Former President APJ Abdul Kalam Dies at 83
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SHILLONG: Former President APJ Abdul Kalam died on Monday at a hospital in Meghalaya, where he had gone to deliver a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, reports Press Trust of India. He was 83.
Dr Kalam reportedly collapsed on stage at the IIM and was rushed to the Bethany hospital. Doctors say he suffered from a massive cardiac arrest.
Dr Kalam -- the 11th President on India between 2002 and 2007 -- was born in Rameswaram on October 15, 1931, to the family of a boatman.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation."
He played a pivotal role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the test by India in 1974. He was known as the missile man of India.
For his achievements, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, and then he became the 11th President of India in 2002.
Dr Kalam reportedly collapsed on stage at the IIM and was rushed to the Bethany hospital. Doctors say he suffered from a massive cardiac arrest.
Dr Kalam -- the 11th President on India between 2002 and 2007 -- was born in Rameswaram on October 15, 1931, to the family of a boatman.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation."
He played a pivotal role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the test by India in 1974. He was known as the missile man of India.
For his achievements, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, and then he became the 11th President of India in 2002.
APJ Abdul Kalam: The People's President
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NEW DELHI: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was seen by millions of Indians as the 'People's President', the 'Missile Man' who started life as a paperboy.
Born in Rameswaram on 15 October 1931, he was brought up by his boatman father Jainulabdeen in a multi-religious environment. He grew up with seven siblings; his mother Ashimma often made chappatis for him, while the others were given rice, since his day would start at 4 am and end at 11 pm.
Because he was a bright student, his mother would save up some kerosene oil so he could study at night.
He spent his growing years dreaming of conquering the space frontiers on the Arabian Sea. His dreams of the next two decades were mostly conjured up on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, where he test-fired a variety of short-, medium- and long-range conventional and nuclear-capable missiles for India.
His interest in flying led to a degree in aeronautical engineering, and eventually to his supervising the development of India's guided missile program. He went abroad to study only once, in 1963-'64, to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States.
Along the way, he discovered his love for Tamil poetry and learned to play the veena. He could recite both the Holy Quran and the Bhagavad Gita.
Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974..
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, and then he became the 11th President of India in 2002; one of the few presidents to have touched the hearts of the poor children in the country. Because he also came from a poor background, he knew the power of education in changing one's future.
He became the first president to visit the Line of Control (LoC) and address the troops at Uri, close to the border with Pakistan.
NEW DELHI: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was seen by millions of Indians as the 'People's President', the 'Missile Man' who started life as a paperboy.Born in Rameswaram on 15 October 1931, he was brought up by his boatman father Jainulabdeen in a multi-religious environment. He grew up with seven siblings; his mother Ashimma often made chappatis for him, while the others were given rice, since his day would start at 4 am and end at 11 pm.
Because he was a bright student, his mother would save up some kerosene oil so he could study at night.
He spent his growing years dreaming of conquering the space frontiers on the Arabian Sea. His dreams of the next two decades were mostly conjured up on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, where he test-fired a variety of short-, medium- and long-range conventional and nuclear-capable missiles for India.
His interest in flying led to a degree in aeronautical engineering, and eventually to his supervising the development of India's guided missile program. He went abroad to study only once, in 1963-'64, to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States.
Along the way, he discovered his love for Tamil poetry and learned to play the veena. He could recite both the Holy Quran and the Bhagavad Gita.
Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974..
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, and then he became the 11th President of India in 2002; one of the few presidents to have touched the hearts of the poor children in the country. Because he also came from a poor background, he knew the power of education in changing one's future.
He became the first president to visit the Line of Control (LoC) and address the troops at Uri, close to the border with Pakistan.
Punjab Put on Maximum Alert After Gurdaspur Terror Attack
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CHANDIGARH: Security forces in Punjab went on "maximum alert" in the wake of suspected terror attack in Gurdaspur district today, about three weeks ahead of the Independence Day.
