What is APJ Abdul Kalam famous for?

 APJ Abdul Kalam, full name Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was an Indian scientist and politician who is primarily famous for his contributions to India's space and missile programs, as well as for his presidency. Here are some key aspects for which he is renowned:

Missile and Space Programs: Kalam played a pivotal role in India's missile and space development programs. He was one of the key scientists behind India's indigenous development of ballistic missile technology, including the Agni and Prithvi missiles. He also contributed significantly to the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the successful launch of satellites.

Role as a Scientist: He served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and the Secretary of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Kalam was known for his dedication to science and his contributions to advancing India's technological capabilities.

Nuclear Tests: Kalam was associated with India's nuclear weapon testing program, particularly the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. He played a scientific and administrative role in these tests

Author: Kalam was also known for his writing and authored several inspirational books, including "Wings of Fire," an autobiography that narrates his early life and his journey from a small town to becoming a prominent scientist and leader.

Author: Kalam was also known for his writing and authored several inspirational books, including "Wings of Fire," an autobiography that narrates his early life and his journey from a small town to becoming a prominent scientist and leader.

Presidency: In 2002, Abdul Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India. He served as the President from 2002 to 2007. During his presidency, he focused on inspiring the youth of the nation and promoting education, science, and technology.

Aerospace Engineer: Kalam started his career as an aerospace engineer and worked at organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and DRDO. He was involved in various space and defense projects, including the development of satellite launch vehicles.

Abdul Kalam's contributions to science, technology, and his inspirational leadership have made him an iconic figure in India and around the world. He passed away on July 27, 2015, but his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

From 1992 to 1997 Kalam was scientific adviser to the defense minister, and he later served as principal scientific adviser (1999–2001) to the government with the rank of cabinet minister. His prominent role in the country’s 1998 nuclear weapons tests solidified India as a nuclear power and established Kalam as a national hero, although the tests caused great concern in the international community. In 1998 Kalam put forward a countrywide plan called Technology Vision 2020, which he described as a road map for transforming India from a less-developed to a developed society in 20 years. The plan called for, among other measures, increasing agricultural productivity, emphasizing technology as a vehicle for economic growth, and widening access to health care and education.

In 2002 India’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) put forward Kalam to succeed outgoing President Kocheril Raman Narayanan. Kalam was nominated by the Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) NDA even though he was Muslim, and his stature and popular appeal were such that even the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, also proposed his candidacy. Kalam easily won the election and was sworn in as India’s 11th president, a largely ceremonial post, in July 2002. He left office at the end of his term in 2007 and was succeeded by Pratibha Patil, the country’s first woman president.

Upon returning to civilian life, Kalam remained committed to using science and technology to transform India into a developed country and served as a lecturer at several universities. On July 27, 2015, he collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest soon afterward.

Kalam wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999). Among his numerous awards were two of the country’s highest honours, the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997).