Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Brief Biography
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, fondly known as the "Missile Man of India," was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. From humble beginnings, Kalam's journey to becoming one of India's most esteemed scientists and the 11th President of India is a story of perseverance, dedication, and visionary thinking.
Kalam graduated in physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and later studied aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He began his career at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and later joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he played a pivotal role in developing India's first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III.
One of Kalam's most significant contributions was his work on the development of ballistic missile technology, earning him the nickname "Missile Man." His leadership in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 further solidified India's position as a nuclear power.
In 2002, Dr. Kalam was elected as the President of India, a role in which he served with distinction until 2007. His presidency was marked by his efforts to bridge the gap between science and society and inspire the youth of India to pursue excellence in all fields. Post-presidency, he remained active in academia, lecturing, and writing.
Dr. Kalam authored several books, including "Wings of Fire," "Ignited Minds," and "India 2020," which have inspired millions with their vision and insight. His literary works reflect his deep-seated belief in the potential of India and its people.
On July 27, 2015, Dr. Kalam passed away at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong while giving a lecture. His contributions to science, education, and the hopes he sparked in many young people have left a lasting legacy.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and renowned scientist, authored several books.
List of Books written by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
In 1998
India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
- Co-authored with Y.S. Rajan
With the use of growth rates and development trends, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Y.S. Rajan outline a plan for India to rank among the top five economic powers in the world by 2020. They cite past achievements such as satellite-based communication and the green revolution as proof. India may achieve comparable goals and grow powerful and affluent in a matter of years. For Indians who wish for better times ahead, this book is a must-read.
Businessworld commends it for fusing forward-thinking concepts, astute planning, and cutting-edge technology advice; Tribune maintains that it ought to be on the bookshelves of all libraries and on the desks of all prospective Indians.
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In 1999
Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
The 'Wings of Fire' is one such autobiography by visionary scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who from very humble beginnings rose to be the President of India. The book is full of insights, personal moments and life experiences of Dr. Kalam. The book recollects many anecdotes and stories from childhood, his time at school and college. The time spent at the Langley Research Center, NASA and Wallops Flight Facility gets a lot of attention. Personal tragedies have not been left out. The time when he lost his father and how he felt when conferred with many awards like the Padma Bhushan have been written in much detail. It's not with reason that he was nicknamed as the 'Missile Man of India'. The book also contains 24 photographs at various stages of his life.
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In 2002
Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
Dr. Kalam talks about his vision of an unparalleled country and how, in his experience, he has seen highly skilled individuals whose ideas have the power to change the country. Instead of turning to foreign countries, it is essential to go within oneself for answers and look for role models among one's fellow citizens. India needs to focus on being the powerful country that she is capable of becoming, not on trying to become the next America or Japan. In order to do this, all stifled energy and initiatives must be released.
Many role models who are lurking among us are introduced to us in the book. Quotations from the author's lifelong encounters with saints and seers are words of wisdom.
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In 2004
The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours
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In 2005
Mission India: A Vision for Indian Youth
- Co-authored with Srijan Pal Singh
The goal of Mission India: A Vision For Indian Youth is to inspire young people in India to make positive changes in their nation by 2020.
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In 2006
Indomitable Spirit
"What would you।ike to be remembered for? You have to evolve yourself and shape your।ife. You should write it on a page. That page may be a very important page in the book of human history. And you will be remembered for creating that one page in the history of the nation - whether that page is the page of invention, the page of innovation or the page of discovery or the page of fighting injustice" Simple words, spoken directly from the heart, revealing President Kalam's deep concern for vital issues. Interspersed with interesting anecdotes and observations, this book represents the quintessential APJ Abdul Kalam - the man, the scientist, the teacher and the President.
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In 2010
The Scientific Indian: A Twenty-First Century Guide to the World Around Us
- Co-authored with Y.S. Rajan
The ground-breaking India 2020 authors, as stated in The Scientific Indian: After a ten-year hiatus, A Vision for the New Millennium returns to the fundamental fields of scientific inquiry that remain vital to this day: space exploration, satellite technology, missile development, earth and ocean resources, the biosphere, food production, energy and water harvesting, health care, networks, and so forth.
The authors discuss every aspect of Indian breakthroughs in the context of recent global developments before painting a realistic picture of the kind of technological progress that would propel India to the forefront of the world in the next decades. The Scientific Indian will speak to every curious and adventurous mind, and especially to tomorrow s scientists and technologists, encouraging us to dream big, and urging us to work hard to make our dreams come true.