A senior police official said that in view of the attack, "maximum alert" has been sounded across the state and security has been beefed up along its borders with neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir.
Additional police and other security personnel have been deployed around vital installations and key public places in the state, the official said.
He said the police has set up 'nakas' or check-points and intensified checking of vehicles.
Border Security Force, which guards the Indo-Pak border, has also been put on high alert after the incident, he said.
Meanwhile, alert has also been sounded in neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh, the common capital of both the states.
CHANDIGARH: Security forces in Punjab went on "maximum alert" in the wake of suspected terror attack in Gurdaspur district today, about three weeks ahead of the Independence Day.A senior police official said that in view of the attack, "maximum alert" has been sounded across the state and security has been beefed up along its borders with neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir.
Additional police and other security personnel have been deployed around vital installations and key public places in the state, the official said.
He said the police has set up 'nakas' or check-points and intensified checking of vehicles.
Border Security Force, which guards the Indo-Pak border, has also been put on high alert after the incident, he said.
Meanwhile, alert has also been sounded in neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh, the common capital of both the states.
Gurdaspur Attack: Centre's Job to Seal the Border, Says Punjab Chief Minister
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AMRITSAR, PUNJAB: A terror attack in which six people were killed in Punjab today had Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal pointing a finger at the central government led by his ally, the BJP.
"The terrorists didn't come from Punjab, they came from border. It's the Centre's job to seal the border... This is a national problem not a state problem... This should be tackled with national policy," Mr Badal said.
Four terrorists, who were in army uniforms, carjacked a Maruti 800 car before storming into Dinanagar police station this morning. They are now holed up in the empty police station, three policemen and three civilians have been killed so far.
Asked if there was an intelligence failure on the state government's part, Mr Badal said, "This is their (Centre) work to identify from where they come, they obviously breach through border."
This morning, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mr Badal on the phone and said the Centre and Punjab government are working in close coordination with each other.
Mr Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP are alliance partners in Punjab and at the Centre.
AMRITSAR, PUNJAB: A terror attack in which six people were killed in Punjab today had Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal pointing a finger at the central government led by his ally, the BJP."The terrorists didn't come from Punjab, they came from border. It's the Centre's job to seal the border... This is a national problem not a state problem... This should be tackled with national policy," Mr Badal said.
Four terrorists, who were in army uniforms, carjacked a Maruti 800 car before storming into Dinanagar police station this morning. They are now holed up in the empty police station, three policemen and three civilians have been killed so far.
Asked if there was an intelligence failure on the state government's part, Mr Badal said, "This is their (Centre) work to identify from where they come, they obviously breach through border."
This morning, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mr Badal on the phone and said the Centre and Punjab government are working in close coordination with each other.
Mr Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP are alliance partners in Punjab and at the Centre.
Karnataka Lokayukta's Son Arrested in Bribery Case
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BENGALURU: After his son was arrested in a corruption case, the Lokayukta or ombudsman of Karantaka, Justice V Bhaskar Rao, is reportedly consulting legal experts about whether he should quit office today.
Justice Rao's son, Ashwin Rao, was arrested in Andhra Pradesh for allegedly asking a state engineer for a crore as a bribe.
A special police team was created at the Lokayukta's request at the end of June to investigate the charges against his son and officials of the ombudsman agency, which is meant to tackle cases of corruption among government officers.
On Sunday night, the Lokayukta's joint commissioner, Syed Riyaz, was arrested in Bengaluru.
MN Krishnamurthy, an engineer working with the state's Public Works department, said in May that the Lokayukta's son warned him in May that unless he paid a crore, a corruption case would be registered against him by the ombudsman.
Justice Rao was appointed ombudsman of the state by the BJP in February 2013.
Justice Rao's son, Ashwin Rao, was arrested in Andhra Pradesh for allegedly asking a state engineer for a crore as a bribe.
