User:Mallikarjun Bandi

'People's President' : A Tribute

"Born on 15th October, 1931 at Rameswaram

in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen

Abdul Kalam, specialized in Aeronautical

Engineering from Madras Institute of

Technology. Dr. Kalam made significant contribution

in developing

India's first indigenous

Satellite Launch Vehicle

and made India an

exclusive member of

Space Club. Popularly

known as the "Missile

Man of India', Dr. Kalam

was responsible for the

development and operationalisation

of AGNI

and PRITHVI Missiles.

He gave thrust to selfreliance

in defence systems

by introducing Light Combat Aircraft.

Dr. Kalam was the Scientific Adviser to Defence

Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence

Research & Development during 1992-99.

During this period, strategic missile systems

were developed and the Pokhran-II nuclear

tests were conducted. Dr. Kalam served as the

Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government

of India, from 1999 to 2001 and was responsible

for evolving policies, strategies and missions

for many development applications and

piloted India Millennium Mission 2020.

In his literary pursuit, Dr. Kalam's books -

"Wings of Fire", "India 2020 -A Vision for the

New Millennium", "My journey" and "Ignited

Minds -Unleashing the power within India"

became household names in India and abroad.

Dr. Kalam was passionate about transforming

society through technology,

in particular

by inspiring the youth

of India to harness

science and technology

for human welfare.

Dr. Kalam was the

recipient of many

national and international

awards including

honorary doctorates

from 48

Universities from

India and abroad. He

received the country's highest civilian Award

"Bharat Ratna" in the year 1997. Eventually,

from a very humble beginning, he rose to the

highest office of the Country and served as the

11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

During his tenure, he was affectionately known

as the People's President."

(Text of Union Cabinet resolution passed at a

special Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi on July 28, 2015

expressing profound sorrow at the sad demise

of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul

Kalam.)