He loved mathematics and spent hours studying the subject. He was an average student during his school, but possessed a strong desire to learn and was very hard working. In order to add to the family’s income, Kalam had to sell newspapers during his early years. Though, the family was not financially affluent yet all the children were raised in an atmosphere that was full of love and compassion. He was the youngest in the family with four elder brothers and a sister. His mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife and his father, Jainulabdeen, was an imam of a local mosque and a boat owner. He was laid to rest with full state-honours and his funeral was attended by thousands of people including national-level dignitaries.ĪPJ Abdul Kalam was born into a poor Tamil Muslim family in the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on October 15, 1931. He left for the heavenly abode on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. For his achievements and contributions as a scientist, he was honoured with the ‘Bharat Ratan Award,’ India’s highest civilian honour. In 2002, he was elected the 11 th President of the country and became widely known as the ‘People’s President.’ After serving his presidential term he pursued what he loved most – teaching, writing and reading.

For his work on launch vehicle technology and development of ballistic missile, he was given the pseudonym of ‘The Missile Man of India.’ In 1998, he played a prominent role in Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests. He was closely associated with the military missile development efforts and civilian space programme of India.

Kalam spent more than forty years as a science administrator and scientist mainly at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Defence Research and the Development Organization (DRDO). Place of Death: Shillong, Meghalaya, IndiaĪwards: Bharat Ratna (1997), Padma Vibhushan (1990), Padma Bhushan (1981)Īvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, better known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was an illustrious scientist turned statesman who served as the 11 th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli Madras Institute of Technology Parents: Jainulabdeen (Father) and Ashiamma (Mother)Įducation: St. Place of Birth: Rameswaram, Ramnad District, Madras Presidency, British India 11 th President of India (J– July 25, 2007)

Abdul kalam autobiography