A special police team was created at the Lokayukta's request at the end of June to investigate the charges against his son and officials of the ombudsman agency, which is meant to tackle cases of corruption among government officers.
On Sunday night, the Lokayukta's joint commissioner, Syed Riyaz, was arrested in Bengaluru.
MN Krishnamurthy, an engineer working with the state's Public Works department, said in May that the Lokayukta's son warned him in May that unless he paid a crore, a corruption case would be registered against him by the ombudsman.
Justice Rao was appointed ombudsman of the state by the BJP in February 2013.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till Tomorrow
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NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day today after paying tribute to sitting BJD member Kalpataru Das and former members RS Gavai and BK Handique who died recently.
While Mr Das (65) passed away in Delhi on July 25 after a prolonged battle with cancer, Mr Gavai (86) who also served as governor of Bihar and Kerala, died on the same day. Mr Handique (81) breathed his last in Guwahati yesterday.
Paying glowing tributes, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari described Das as a "distinguished parlamentarian and a dedicated social worker" and said his death was a big loss to the country. Mr Das represented Odisha in the House from April 2014.
The Chairman remembered Mr Gavai as an "able administrator", who served as governor of Bihar and Kerala and was recipient of several awards including the National Press Award for his outstanding contribution to various fields of public life, including journalism.
He reprsented Maharashtra in the House from April 2000 to April 2006.
Remembering Mr Handique, Mr Ansari said he had founded many educational institutions and was actively involved in promoting crafts skills among women, setting up of community halls for tea plantation workers and minority population and organising relief work in natural calamities.
He served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, Parliamentary Affairs, Chemical and Fertilizers and Mines and was also the Minister of Mines and Development of the North Eastern Region.
Mr Handique represented Assam in the Upper House from April 1980 to April 1986.
After the obituary references, the Chairman adjourned the House for the day, as part of a practice whenever a sitting member passes away.
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day today after paying tribute to sitting BJD member Kalpataru Das and former members RS Gavai and BK Handique who died recently.While Mr Das (65) passed away in Delhi on July 25 after a prolonged battle with cancer, Mr Gavai (86) who also served as governor of Bihar and Kerala, died on the same day. Mr Handique (81) breathed his last in Guwahati yesterday.
Paying glowing tributes, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari described Das as a "distinguished parlamentarian and a dedicated social worker" and said his death was a big loss to the country. Mr Das represented Odisha in the House from April 2014.
The Chairman remembered Mr Gavai as an "able administrator", who served as governor of Bihar and Kerala and was recipient of several awards including the National Press Award for his outstanding contribution to various fields of public life, including journalism.
He reprsented Maharashtra in the House from April 2000 to April 2006.
Remembering Mr Handique, Mr Ansari said he had founded many educational institutions and was actively involved in promoting crafts skills among women, setting up of community halls for tea plantation workers and minority population and organising relief work in natural calamities.
He served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, Parliamentary Affairs, Chemical and Fertilizers and Mines and was also the Minister of Mines and Development of the North Eastern Region.
Mr Handique represented Assam in the Upper House from April 1980 to April 1986.
After the obituary references, the Chairman adjourned the House for the day, as part of a practice whenever a sitting member passes away.
Security Lapse And Intel Failure, Says Congress About Gurdaspur Attack
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NEW DELHI: As terrorists struck in Punjab's Gurdaspur, killing six people in two attacks, the Congress today alleged a major "security lapse and intelligence failure".
"It is said that they have come from across the border...if that is true, it is a security lapse and intelligence failure," Congress leader Anand Sharma said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi needed to take firm steps.
A group of terrorists opened fire on a public bus and later stormed a police station in Gurdaspur in Punjab, near the border with Pakistan.
The four terrorists, who were in army uniforms, are now holed up in an empty police station in Dinanagar in Punjab. Three policemen and three civilians have been killed.
Two terrorists have been shot down. The terrorists infiltrated the Jammu region late at night or early this morning, said sources.
