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A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Indian scientist, president and statesman (1931-2015) · India · Scientists · Died at 83

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India's "Missile Man" - the aerospace scientist who built the country's ballistic missile and launch vehicle programs, then became president without ever joining a political party. He died mid-lecture in 2015, still teaching at 83.

PoliticiansPoliticianPoliticsPoetryScienceIndiaAsia20th Century

A life in dates

2015Died27 July 20152013NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial AwardAward2008Hoover MedalAward2007King Charles II MedalAward2004“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.”In their wordsArvind Gupta, Mukul Chaturvedi, Akshay Joshi (2004) Security and Diplomacy: Essential Documents. p. 144.

2003“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.”In their wordsIndia. Parliament. House of the People (2003) Lok Sabha Debates. p. 45.

2002“I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message.”In their words13 June 2002In: Rediff.com News, June 13, 2002 (online): Kalam responding to the announcement of his candidature by Prime Minister

President of IndiaOffice2002-20071997Bharat RatnaAward1996H K Firodia awardsAward1990Padma Vibhushan in science & engineeringAward1986Om Prakash Bhasin AwardAward1981Padma BhushanAward1931Born15 October 1931

Also in Deutsch

Photos 8

A. P. J. Abdul KalamA. P. J. Abdul KalamAbdul khalam visiting satyanarayana's paintingsAbdul khalam visiting satyanarayana's paintingsAmitabhshah with Former President of India Apj Abdul KalamAmitabhshah with Former President of India Apj Abdul KalamAPJ ABDUL KALAM -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARANAPJ ABDUL KALAM -OIL PAINTING BY RAJASEKHARANAPJ Abdul kalam houseAPJ Abdul kalam houseBeing awarded by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam sirBeing awarded by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam sirBirth House of A P J Abdulkalam, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu, India-1Birth House of A P J Abdulkalam, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu, India-1Birth House of A P J Abdulkalam, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu, India-2Birth House of A P J Abdulkalam, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu, India-2

In their own words 10

,
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
,
10 statements, newest first

  1. 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.

    2004, Arvind Gupta, Mukul Chaturvedi, Akshay Joshi (2004) Security and Diplomacy: Essential Documents. p. 144., Own words

  2. 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.

    2003, India. Parliament. House of the People (2003) Lok Sabha Debates. p. 45., Own words

  3. I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message.

    Jun 13, 2002, In: Rediff.com News, June 13, 2002 (online): Kalam responding to the announcement of his candidature by Prime Minister, Own words

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Awards

NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award2013
Hoover Medal2008
King Charles II Medal2007
Bharat Ratna1997
H K Firodia awards1996
Padma Vibhushan in science & engineering1990
Om Prakash Bhasin Award1986
Padma Bhushan1981
Padma Vibhushan

About this person

Born in 1931 in a Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam studied physics and aerospace engineering, then spent four decades at DRDO and ISRO shaping India's civilian space programme and military missile technology. He played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, India's second nuclear demonstration. In 2002, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress backed him for president - a scientist with no party allegiance. His five-year term earned him the nickname "People's President." After leaving office, he returned to teaching and writing. On 27 July 2015, delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong, he collapsed from cardiac arrest and died. Thousands came to Rameswaram for the funeral; he was buried with full state honours.

Country
India
Category
Scientists
Type
Scientist
Status
deceased
Dates
Lived 1931 to 2015 · aged 83

In common with A.

Elon MuskBoth received NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial AwardBurt RutanBoth received NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial AwardSteven SquyresBoth received NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award

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H. C. Verma71.4C. V. Raman69.8Kailash Satyarthi61.7

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