India in the future. He received an honorary doctorate from the university. Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ...

Kalam as an Engineer

Abdul Kalam graduated from Madras Institute of Technology majoring in Aeronautical Engineering. He, as the Project Director, made significant contributions to the development of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). He, as Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), also played major part in developing many missiles of India including Agni and Prithvi. He was the Chief Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development from July 1992 to December 1999. Pokhran-II nuclear tests were conducted during this period, led by him. Madras Institute of Technology. ... An Agni-II on a road-mobile launcher displayed at the Republic Day Parade 2004 (Photo: Antônio Milena/ABr) The Agni missile (named after Agni, the god of fire) is an IRBM developed under the IGMDP by India. ... Prithvi is the short range ballistic missile developed by India under the IGMDP. It has a range of upto 150 to 300 km with variants for Land and Sea/Sub-Surface roles (Dhanush (Bow)) targeting surface targets. ... The Hydrogen Bomb detonated by India during Operation Shakti Pokharan-II refers to test explosions of five nuclear devices, three on 11 May and two on 13 May 1998, conducted by India at the Pokhran test range. ...

See also

• Pokhran-II

The Hydrogen Bomb detonated by India during Operation Shakti Pokharan-II refers to test explosions of five nuclear devices, three on 11 May and two on 13 May 1998, conducted by India at the Pokhran test range. ...

References

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Abdul Kalam

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ...

Books

• India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Y.S. Rajan (Penguin Books India, 2003) ISBN 0-14-027833-8
• India-my-dream by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Excel Books, 2004) ISBN 81-7446-350-X
• Envisioning an Empowered Nation: Technology for Societal Transformation by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam (TATA McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd, 2004) ISBN 0-07-053154-4
• Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Arun K Tiwari, (Ocean Books, 2005) ISBN 81-88322-73-3
• Children Ask Kalam by A.P.J Abdul Kalam (Pearson Education) ISBN 81-7758-245-3
• Biographies and Autobiographies
  • Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam by A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari (Orient Longman, 1999) ISBN 81-7371-146-1
  • Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Penguin Books, 2003) ISBN 0-14-302982-7
  • Scientist to President by Abdul A.P.J. Kalam (Gyan Publishing House, 2003) ISBN 81-212-0807-6
  • Eternal Quest: Life and Times of Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam by S. Chandra (Pentagon Publishers, 2002) ISBN 81-86830-55-3
  • President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam by R. K. Pruthi (Anmol Publications, 2002) ISBN 81-261-1344-8
  • A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: The Visionary of India' by K. Bhushan, G. Katyal (A.P.H. Pub. Corp, 2002) ISBN 81-7648-380-X
  • kalAM mEShTru, ಕಲಾಂ ಮೇಷ್ಟ್ರು.  : The Life sketch of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam : A Story of, President , Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, as told to the Children of India, with interesting anecdotes, and Photos, in Kannada Language, By Prof. Shri. H. R. Ramakrishna Rao, Published by the Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara, BeMgaLUrU, Karnataka. ISBN : 81-7713-199-0, 1,000 Copies.

Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam (1999) is an autobiography of A P J Abdul Kalam, ex-President of India. ... Ignited Minds Ignited Minds is a book written by A P J Abdul Kalam, presently the President of India. ...

External links

• Abdul Kalam's website
• Website Dedicated to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
• Archived Website of Dr APJ AbdulKalam - Former President of India
• Rediff Page
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's Biography
• BBC News article on his election
• Frontline article on the Presidential Race and Kalam's election
• Review of "Wings of Fire" - Kalam's autobiography
• President Abdul Kalam's sortie in a SU-30MKI, journey in a submarine and the visit to Siachin battle field @ IBNlive.com
• Abdul Kalam - One Hundred Tamils of 20th Century
• I have three visions for India - Kalam's famous speech that is still passed by chain emails
• Kalam's famous "Nobility in Leadership" Speech in Online Video
• Link to the Audiobook - Wings of fire

v • d • e Presidents of India
Rajendra Prasad • Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan • Zakir Hussain • V. V. Giri • Muhammad Hidayat Ullah • V. V. Giri • Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed • Basappa Danappa Jatti • Neelam Sanjiva Reddy • Zail Singh • R. Venkataraman • Shankar Dayal Sharma • K. R. Narayanan • Abdul Kalam • Pratibha Patil