They carjacked a Maruti 800, shot at a bus, and then stormed the police station where they are now hiding.
Responding to opposition demands in Parliament, the government said Home Minister Rajnath Singh would make a statement after the operation in Punjab was over.
"Where is the government's intelligence? It is the Centre's responsibility to secure the borders, though we condemn the terror attack," said Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha,
The Congress said if the attackers crossed over from Pakistan, it raised questions about the country's intentions and the agreement between PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Ufa in Russia.
As the opposition kept demanding a statement from the government, Venkaiah Naidu said: "We cannot say anything while the encounter is on. The Congress and others should not indulge in politics...entire country should speak in one voice."
Mr Naidu said he had informed Mr Kharge about the attack in the morning. "Trying to find fault with the government, talking about intelligence failure...this is not done. People create a situation, not allowing members to speak and blame the speaker. You can't eat your cake and have it," said the minister.
NEW DELHI: As terrorists struck in Punjab's Gurdaspur, killing six people in two attacks, the Congress today alleged a major "security lapse and intelligence failure"."It is said that they have come from across the border...if that is true, it is a security lapse and intelligence failure," Congress leader Anand Sharma said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi needed to take firm steps.
A group of terrorists opened fire on a public bus and later stormed a police station in Gurdaspur in Punjab, near the border with Pakistan.
The four terrorists, who were in army uniforms, are now holed up in an empty police station in Dinanagar in Punjab. Three policemen and three civilians have been killed.
Two terrorists have been shot down. The terrorists infiltrated the Jammu region late at night or early this morning, said sources.
They carjacked a Maruti 800, shot at a bus, and then stormed the police station where they are now hiding.
Responding to opposition demands in Parliament, the government said Home Minister Rajnath Singh would make a statement after the operation in Punjab was over.
"Where is the government's intelligence? It is the Centre's responsibility to secure the borders, though we condemn the terror attack," said Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha,
The Congress said if the attackers crossed over from Pakistan, it raised questions about the country's intentions and the agreement between PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif at Ufa in Russia.
As the opposition kept demanding a statement from the government, Venkaiah Naidu said: "We cannot say anything while the encounter is on. The Congress and others should not indulge in politics...entire country should speak in one voice."
Mr Naidu said he had informed Mr Kharge about the attack in the morning. "Trying to find fault with the government, talking about intelligence failure...this is not done. People create a situation, not allowing members to speak and blame the speaker. You can't eat your cake and have it," said the minister.
Bandh Called by Lalu's Party Hits Normal Life in Bihar
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PATNA: Normal life was disrupted in Bihar today as shops, educational institutions and some trains were forced to stop functioing as lathi-wielding mobs took to the streets over the day-long state bandh called by RJD.
Officials said shops remained shut, colleges and educational institutions were forced to close down, roads including national highways were blocked and vehicles were attacked during the shut-down called by RJD.
Hordes of RJD supporters armed with sticks and canes were seen burning tyres and bamboos at busiest thoroughfares in the state capital.
The supporters also disrupted classes and forcibly closed colleges affiliated to Patna University, officials said.
East Central Railway (ECR) CPRO Arvind Kumar Rajak said, "Reports are coming about disturbance in rail services by bandh supporters at many places in the state."
The Patna-Ranchi Janshatabdi Express was stopped at Jehanabad station while Hatia-Islampur Express was halted near Daniyawan in Patna district, he said.
Mr Rajak added that reports have also come about disruption of railway services near Kamtaul railway station in Darbhanga district even as RJD workers squatted on rail tracks in Shiekhpura and Madhepura hampering movement of trains.
The RJD gave the call to press for its demand for quick release of caste census data by the Centre.
Though RJD chief Lalu Prasad, while giving the call for Bihar bandh a few days ago, had asked his supporters not to disturb trains while enforcing it, his plea apparently fell on deaf ears.
