Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary

In News 

• The Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Ex-President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his 91st birth anniversary. 

About Dr APJ Abdul Kalam 

• He was one of India’s leading scientists and He was India’s president between 2002-07. 
• He was also called the “People’s President” as the demands of the highest office did not dim his zeal to meet with people, especially students
• Contribution: He contributed to the development of the country in different spheres.
  • He worked with India’s two major space research organisations – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • His work in the development and operationalisation of Indigenous guided missiles – AGNI and PRITHVI – earned him the title of the ‘Missile Man of India.
  •  He directed the project to develop India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). 
    • Dr Kalam’s over 10-year-long hard work as the project director for the development of the indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle at ISRO led to the ground-breaking scientific development.

• It was in July 1980, that India’s SLV-III successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in near-Earth orbit leading to the country becoming a member of the exclusive Space Club.

• He also headed the projects Devil and Valiant which had the aim of developing ballistic missiles using the technology behind the successful SLV program. 
• He played a major role in heading the Pokhran-II nuclear testing, leading to him being known as the best nuclear scientist in the country at that time. 

• The nuclear testing under the supervision of Kalam during the period of July 1992 to December 1999 made India a nuclear-armed state.

• He developed a cost-effective coronary stent ‘Kalam-Raju Stent’ which helped in making healthcare accessible to all.

• Awards to honour him: For his work in the stream of science and politics, the 11th President was also awarded India’s highest civilian honour or the Bharat Ratna.
• Death: He breathed his last on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong when he collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest.
• Legacy: His contributions are still remembered as some of the best scientific and technological developments in the country.

Source: PIB