This day is 2015, India lost one of its most dear sons and scientist Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam who is popularly known as APJ Abdul Kalam. Tomorrow will mark his 5th death anniversary.
Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. Prior to that, he was a scientist made has been involved in various scientific operations of India which has made the country proud. He often described his favorite job was ‘teaching’. On July 27, 2015, Kalam fell down while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong. He apparently suffered a stroke and passed away.
On the occasion of his death anniversary, here’s a look at 10 unknown interesting facts about APJ Abdul Kalam.
Humble Beginnings
Kalam was born on the 15th of October 1931 to parents Jainulabudeen and Ashiamma at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. Jainulabudeen was a boat owner and Ashiamma was a housewife.
People’s President
After being elected as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He succeeded KR Narayan. For his simple nature, APJ Abdul Kalam was dearly called ‘People’s President.’
Missile Man of India
APJ Abdul Kalam had an immense contribution to India’s launch of vehicle technology and the ballistic missile. For this, he was known as ‘Missile Man of India.’
NASA’s Tribute To Kalam
For a newly discovered organism that was found on the International Space Station in 2017, NASA named the organism after APJ Adbul Kalam. The name of the organism is Solibacilius Kalamii.
The Pokhran Success
Kalam was particularly significant in the success of the Pokhran-2 nuclear tests that took place in the year 1998. It was successful because of his organizational and technical support.
Wanted to Abolish the Death Penalty
Kalam was an ardent supporter of the abolition of the death penalty. He revealed that he felt pain as the President of Indian when he had to decide the mercy petition of death row convicts.
International Accolades
Kalam was known not just nationally but also internationally. Kalam was awarded honorary doctorates from over 40 national and international universities.
National Accolades
Kalam was also one of the rare people to receive the highest civilian honor of India. He was awarded Bharat Ratna in the year 1997. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1981 and Padma Vibhushan in 1990.
Autobiography in 13 languages
His autobiography that is called ‘Wings of Fire: An Autobiography’ that was first published in English and later translated into 13 languages.
A Very Able Poet
Apart from being well versed in Science, he was also a poet who frequently in Tamil. He even published several books including Ignited Minds, Inspiring Thoughts, and Turning points.
Source: Free Press Journal
