Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Biography : Get all details here

Discover the inspiring life and legacy of India's most popular president, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Read his amazing biography and learn more about his achievements and contributions to India

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Biography :  Get all details here

One name that is admired by the entire Indian nation is A.P.J Abdul Kalam. He has been the most inspirational Indian Personality, a great scientist, president and leader. People who follow his teachings assuredly get successful in life. He was a gem of the history of the World. 

Any Biography will never be able to cover all aspects of his personality, still we have given our best to help you uncover some “Not so Known” facts about Sir Kalam below in this article.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Biography

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Full Name

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, former President of India is an Aerospace scientist and a political leader. 

 

A.P.J Abdul Kalam President Period

He served the Indian nation as the 11th president from 2002 to 2007. 

 

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Birth Date & Place

He was born on October 15th, 1931 and brought up in Rameshwaram,Tamil Nadu, India.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Family

  • Father - Jainulabdeen Marakayar (a boat owner and imam of a local mosque)
  • Mother - Ashiamma  (Home-Maker)
  • Siblings - One Sister and Three Brothers: 

Asim Zohra (Eldest Sister, Died in 1997)

Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar (Eldest Brother, Born on November 5th, 1916, Died in March 7th, 2021)

Mustafa Kalam (Died in 1999) 

Kasim Mohammed (Died in 1995)

  • Wife - Unmarried

 

Marakayar

  • A Muslim ethnic minority who claim descent from Arab traders and local women in seaside Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. 
  • The family business had included trading food between the mainland and the island, as well as transporting pilgrims from the mainland and Pamban. 

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Education

School - 

Early - Rameshwaram Elementary School

Secondary - Schwartz Higher Secondary School

Educational Qualification - Bachelor of Science in Physics and Aeronautical Engineering Degree

College - 

Undergraduate - Saint Joseph's College

Postgraduate - Madras Institute of Technology

A.P.J Abdul Personal Information

The Personal details of Kalam are given below:

  • Height - 6’ 2”
  • Death Date - July 27th, 2015
  • Place of Death - Shillong, Meghalaya, India
  • Death Cause - Stroke (Cardiac Arrest)
  • Language - English Language, Tamil (Mother Tongue)
  • Zodiac Sign - Libra
  • Food Habit - Vegetarian
  • Hobbies - Playing Veena, Delivering Motivational Lectures, Walking, Listening to Indian Classical Music
  • Favorite Subjects - Maths and Physics
  • Favorite Food - Vatha Kuzhambu and Papad
  • Best Friends - Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan
  • Favorite Teacher - Fr Ladislaus Chinnadurai
  • Net Worth - INR 5 Crores
  • Salary - INR 6 Lakhs
  • Nicknames - People’s President, Missile Man
  • Profession - Politician, Professor, Author, Aerospace Scientist

 

Why is A.P.J Abdul Kalam so Popular?

There are many reasons for his popularity, like:

As Secretary of the Defence Research and Development from July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam was essential in directing the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, earning him the title of the country's finest nuclear scientist at that point in time. Under his direction, nuclear tests resulted in India becoming a nuclear-armed state.

He has been the most amazing and inspirational personality. He never got married as he wanted to serve the nation and believed that if he would have been married, he might not have achieved what he had done for the country. 

 

  • Recognition and Awards: 

He has a long list of rewards, still people believe that he has a unique persona and deserves more than awards.

  • In 1981, he was honored with Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government.
  • In 1990, he was honored with Padma Vibhushan by the Indian Government.
  • In 1997, he was honored with Bharat Ratna by the Indian Government.
  • In 1998, he was honored with the Veer Savarkar Award by the Indian Government.
  • In 2007, he was honored with the King Charles 2nd Medal by Royal Society, UK.
  • In 2009,  he was honored with the Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA.
  • In 2013,  he was honored with the Von Braun Award by the National Space Society.
  • In 2014,  he was honored with the Doctor of Science by the Edinburgh University, UK.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Famous Books

The famous books written by this legendary scientist are:

  • India 2020 in 1998.
  • Wings of Fire in 1999.
  • Ignited Minds in 2002.
  • Indomitable Spirits in 2006.
  • Turning Points in 2012.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Property

In materialistic terms, A.P.J Abdul Kalam had:

  • 2,500 Books.
  • A Veena.
  • A Wrist Watch.
  • A CD Player.
  • A Laptop.
  • 6 Shirts.
  • 4 Trousers.
  • 3 Suits.
  • A pair of Shoes.
  • His Ancestral House.
  • A Small Site near this house.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Professional Life

  • Abdul Kalam earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960. 
  • Following graduation, he worked for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an Indian military research institute, and then for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • Professionally he was a Scientist, Author, Engineer, Politician, Teacher and Administrator.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Famous Quotes

The Most famous quotes by Sir Kalam are:

  • “Determination is the power that sees us through all our frustration and obstacles. It helps in building our willpower which is the very basis of success.”
  • “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
  • “Be Active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others.”
  • “The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom

 

A.P.J Abdul Kalam Leadership Qualities

  • Leaders care, share, and sustain openness. Dr. Kalam made no boasts and instead learned everything he could until his last breath.
  • He kept absolutely nothing to himself, but shared everything he learned with honesty and sincerity with everyone who crossed his path until his final breath at IIM, Shillong.

Conclusion

A.P.J Abdul Kalam worked truly hard and made tremendous improvements to India's vision. People recall him as the most beloved president because he lived as a role model of hard work, resilience, and a good outlook.

Even a book cannot cover all the colors of his personality. Bookmark our site to know more about such legendary personalities in Indian History.