Historical Figure
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
1931–2015
President of India from 2002 to 2007
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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.
In Their Own Words (5)
We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilizational heritage.
India. Parliament. House of the People (2003) Lok Sabha Debates. p. 45. , 2003
"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
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
I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message. I was thinking what message I can give to the people of the country at this juncture.
In: Rediff.com News, June 13, 2002 (online): Kalam responding to the announcement of his candidature by Prime Minister , 2002
Timeline
The story of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, told in moments.
The newspaper boy from Rameswaram who couldn't afford shoes as a child became the architect of India's missile program and the most beloved president in the country's history. His book Wings of Fire has sold over a million copies.
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.
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.
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.
Collapses mid-sentence while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He is 83. His last words to the students: "Funny thing, Life is..."
More from the Modern
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