Recently, the 90th birth anniversary of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, was observed, with tributes paid by the Prime Minister. Born on 15th October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam, often referred to as the “Missile Man of India”, is remembered for his significant contributions to Indian science and technology.
Early Life and Education
Dr Kalam’s journey began in a humble setting. His birthday is now celebrated worldwide as National Innovation Day and World Students’ Day. After graduating in Science from St Joseph’s College, Trichy, in 1954, he pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) three years later.
Distinguished Career and Honours
Kalam was a distinguished face in Indian science and technology, his works earned him honorary doctorates from 48 universities and institutions across the globe. His most notable achievement came in 2002 when he served as India’s 11th President until 2007. Known for his missile programmes, he rightfully earned the nickname “Missile Man of India”.
Awards and Literary Works
Kalam was recognized for his contribution to the nation with prestigious civilian awards including the Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and finally, Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 1997. He also authored multiple books like “Wings of Fire”, “India 2020 – A Vision for the New Millennium”, “My journey” and “Ignited Minds – Unleashing the power within India”. He passed away on 27th July 2015 in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Dr Kalam’s Significant Contributions to Science and Technology
Dr Kalam worked as a pioneer in Fiberglass Technology at the ISRO, where he led a young team in composite rocket motor cases production. He was instrumental in developing India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), placing India in an exclusive club of nations with space capabilities. He also contributed significantly to the evolution of ISRO’s launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration.
Nuclear Power and Guided Missiles
After two decades at ISRO, Dr Kalam shifted to DRDO where he undertook the responsibility of developing Indigenous Guided Missiles. He was the Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and played a crucial role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests, making India a nuclear weapon State.
Technology Vision 2020 and Healthcare Innovation
In 1998, Dr Kalam proposed a blueprint called Technology Vision 2020 for transforming India from a less-developed to a developed nation by 2020. He emphasised enhancing agricultural productivity, using technology as a growth driver, and improving access to healthcare and education. In collaboration with cardiologist B. Soma Raju, he designed a cost-effective coronary stent, ‘Kalam-Raju-Stent’, which drastically lowered the price of imported stents in India.
Avionics and Rural Development
Dr Kalam’s contributions were not limited to just aeronautics, missiles, and healthcare; he significantly contributed to rural development through projects like Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA). His first project in aeronautics led him to design India’s first indigenous hovercraft ‘Nandi’. Dr Kalam was also associated with the Light Combat Aircraft project and became the first Indian Head of State to fly a fighter plane.
World Knowledge Platform and Other Contributions
Dr Kalam proposed the concept of the World Knowledge Platform, an idea to synergise organisations’ core competencies and nations to create solutions and products for 21st-century challenges. His teachings and philosophies have been significantly impactful, reflecting in quotes such as, “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” He has left an indelible mark on the nation and the world with his vision and contributions to science and technology.