APJ Abdul Kalam is knows as the inspiration, whether it was his career in science or politics. He is fondly called as Missile Man, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was close to young people and he used to love among students. Today, India is remembering the Missile Man on his birth anniversary.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His life as a student was very challenging, filled with hardships and struggles. There was a time when he had to sell newspapers from door to door to support his family and education.
Here are some of the interesting facts about Kalam’s life:
1. You will be surprised to know that he received honorary doctorates from 48 universities and institutions from India and abroad.
2. He was responsible for the development and operationalisation of Agni and Prithvi missiles, which is why he is called the ‘missile man’.
3. Kalam was awarded the coveted civilian awards – Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award in India- Bharat Ratna (1997).
4. For seven years (1992-1999) Kalam remained the Chief Scientific Adviser to the PM and Secretary of the DRDO.
5. His autobiography Wings of Fire: An Autobiography was first published in English. Later it was translated into 13 languages including French and Chinese. There are six additional biographies on his life and works.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s inspirational quotes
- “Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success”
- “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”
- 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. They are the father, the mother and the teacher”
- “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough”
