Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the twelth president of India, was born on October 15, 1931 at
Rameshwaram in
Tamil Nadu. Dr Kalam, also known as the father of Indian missile technology, made significant contribution to India’s first satellite launch vehicle SLV-3 and the development of missiles such as the Trishul, Agni and Pritvi.
Often referred to as 'Indian missile man,' Dr Abdul Kalam had a humble beginning. His parents were Jainulabdeen Marakayar and Ashiamma. He completed his secondary education at Schwartz High School in Ramanathapuram, and BSc at St Joseph's College (1950) in Tiruchi. He worked with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Directorate of Technical Development and Production of the Ministry of Defence, and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thumba, Kerala. He was the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Research Centre Imarat, an advanced technology research centre, was established under his guidance for the development of missile technology. He was honoured with Padmabhushan in 1981, Padmavibhushan in 1990 and Bharat Ratna in 1997. Twenty eight universities have bestowed him with Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris-causa) degrees.
Wings of Fire, India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium, My journey and Ignited Minds are among his works.
