Historical Figure
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
1931–2015
President of India from 2002 to 2007
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"Message to Indian Youth" — 2009
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Biography
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the president of India from 2002 to 2007.
Timeline
The story of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, told in moments.
Joins India's space program at ISRO. He helps design the country's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, which successfully places the Rohini satellite in orbit in 1980.
Led the team that launched India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III. It put the Rohini satellite into orbit. He was called the "Missile Man of India" for his work on ballistic missiles.
Leads the Pokhran-II nuclear tests as chief scientific adviser. Five devices detonated in the Rajasthan desert. India becomes a declared nuclear state. Pakistan tests its own weapons 17 days later.
Played a central role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests as chief scientific advisor. He'd also overseen the Agni and Prithvi missile programs.
Elected 11th President of India with support from both ruling and opposition parties. Known as the "People's President," he answers letters from schoolchildren personally and insists on meeting students at the presidential palace.
Elected the 11th President of India. He was a scientist with no political party. Known as the "People's President," he answered letters from schoolchildren by hand.
Collapses mid-sentence while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He is 83. His last words to the students: "Funny thing, Life is..."
In Their Own Words (40)
"You have to dream before your dreams can come true."
NDTV (27 July 2015 obituary citing his memorable quotes), 2015
"You have to dream before your dreams can come true."
NDTV (27 July 2015 obituary citing his memorable quotes), 2015
Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.
Karthick S (18 June 2012). "Abdul Kalam not to contest presidential poll 2012". The Times of India: Kalam's message to public upon denying to contest Presidential poll 2012., 2012
Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.
Karthick S (18 June 2012). "Abdul Kalam not to contest presidential poll 2012". The Times of India: Kalam's message to public upon denying to contest Presidential poll 2012., 2012
If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.
Arvind Gupta, Mukul Chaturvedi, Akshay Joshi (2004) Security and Diplomacy: Essential Documents. p. 144., 2004
Artifacts (15)
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