Early Life
Born: October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
Died: July 27, 2015, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Dr. Kalam came from a humble background and started working at an early age to supplement his family's income.
Career
- 1960: Joined DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
- 1969: Transferred to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
- 1980s: Developed Agni and Prithvi missiles
- 1990s: Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister
Presidency
Served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007
Known as the "People's President" due to his connection with the youth and his inspirational speeches
Awards and Honors
- 1981: Padma Bhushan
- 1990: Padma Vibhushan
- 1997: Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian honor)
- 2013: Von Braun Award
Notable Books
- Wings of Fire: An Autobiography
- Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India
- India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
- Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges