A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam ( UB-duul kə-LAHM; 15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was a distinguished Indian aerospace scientist and statesman, holding the presidency of India from 2002 to 2007.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam ( UB-duul kə-LAHM; 15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the president of India from 2002 to 2007.

Originating from a Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam pursued studies in physics and aerospace engineering. Over the subsequent four decades, he functioned as a scientist and science administrator, primarily within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). During this period, he was deeply engaged in India's civilian space program and its military missile development initiatives, earning him the moniker "Missile Man of India" for his contributions to ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. Furthermore, he held a crucial organizational, technical, and political position in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998, which marked India's second such test following the initial one in 1974.

In 2002, Kalam was elected President of India, securing support from both the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-opposition Indian National Congress. He was widely acclaimed as the "People's President." Following his presidential term, he dedicated himself to teaching, writing, and public service. He received numerous accolades, notably the Bharat Ratna, which represents India's highest civilian distinction.

On 27 July 2015, at the age of 83, Kalam suffered an apparent cardiac arrest and collapsed during a lecture at IIM Shillong, leading to his demise. His funeral ceremony, attended by thousands, took place in his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was interred with full state honors. A memorial was subsequently established near his hometown in 2017.

Early Life and Educational Background

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931, into a Tamil Muslim family residing in Rameswaram, a pilgrimage center located on Pamban Island within the Madras Presidency (currently part of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu). His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, operated as a boat owner and served as an imam for a local mosque, while his mother, Ashiamma, managed the household. His father's vessel facilitated the transport of Hindu pilgrims between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.

Kalam was the youngest among his four brothers and one sister. His lineage traced back to affluent Marakayar traders and landowners, who possessed extensive properties and substantial landholdings. The Marakayar constitute a Muslim ethnic group indigenous to coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, asserting ancestry from Arab traders and local women. Historically, the family enterprise encompassed the trade of goods and the conveyance of passengers between the Indian mainland, Pamban Island, and Sri Lanka. However, the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge in 1914, which linked Pamban Island to mainland India, led to the collapse of these businesses. Consequently, by the 1920s, the family's wealth and properties, excluding their ancestral home, were lost, rendering them impoverished by the time Kalam's birth. During his youth, he contributed to the family's limited financial resources by delivering newspapers.

During his formative school years, Kalam achieved moderate academic results; nevertheless, his instructors characterized him as an intelligent and diligent student possessing a profound eagerness to learn. He devoted considerable time to the study of Mathematics. His secondary education was completed at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram. Subsequently, he earned a degree in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, in 1954.

In 1955, Kalam relocated to Madras to pursue aerospace engineering studies at the Madras Institute of Technology. While engaged in a class project, the institution's Dean expressed dissatisfaction with his insufficient advancement, threatening to withdraw his scholarship if the project was not completed within three days. Kalam successfully completed the task by the deadline, thereby impressing the Dean, who subsequently admitted, "I was putting you under stress and asking you to meet a difficult deadline." Later, he narrowly failed to achieve his aspiration of becoming a fighter pilot, as he ranked ninth in the qualifying examinations, with only eight positions available in the Indian Air Force.

Scientific Career

Following his graduation from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam commenced his career as a scientist within the Aeronautical Development Establishment, a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), becoming a member of the Defence Research & Development Service. Initially, his involvement in the design of small hovercraft left him with reservations about his role at DRDO. Subsequently, he transitioned to the Indian National Committee for Space Research, where he collaborated with the distinguished space scientist Vikram Sarabhai. His recruitment into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was facilitated by H. G. S. Murthy, who served as the inaugural director of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.

In 1969, Kalam transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), assuming the role of project director for India's inaugural satellite launch vehicle (SLV), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite into near-earth orbit in July 1980. Prior to this, in 1965, he had independently initiated an expandable rocket project at DRDO. The Indian government granted approval in 1969 for Kalam to expand this program, incorporating additional engineers. During 1963–64, he undertook visits to several NASA facilities, including the Langley Research Center in Hampton, the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, and the Wallops Flight Facility. From the late 1970s, Kalam was instrumental in the development of both the SLV-3 and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), both of which achieved successful operational status.

In May 1974, Raja Ramanna extended an invitation to Kalam to observe India's inaugural nuclear test, designated Smiling Buddha, where he served as a representative for the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, despite not being an official participant in the project. Throughout the 1970s, Kalam spearheaded two initiatives, Project Devil and Project Valiant, aimed at developing ballistic missiles by leveraging technology derived from the successful SLV program. Notwithstanding the union cabinet's initial disapproval, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi utilized her discretionary authority to allocate funding for these aerospace endeavors under Kalam's leadership. Furthermore, Kalam was instrumental in persuading the cabinet to maintain the classified nature of these projects. His significant research contributions and leadership garnered him considerable recognition in the 1980s, leading the government to establish an advanced missile program under his directorship.

Kalam collaborated with V. S. R. Arunachalam, then the scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, on a proposal by Defence Minister R. Venkataraman advocating for the concurrent development of multiple missile systems rather than sequential projects. Venkataraman was pivotal in securing cabinet approval for the allocation of ₹3.88 billion (equivalent to ₹66 billion or US$780 million in 2023) for the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), subsequently appointing Kalam as its chief executive. Despite encountering inflated costs and schedule delays, Kalam played a significant role in the development of key missiles, including Agni, an intermediate-range ballistic missile, and Prithvi, a tactical surface-to-surface missile. His pioneering work in ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology earned him the moniker 'Missile Man of India'.

From July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam held the positions of chief scientific adviser to the Prime Minister and secretary of the DRDO. He was instrumental in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in May 1998, contributing significantly in organizational, political, and technical capacities. Alongside Rajagopala Chidambaram, he functioned as the chief project coordinator for these tests. Extensive media coverage during this era elevated Kalam to the status of the nation's most recognized nuclear scientist. Nevertheless, K. Santhanam, the director of the test site, asserted that the thermonuclear bomb component was a 'fizzle' and criticized Kalam for allegedly issuing an inaccurate report. This claim was subsequently refuted and dismissed by both Kalam and Chidambaram.

In 1998, Kalam collaborated with cardiologist Bhupathiraju Somaraju to develop a cost-effective coronary stent, subsequently named the 'Kalam-Raju stent'. The partnership continued in 2012, when the two designed the 'Kalam-Raju tablet', a tablet computer intended for use by healthcare professionals in rural regions.

Presidency

On June 10, 2002, the then-governing National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced its intention to nominate Kalam for the Indian presidency. His candidacy garnered support from opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. Following this broad support for Kalam, incumbent President K. R. Narayanan opted against seeking re-election. Kalam commented on the announcement of his candidature:

I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message. I was thinking what message I can give to the people of the country at this juncture.

On June 18, Kalam formally submitted his nomination papers to the Indian Parliament. Three distinct sets of nominations were filed: one endorsed by NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior cabinet members; a second by Congress, including Sonia Gandhi; and a third by leaders from other supporting political factions. He contested against Lakshmi Sahgal, with the presidential election polling conducted on July 15, 2002, across the Indian Parliament and state assemblies, where media outlets widely anticipated Kalam's victory. The vote counting occurred on July 18, and Kalam secured the election by garnering 922,884 electoral votes, significantly surpassing Sahgal's 107,366 votes. He was subsequently sworn in as the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002, notably becoming both the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the highest office at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Throughout his presidential term, Kalam was popularly referred to as the "People's President." He later indicated that endorsing the Office of Profit Bill constituted the most challenging decision of his tenure. In September 2003, during an interactive session at PGIMER in Chandigarh, Kalam emphasized the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code in India, considering the nation's demographic context. In 2005, he also authorized the imposition of President's rule in Bihar. Nevertheless, during his presidency, he deferred decisions on 20 of the 21 mercy petitions submitted to him for commuting death penalties, including the case of Afzal Guru, who was convicted of conspiracy in the December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament and sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of India in 2004. He addressed only one petition, rejecting the appeal of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, who was subsequently executed.

Nearing the conclusion of his term, on June 20, 2007, Kalam indicated his readiness to consider a second term in office, contingent upon an assured victory in the forthcoming presidential election. His candidacy was put forward by the United National Progressive Alliance, and he also garnered support from the ruling United Progressive Alliance. However, two days later, he decided against contesting the election again, citing his desire to prevent the Rashtrapati Bhavan from being embroiled in political processes.

In April 2012, as the term of the 12th President, Pratibha Patil, approached its conclusion, media reports suggested Kalam's potential nomination for a second term. Following these reports, social networking sites experienced a significant increase in expressions of support for his candidature. While the ruling Indian National Congress opposed Kalam's nomination, other parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress, were reportedly enthusiastic about his candidature. On June 18, 2012, Kalam declined to participate, explaining:

Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.

Post-presidency

Following his departure from office, Kalam resumed his career in academia, serving as a visiting professor at various institutions. He held positions as a visiting professor at IIM Shillong, an honorary professor at his former institution, Anna University in Chennai, and an honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. In September 2007, he was appointed the inaugural chancellor of the newly established Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, he delivered lectures to management students across India and made two visits to China at the invitation of the Chinese government, where he conducted sessions at Peking University.

In 2011, Kalam expressed support for the establishment of the nuclear power plant at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu, providing assurances regarding its safety. However, local residents remained unconvinced by his safety assurances and reacted with hostility to his presence. In May 2012, Kalam initiated a program titled What Can I Give Movement, targeting Indian youth with the primary objective of combating corruption.

Death

On July 27, 2015, Kalam journeyed to Shillong to present a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth" at IIM Shillong. While ascending a flight of stairs, he felt a degree of discomfort, yet proceeded into the auditorium following a short respite. Approximately five minutes into his address, at 6:35 p.m. IST, he collapsed. He was immediately transported to the adjacent Bethany Hospital in a critical state, where, upon arrival, he exhibited no pulse or vital signs. Despite efforts in the intensive care unit, he was pronounced dead at 7:45p.m. due to sudden cardiac arrest. His alleged final words, addressed to his aide Srijan Pal Singh, were: "Funny guy! Are you doing well?"

Aftermath

Subsequent to his demise, the Indian populace expressed condolences across social media platforms. The Indian government declared a seven-day period of state mourning as a gesture of reverence. Numerous leaders, both domestic and international, offered their condolences on Kalam's passing. On the morning of July 28, Kalam's remains were transported to New Delhi, where high-ranking officials, including the incumbent president, vice president, and prime minister, paid their final respects. His body was then made available for public viewing at his Delhi residence. The following day, July 29, his remains were flown to Mandapam via Madurai, subsequently transported by road to his hometown of Rameswaram. His body was exhibited in an open space, enabling public homage until 8p.m. that evening. On July 30, 2015, after an Islamic burial prayer conducted by the local imam, he was interred with full state honors at Rameswaram's Pei Karumbu ground, attended by over 350,000 individuals.

The Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial, constructed by the DRDO in Rameswaram's Pei Karumbu, commemorates Kalam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened it in July 2017. The memorial features replicas of rockets and missiles associated with Kalam's work, alongside numerous acrylic paintings depicting his life. A prominent statue of Kalam playing the veena stands at the entrance, complemented by two smaller statues portraying him in sitting and standing postures.

Personal life and interests

Kalam was the youngest of five children, preceded by an elder sister, Asim Zohra (d. 1997), and three elder brothers: Mohammed Lebbai (5 November 1916–7 March 2021), Mustafa Kalam (d. 1999), and Kasim Mohammed (d. 1995). He maintained close relationships with his elder siblings and their extended families throughout his life, frequently providing financial support to his older siblings, despite remaining a lifelong bachelor himself.

Kalam was recognized for his unwavering integrity and austere lifestyle. He abstained from alcohol and adhered to a vegetarian diet. Kalam found pleasure in composing Tamil poetry, playing the veena (an Indian string instrument), and daily listening to Carnatic devotional music. He never possessed a television and habitually rose between 6:30 or 7a.m., retiring by 2a.m. His personal effects comprised a limited number of books, a veena, clothing, a compact disc player, and a laptop. He died intestate, and his belongings were inherited by his eldest brother.

Following his resignation as scientific adviser in 1999, Kalam aimed to engage with 100,000 students over a two-year period. He articulated his rationale: "I find comfort in the presence of young individuals, especially high school students. Moving forward, I plan to share experiences with them, fostering their imagination and preparing them to contribute to a developed India, for which a clear roadmap already exists." His aspiration was for every student to achieve triumph by harnessing their inherent passion. He also demonstrated keen interest in other scientific and technological advancements, such as the development of biomedical implants. Furthermore, he advocated for open-source technology over proprietary software, foreseeing that widespread adoption of free software would extend the advantages of information technology to a broader population.

Religious and spiritual views

Throughout his life, religion and spirituality held profound significance for Kalam. As a practicing Sunni Muslim, he observed daily namaz and fasted during Ramadan. His father, an imam, rigorously instilled these Islamic customs in his children and emphasized the importance of interfaith respect and dialogue. Kalam recounted that his father, A. P. Jainulabdeen, along with Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the head priest of the Ramanathaswamy Hindu temple, and a church priest, regularly engaged in discussions over tea about local issues. This early exposure led Kalam to believe that solutions to India's complex challenges could be found through "dialogue and cooperation" among its religious, social, and political leaders. He further asserted that "respect for other faiths" was a fundamental principle of Islam, observing that "For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool."

A significant factor in Kalam's broad appeal across India's diverse communities, and a lasting element of his legacy, was the syncretic approach he demonstrated towards India's numerous spiritual and cultural traditions. Beyond his adherence to the Quran and Islamic practices, Kalam possessed extensive knowledge of Hindu traditions, having learned Sanskrit and studied the Bhagavad Gita. In an early parliamentary address as president in 2002, he articulated his aspiration for a more unified India, declaring, "During the last one year I met a number of spiritual leaders of all religions ... and I would like to endeavour to work for bringing about unity of minds among the divergent traditions of our country." Shashi Tharoor characterized Kalam as a unifier of diverse traditions, stating, "Kalam was a complete Indian, an embodiment of the eclecticism of India's heritage of diversity." Similarly, former deputy prime minister L. K. Advani affirmed that Kalam represented "the best exemplar of the Idea of India, one who embodied the best of all the cultural and spiritual traditions that signify India's unity in immense diversity."

Kalam's interest in engaging with spiritual leaders culminated in his meeting with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Hindu guru of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), whom Kalam eventually regarded as his paramount spiritual teacher and guide. Over a fourteen-year span, Kalam and Pramukh Swami convened eight times. During their initial encounter on June 30, 2001, Kalam reported an immediate attraction to Pramukh Swami's simplicity and spiritual purity. Kalam consistently expressed inspiration from Pramukh Swami throughout their many interactions, recalling how Swami's equanimity and compassion deeply affected him, an experience he later cited as a motivation for authoring a book about his spiritual journey. Reflecting on Pramukh Swami's profound influence, Kalam declared, "[Pramukh Swami] has indeed transformed me. He is the ultimate stage of the spiritual ascent in my life ... Pramukh Swamiji has put me in a God-synchronous orbit. No manoeuvres are required any more, as I am placed in my final position in eternity."

Writings

Throughout his career, Kalam authored numerous books that attracted international attention.

In his publication India 2020, Kalam vigorously proposed an action plan aimed at transforming India into a "knowledge superpower" and a developed nation by the year 2020. He viewed his involvement in India's nuclear weapons program as instrumental in establishing the nation's future status as a global superpower.

Kalam identified five core competence areas for India's integrated action:

I have identified five areas where India has a core competence for integrated action: (1) agriculture and food processing; (2) education and healthcare; (3) information and communication technology; (4) infrastructure, reliable and quality electric power, surface transport and infrastructure for all parts of the country; and (5) self-reliance in critical technologies. These five areas are closely inter-related and if advanced in a coordinated way, will lead to food, economic and national security.

In his book Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji, Kalam recounted a "transformative moment" in his life. Upon inquiring how India could achieve his vision for development, Pramukh Swami suggested incorporating a sixth area: cultivating faith in God and spirituality to address prevailing issues of crime and corruption.

Bibliography

The following is a comprehensive list of publications authored by Kalam:

• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Roddam Narasimha (1988). Developments in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology. Indian Academy of Sciences.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Y. S. Rajan (1998). India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium. Penguin Random House. ISBN 978-0-670-88271-7.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Arun Tiwari (1999). Wings of Fire. Universities Press. ISBN 978-8-173-71146-6.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002). Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-670-04928-8.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; A. Sivathanu Pillai (2004). Envisioning an Empowered Nation: Technology for Societal Transformation. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-070-53154-3.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2004). The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours. Punya Publishing. ISBN 978-8-190-18978-1.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Arun Tiwari (2005). Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life. Ocean Books. ISBN 978-8-188-32274-9.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Manav Gupta (2005). Mission India : A Vision for Indian Youth. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-333499-6.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2007). Inspiring Thoughts: Quotation Series. Rajpal & Sons. ISBN 978-81-7028-684-4.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Arun Tiwari (2010). You Are Born To Blossom: Take my Journey Beyond. Ocean Books. ISBN 978-8-184-30037-6.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Y. S. Rajan (2011). The Scientific India: A Twenty First Century Guide to the World around Us. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-143-41687-6.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Arun Tiwari (2011). Failure to Success: Legendary Lives. Orient Blackswan. ISBN 978-8-125-04212-9.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Srijan Pal Singh (2011). Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions towards Sustainable Development. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-143-41730-9.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Poonam Kohli (2012). You are Unique: Scale New Heights by Thoughts and Actions. Punya Publishing. ISBN 978-0-143-41730-9.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2012). Turning Points: A Journey through Challenges. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-9-350-29347-8.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2013). Indomitable Spirit. Rajpal & Sons. ISBN 978-8-170-28879-4.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2013). Spirit of India. Rajpal & Sons. ISBN 978-8-170-28795-7.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2014). My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions. Rupa Publications. ISBN 978-8-129-12491-3.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; A. Sivathanu Pillai (2014). We Can Do It: Thoughts for Change. Shree Book Centre. ISBN 978-9-350-49763-0.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2014). Governance for Growth in India. Rupa Publications. ISBN 978-8-129-13260-4.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; V. Ponraj (2014). A Manifesto for Change: A Sequel to India 2020. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-9-351-36172-5.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2014). Forge Your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring. Rajpal & Sons. ISBN 978-93-5064-279-5.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2014). Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow's India. Viking Publishing. ISBN 978-0-670-08796-9.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2015). The Guiding Light: A Selection of Quotations from My Favourite Books. Rupa Publications. ISBN 978-8-129-13486-8.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Srijan Pal Singh (2015). Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-143-33354-8.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Acharya Mahapragya (2015). The Family and the Nation. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-8-172-23727-1.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Arun Tiwari (2015). Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-9-351-77405-1.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Srijan Pal Singh (2015). Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-9-351-77645-1.

Awards and Honours

Kalam was conferred with honorary doctorates by numerous universities. The Indian government recognized him with the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990. His significant contributions to scientific research and the modernization of India's defense technology led to his receipt of the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1997. Further accolades included the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1997, the Savarkar Award in 1998, and the Ramanujan Award in 2000. In 2008, he was honored with the Hoover Medal. The National Space Society presented him with the Von Braun Award in 2013, acknowledging his exceptional management and leadership in space-related endeavors.