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In 2011
In this book, Dr. Kalam describes how he uses information and communication technology to mine potential in rural areas.
The book uses the contextual contribution of many Indian scientists and artists to show that there is no age limit for success. Because it makes extensive use of literary works from around the world, the book is an inspirational must-read.
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In 2012
Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges
"The vice-chancellor of Anna University in Chennai, Prof. A. Kalanidhi, told me one evening that there had been an urgent attempt to get in touch with me. In my room, the phone was ringing when I got back. "The prime minister wants to talk with you," the caller stated. I had just returned to teaching after serving as Principal Scientific Adviser. I knew something strange was about to happen to me when I spoke with PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Turning Points picks up where Wings of Fire left off, revealing previously unrevealed information about my presidency and career while delving into India's progress toward development."
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In 2013
My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions
The book, ‘My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions’ is the life story of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India's famous scientist and former President. The book tells the well-known tale of how a poor Rameshwaram boy rose to become the president of the biggest democracy in the world.
He also speaks in detail about the life and the atmosphere at Rameshwaram. He talks about his upbringing and family as well and the various pangs and toils he had to go through. A large part of this book deals with Dr.Kalam’s work in India’s space program. He talks about the difficulties they had to face while developing India’s first space vehicle.
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In 2013
Spirit of India
"It looks to me that we need a second vision for the nation, just like the one we had when we were actively pursuing our freedom movement against alien rule. At that time the spirit of nationalism was very strong. This second vision that is needed for making India a developed nation will once again bring the spirit of nationalism to the fore.''
Having tasted the fruits of development Indians are hungry for more - more education, more opportunities, more development. But their dreams of a prosperous and united India seem precariously close to being shattered as the demon of divisive politics, the gaping economic inequalities, the increasing terror and unrest within and at our borders tear into the vitals of the nation and the very idea of nationhood. Under such conditions how do we preserve the core and concept of India and aim for development? Addressing these concerns and providing some answers is Dr. Kalam who believes that at the heart of the nation is the individual and it is only when each individual citizen achieves success that the nation can succeed.
Fired by idealism yet grounded in reality, Spirit of India shows that it is possible to progress at both the individual and national level provided we abide by the principle that "the nation is bigger than any individual or organisation" and understand that "only borderless minds can create a borderless society."
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In 2014
A Manifesto for Change: A Sequel to India 2020
- Co-authored with V. Ponraj
‘A Manifesto for Change’ offers the ex-President’s high hopes of the nation’s evolution by the year 2020.
He presents the idea of a united Parliament that would make use of constructive debates instead of petty party politics. A definite plan of action is needed to consider development at grassroots under proper political guidance. He places a strong emphasis on utilizing the abilities and vigor of India's youth and maximizing the unique contributions of each state in order to achieve the larger objective of the country's general advancement.
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In 2014
Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow's India
- Co-authored with Y.S. Rajan
In 1998, Dr. Kalam and Y.S. Rajan published the now-famous India 2020. It was a vision statement explaining how, by 2020, India might be among the top five economic powers globally. Sixteen years later, as 2020 approaches, it is appropriate to evaluate India's achievements to date and its possibilities going forward.
While missed chances and project execution delays have hindered India's growth story in the twenty-first century, the country has also benefited from new opportunities and developing technology that make quicker and more inclusive growth feasible. According to Kalam and Rajan, in order to revitalise these industries and promote economic growth, a renewed focus on policy is now required for infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, the chemicals industry, agriculture, and health care.
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In 2015
Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future
- Co-authored with Srijan Pal Singh
Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh talks about the variety of options available for the children who want to pursue science as a sphere of their study.The possibilities in robotics, neuroscience, palaeontology, and other disciplines that could improve the planet for next generations are further explored in this book.
The book's extensive research and the stories of well-known scientists from around the globe it tells open readers' and students' minds to a vast array of concepts. With a reader friendly Question Answer format and eye catching illustrations, the book provides the readers with a clear diagrams and easy to understand writing style.This book is entertaining to read because of its creatively written chapter names as well. Any individual who is interested in science or has a scientific bent of mind will surely find this book enjoyable.
Dr. Kalam's works are widely read and respected for their inspirational content and vision for India's development.
