Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Scientist- Philosopher
Bharta Ratna Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam usually referred to as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, and then he became the President of India; one of the few presidents who have touched the hearts of so many poor children in the country. Because he also came from a poor background, he knew the power of education in changing one’s future. About the importance of Teachers’ Day Dr. Kalam said, “On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose dream was that ‘Teachers should be the best minds in the country.’ Hence, Teachers’ Day is very important for all people, for our students and even for all the parents, as the teachers lay the foundation for creating enlightened citizens for the nation.”
Education
Dr. Kalam was born on 15 October, 1931 in a Tamil Muslim family. His father’s name was Jainulabiddin and mother’s name was Ashianna. He came from a poor family. After completing school Kalam distributed newspaper in order to financially contribute to his father’s income. He completed his school education from Rameshwaram Elementary School. Then he went to attend Saint Joseph’s College, and affiliated with the University of Madras, from where he graduated in physics in 1954. In 1955 he completed his study in aerospace engineering. He completed his education from Madras Institute of Technology (MIT-Chennai) in 1960, he joined Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist. Here is a short list of his achievement as other than a great scientist.
Award and Honours
Year of Award or Honour Name of Award Award Organization
2012 Doctrine of Laws (Honour’s Causa) Simon Faster University
2011 IEEE Honorary Membership IEEE
2010 Doctor of Engineering University of Waterloo
2009 Hoover Medal ASME Foundation, USA
2009 International von karman wings Award California Institute of Technology USA
2008 Doctor of Engineering (Honour’s Causa) Nanyan Technological University, Singapore
2007 King Charles II Medal Royal Society U.K
2007 Honorary Doctorate of Science University of Wolverhampton U.K
2000 Ramanujan Award Alwars Research Centre, Chennai
1998 Veer Savarkar Award Government of India
1997 Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration Government of India
1997 Bharta Ratna Government of India
1990 Padma Vibhushan Government of India
1981 Padma Bhushan Government of India
Some Books by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
• India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium
• Wings of fire: An Autobiography
• The Luminous Sparks
• Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India
• Turning points: A Journey through challenges
• Envisioning An Empowered Nation
Besides being a scientist of high caliber, the former president of India Dr. Abdul Kalam is also a poet and a lover of music. Although he has a very few leisure’s in his busy schedule. He is also fond of playing on Veena. He is a scientist who thinks, dreams, lives and breathes science. Also earlier the greatness of the man is also his simplicity despite having many achievements and honours to his credits. We are proud to have such a great president who enthuses us and champions the cause for the exceptional work of advancement of science and public service of the highest order.
After being the president of the largest democracy of the world, perhaps none can have any aspiration left, but Kalam has, of opening a school for the poor children in Rameshwaram. Dr. Kalam says, “If you want to leave your foot prints on the sand of the time do not drag your feet.” “Great dreams and Great dreamers are always rewarded with victory.” Abdul Kalam is a dreamer. He dreamt of a strong India. We can say that the heart of Dr. Kalam is full of pain and woes of pours and debarred people and we can say confidently that Dr. Kalam would remain the President of the hearts of Indians till there are sun and moon in the sky and will remain a great inspiration for youth.
– Rajni Bala, BA Final Year (6443)
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