PATNA: Normal life was disrupted in Bihar today as shops, educational institutions and some trains were forced to stop functioing as lathi-wielding mobs took to the streets over the day-long state bandh called by RJD.Officials said shops remained shut, colleges and educational institutions were forced to close down, roads including national highways were blocked and vehicles were attacked during the shut-down called by RJD.
Hordes of RJD supporters armed with sticks and canes were seen burning tyres and bamboos at busiest thoroughfares in the state capital.
The supporters also disrupted classes and forcibly closed colleges affiliated to Patna University, officials said.
East Central Railway (ECR) CPRO Arvind Kumar Rajak said, "Reports are coming about disturbance in rail services by bandh supporters at many places in the state."
The Patna-Ranchi Janshatabdi Express was stopped at Jehanabad station while Hatia-Islampur Express was halted near Daniyawan in Patna district, he said.
Mr Rajak added that reports have also come about disruption of railway services near Kamtaul railway station in Darbhanga district even as RJD workers squatted on rail tracks in Shiekhpura and Madhepura hampering movement of trains.
The RJD gave the call to press for its demand for quick release of caste census data by the Centre.
Though RJD chief Lalu Prasad, while giving the call for Bihar bandh a few days ago, had asked his supporters not to disturb trains while enforcing it, his plea apparently fell on deaf ears.
USD 1 Million Prize for Crafting Best Message for Aliens
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LONDON: Yuri Milner, the Russian billionaire who is funding the USD 100 million search for aliens, is offering USD 1 million prize money to craft the best message to send to an extraterrestrial civilisation.
Frank Drake, an astronomer who has been at the centre of searches for extraterrestrial intelligence since the 1960s, said that the first thing the judges would do was eliminate any entries written in human languages.
"Some people have foolishly composed messages in English. Big mistake," Mr Drake said.
Mr Drake has been involved in previous efforts to devise interplanetary messages, including the plaque on the Pioneer and Voyager space probes, which are now the farthest human objects from Earth, 'The Times' reported.
Given that the message may take thousands of years to reach intelligent life, it should include as much information as possible for the creatures receiving it.
"Don't just send a message like, 'We want to be your friends'. The ETs will just get disappointed and mad at this," Mr Drake said.
Mr Drake said the key was to think about what we have in common with other beings.
"There are many common reference points. Chemistry, for instance. Through the spectral lines of elements, which are the characteristic fingerprints they leave on the light spectrum, we can give scale - hydrogen's spectral line could be a common unit of length," Mr Drake said.
Pulsars would also be a common reference point. The lighthouses of the universe, these neutron stars emit characteristic bursts of radiation. They can be used to describe a time interval, he said.
The USD 100-million Breakthrough Initiatives programme was launched by eminent British physicist Stephen Hawking at the Royal Society in London last week.
Funded by Ms Milner, the programme has been characterised as the "biggest scientific search ever undertaken for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth."
LONDON: Yuri Milner, the Russian billionaire who is funding the USD 100 million search for aliens, is offering USD 1 million prize money to craft the best message to send to an extraterrestrial civilisation.Frank Drake, an astronomer who has been at the centre of searches for extraterrestrial intelligence since the 1960s, said that the first thing the judges would do was eliminate any entries written in human languages.
"Some people have foolishly composed messages in English. Big mistake," Mr Drake said.
Mr Drake has been involved in previous efforts to devise interplanetary messages, including the plaque on the Pioneer and Voyager space probes, which are now the farthest human objects from Earth, 'The Times' reported.
Given that the message may take thousands of years to reach intelligent life, it should include as much information as possible for the creatures receiving it.
"Don't just send a message like, 'We want to be your friends'. The ETs will just get disappointed and mad at this," Mr Drake said.
Mr Drake said the key was to think about what we have in common with other beings.
"There are many common reference points. Chemistry, for instance. Through the spectral lines of elements, which are the characteristic fingerprints they leave on the light spectrum, we can give scale - hydrogen's spectral line could be a common unit of length," Mr Drake said.