Legacy

In India, Kalam's birthday is observed as World Students' Day. A 2012 poll conducted by Outlook, titled the Greatest Indian, placed Kalam as the second most influential figure. September 2014 marked the establishment of the Fulbright-Kalam climate fellowship by India and the United States, a program designed to facilitate six Indian doctoral students and researchers in collaborating with U.S. institutions for durations ranging from six to twelve months. The Government of Tamil Nadu declared in 2015 that October 15, Kalam's birthday, would be commemorated as "Youth Renaissance Day." Additionally, the state government established the "Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award," comprising a gold medal, a certificate, and ₹500,000 (US$5,900). This award is presented annually on Indian Independence Day to state residents who have demonstrated significant achievements in fostering scientific advancement, the humanities, or student welfare. To mark the anniversary of Kalam's birth in 2015, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) incorporated topics related to him into its expression series. Concurrently, India Post issued postage stamps to commemorate the 84th anniversary of Kalam's birth.

In 2017, scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory identified a novel bacterium on the International Space Station's filters, subsequently naming it Solibacillus kalamii in Kalam's honor. February 2018 saw researchers from the Botanical Survey of India name a recently discovered plant species, Drypetes kalamii, in tribute to him. A newly identified species of footballfish was designated Himantolophus kalami in 2022, also in his honor. Most recently, in 2023, a newly discovered tardigrade received the name Batillipes kalami.

Numerous geographical and institutional entities have been named in honor of Kalam. For instance, in August 2015, Aurangzeb Road in New Delhi was officially renamed Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The national missile test site on Wheeler Island in Odisha was redesignated Abdul Kalam Island in September 2015. Furthermore, a 6,180-meter (20,280-foot) peak situated near the Bara Shigri Glacier in the Himalayas was christened Mount Kalam in October 2015. The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, a prominent missile research facility in Hyderabad, also bears his name. Additional tributes include the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna and the Dr. Abdul Kalam Science Centre and Planetarium in Puducherry. Numerous universities, educational institutions, and other sites have similarly been renamed or designated in his honor.

In popular culture

Biographies

• Eternal Quest: Life and Times of Dr Kalam Authored by S. Chandra; published by Pentagon Publishers, 2002.
• President A P J Abdul Kalam Authored by R. K. Pruthi; published by Anmol Publications, 2002.
• A P J Abdul Kalam: The Visionary of India Authored by K. Bhushan and G. Katyal; published by A. P. H. Publishing Corporation, 2002.
• The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President Authored by P. M. Nair; published by HarperCollins, 2008.
• My Days With Mahatma Abdul Kalam Authored by Fr. A. K. George; published by Novel Corporation, 2009.
• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Life Authored by Arun Tiwari; published by HarperCollins, 2015.
• The People's President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Authored by S. M. Khan; published by Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.

Film and media

The cinematic and television portrayals of Kalam are numerous. In 2008, P. Dhanapal directed the Indian documentary film A Little Dream. The 2011 Hindi film I Am Kalam depicts Kalam as an inspiring figure for a gifted but impoverished Rajasthani boy named Chhotu, who subsequently adopts the name Kalam to honor his role model. The Government of India's Films Division produced People's President, a 2016 Indian documentary feature film directed by Pankaj Vyas. Shivu Hiremath's 2018 Kannada biographical film, My Hero Kalam, chronicles Kalam's life from his early years through the Pokhran nuclear tests. Furthermore, Kalam's biography was the subject of the third episode of Mega Icons (2018–2020), a documentary television series on National Geographic profiling notable Indian personalities. Sheik Maideen played Kalam in the 2020 Tamil film Soorarai Pottru. Arjun Radhakrishnan assumed the role of Kalam in Rocket Boys, a Hindi biographical streaming television series available on SonyLIV. Most recently, Amaan portrayed Kalam in the 2022 Tamil film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.

The Presidency of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

• Presidency of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
• A Comprehensive List of Indian Presidents.

References.

• Official website Archived 27 February 2021 at the Wayback Machine
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at IMDb