Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Former
President of India Biography
Full Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
Popular Name: APJ Abdul Kalam
Date of Birth: October 15, 1931
Place of Birth: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, British India
Date of Death: July 27, 2015 (aged 83)
Place of Death : Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Aerospace Scientist, Author, Professor, Former President of India
Religion: Islam
Known As: "Missile Man of India", "People's President"
Dr. Kalam was one of India's most beloved scientists and leaders. He played a pivotal role in India's missile and nuclear programs and later served as the 11th President of India (2002–2007).
Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight: Approx. 60 kg (132 lbs)
Schooling: Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Ramanathapuram
Bachelor's Degree: B.Sc. in Physics – St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli (1954)
Engineering: Aerospace Engineering – Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai
He was a brilliant student known for his discipline and curiosity in science from a young age.
Family
Father: Jainulabdeen Marakayar – Boat owner and imam
Mother: Ashiamma Jainulabudeen – Homemaker
Siblings: 4 elder brothers and 1 sister
Marital Status: Unmarried
Children: none
Kalam remained a bachelor throughout his life and lived a simple, humble lifestyle.
Career
Scientific Career:
Worked at DRDO
(Defence Research and Development Organization) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
Key architect of India's missile development programs – Agni and Prithvi
Played an important role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998
Known as the Missile Man of India
Presidency:
Served as the 11th President of India (2002–2007)
Widely known as the “People's President” for his accessibility, humility, and vision
Post-presidency, he continued teaching, writing, and inspiring youth.
Author:
Wrote several inspirational books including:
Wings of Fire (autobiography)
Ignited Minds
india 2020
mission india
Turning Points
Net Worth
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam led a simple and modest life .
Estimated Net Worth:
Less than ₹1 crore at the time of his death
He did not accumulate wealth , donated much of his earnings to charities, and lived in government-provided housing during his presidency.
Awards & Honours
Awarded with Padma Bhushan in
1981
Padma Vibhushan –
1990
Bharat Ratna –
1997 (India's highest civilian honor)
King Charles II Medal – UK Royal Society (2007)
Von Braun Award –
National Space Society (USA)
Honorary doctorates
from over 40 universities worldwide
Numerous institutions, programs, and fellowships in India and abroad are named in his honor.
Summary
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was not just a brilliant scientist and President but a guiding light for millions of Indians. Revered for his humility, intellect, and deep love for India's youth and development, his life continues to inspire generations. He passed away doing what he loved — delivering a lecture to student