Pulsars would also be a common reference point. The lighthouses of the universe, these neutron stars emit characteristic bursts of radiation. They can be used to describe a time interval, he said.
The USD 100-million Breakthrough Initiatives programme was launched by eminent British physicist Stephen Hawking at the Royal Society in London last week.
Funded by Ms Milner, the programme has been characterised as the "biggest scientific search ever undertaken for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth."
China Eyes New Cruise Link to Disputed South China Sea Islands
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BEIJING: Chinese authorities plan to start a second cruise ship link to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, state media reported on Monday, in a move that may irk Vietnam, which also claims the islets.
China began cruises on the Coconut Princess on a trial basis from the southern island province of Hainan in 2013. More than 10,000 tourists have taken the trip so far, the official China Daily reported.
Officials hope a second ship will be in operation before the end of the year, and that more islands can be opened up for visits, the report said.
Those include Woody Island, where the Chinese government seat for administering the Paracels is located.
However, weather and poor facilities could hamper tourism efforts. The Paracels are often hit by typhoons and strong winds, the paper said.
"We need to take into account the capacity of the islets to handle tourists. Cruise ships cannot dock on some of them and the tourists have to be bought ashore by smaller ships," Xie Zanliang, head of a government tourism company promoting trips to the Paracels, told the newspaper.
The deployment of a Chinese oil rig near the Paracels last year sparked a standoff with Vietnam and anti-Chinese riots.
Taiwan also claims the Paracels.
China claims 90 percent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan lay claim to parts of the sea, through which passes about $5 trillion of trade a year.
Vietnam said last month it would offer its own cruises to the disputed Spratly archipelago, which lies south of the Paracels, a move that sparked anger from China.
Countries competing to cement their rival claims have encouraged a growing civilian presence on disputed islands.
BEIJING: Chinese authorities plan to start a second cruise ship link to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, state media reported on Monday, in a move that may irk Vietnam, which also claims the islets.China began cruises on the Coconut Princess on a trial basis from the southern island province of Hainan in 2013. More than 10,000 tourists have taken the trip so far, the official China Daily reported.
Officials hope a second ship will be in operation before the end of the year, and that more islands can be opened up for visits, the report said.
Those include Woody Island, where the Chinese government seat for administering the Paracels is located.
However, weather and poor facilities could hamper tourism efforts. The Paracels are often hit by typhoons and strong winds, the paper said.
"We need to take into account the capacity of the islets to handle tourists. Cruise ships cannot dock on some of them and the tourists have to be bought ashore by smaller ships," Xie Zanliang, head of a government tourism company promoting trips to the Paracels, told the newspaper.
The deployment of a Chinese oil rig near the Paracels last year sparked a standoff with Vietnam and anti-Chinese riots.
Taiwan also claims the Paracels.
China claims 90 percent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan lay claim to parts of the sea, through which passes about $5 trillion of trade a year.
Vietnam said last month it would offer its own cruises to the disputed Spratly archipelago, which lies south of the Paracels, a move that sparked anger from China.
Countries competing to cement their rival claims have encouraged a growing civilian presence on disputed islands.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Biography
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A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, is also popularly known as the Missile Man. This biography provides information about his profile and life
Little did Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma know that their son would grow up to be the first citizen of India. An Indian scientist and administrator, Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 until 2007. One amongst the most respected people of the country, Kalam has contributed immensely both as a scientist and as a president. His contribution at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been immense. He was responsible for numerous projects such as Project Devil and Project Valiant and launch of the Rohini-1, besides developing missiles under the missions Agni and Prithvi. For the same, he has been popularly tagged as the “Missile Man of India”. Kalam has been honored with great laurels and awards for his work by both the Government of India and other countries. Currently, Kalam serves as a visiting professor in various esteemed institutes and universities of India.
Childhood & Early Life
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A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born to Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma on October 15, 1931.
