New Delhi: Every year, on October 15, World Students’ Day is celebrated to honour the birth of APJ Abdul Kalam, the renowned scientist and former President of India. He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He played a key role in India’s nuclear tests, and in this article, we will look at some interesting facts about one of the brightest sons of India.
APJ Abdul Kalam: The aerospace scientist of India
APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram. He studied physics and aerospace engineering and worked for 40 years as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was involved in the civilian space programme and military missile development efforts of India.
Role in the nuclear tests of India
When India’s first nuclear weapon test was conducted in 1974, Kalam was invited by Raja Ramanna to witness it. The test was known as Smiling Buddha and Kalam witnessed it even though he had not participated in its development. Later, from July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam worked as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the DRDO. During this period, the Pokhran-II nuclear tests were conducted. It was a series of five nuclear weapon tests conducted by India in May 1998 and Kalam was deeply involved with the tests. During the testing phase, he was the Chief Project Coordinator along with Rajagopala Chidambaram.
Kalam as the President of India
Kalam served as the 11th President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007. He is known as the “People’s President” due to his many steps for the benefit of the common people. After his term was over, he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service. He received numerous awards in his life, and most notably received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.
APJ Abdul Kalam is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He played a key role in India’s nuclear tests. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