He came from a family whose financial conditions weren’t sound enough. As a means
to support his family’s meagre income, Kalam took up odd jobs in his childhood but
never gave up on his education. EDIT
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He graduated from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli in 1954 but not satisfied
with his degree, he left for Madras later next year to study aerospace engineering.
He enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).
Career
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After graduating from MIT, Kalam took up the position of chief scientist at
the Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defense Research
and Development Organization (DRDO). However, the profile
didn’t appeal Kalam much who shifted to the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) where he was the project director of India's
first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
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His years at the ISRO were the most crucial ones, as they left a
lasting impact on him. Kalam lead many projects and turned
out to be successful each time.
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In the 1970s, Kalam directed two projects, namely, Project Devil
and Project Valiant, which sought to develop ballistic missiles
from the technology of the successful SLV programme.
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A milestone was achieved when locally built Rohini-1 was launched
into space, using the SLV rocket. Upon watching the raving success
of Kalam, the government agreed for initiation of an advanced
missile program under his directorship. He played a pivotal role
in developing missiles under the missions Agni and Prithvi.
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Kalam was the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program (I.G.M.D.P) which researched in simultaneous
development of a quiver of missiles instead of taking planned
missiles one by one.
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From 1992 until 1999, Kalam was appointed as the Chief Scientific
Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research
and Development Organisation. It was during this time that Kalam
served as the Chief Project Coordinator for Pokhran II nuclear tests,
after which he was fondly called the “Missile Man of India”.
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Kalam succeeded K. R. Narayan to serve as the 11th President of
India from 2002 until 2007. It was a highly one-sided contest.
With his appointment, Kalam became the first scientist and
first ever bachelor to occupy the Rastrapati Bhawan.
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During his tenure as a President, Kalam was both appreciated and
criticised. The latter was mostly due to his inaction in deciding the
fate of 20 mercy petitioners.
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In addition to all the profiles that Kalam holds, he has authored numerous
influential and inspirational books. Amongst all his books, “India 2020” was
the widely read and appreciated one. It forecasted an action plan which
advocated India turning into a knowledge superpower and as one of the
developed nations of the world by the year 2020. His other books include,
“Ignited Minds”, “Mission India”, “Inspiring Thoughts” and “The Luminous
Sparks”.
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In 2011, he launched his mission for the youth of the nation called the
“What Can I Give Movement” with the main aim to defeat corruption in India.
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Currently, Kalam serves as the visiting professor in various esteemed
institutes and universities of India, such as Indian Institute of Management
Ahmedabad and Indore, Chancellor of Indian Institute of Space
Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, Aerospace Engineering
at Anna University (Chennai), JSS University (Mysore).
Awards & Achievements
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Kalam is the proud recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma
Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna awards from the
Government of India. He received the same in the years
1981, 1990 and 1997, respectively.
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In 1997, he was honored by the Government of India with
the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration.
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Later, the next year, he was awarded the Veer Savarkar
Award by the Government of India.
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The Alwars Research Centre, Chennai bestowed Kalam with
the Ramanujan Award in the year 2000.
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Kalam was honored with the King Charles II Medal by the
Royal Society, U.K in 2007.
-
The California Institute of Technology, U.S.A presented Kalam
with the International von Kármán Wings Award in the year 2009.
Same year, he won the Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA.
-
The IEEE honored Kalam with IEEE Honorary Membership in 2011.
-
Kalam is the proud recipient of honorary doctorates from 40 universities.
-
In addition to this, Kalam's 79th birthday was recognised as World
Students' Day by United Nations.
-
He was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award
in 2003 and in 2006.
A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TIMELINE
1931:
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15th October.
1954:
Graduated from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli.
1955:
Enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering.
1960:
Joined Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a chief scientist.
1969:
Was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
1992-1999:
Served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research and Development Organisation.
2002-2007:
Served as the 11th President of India.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, is also popularly known as the Missile Man. This biography provides information about his profile and life
Little did Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma know that their son would grow up to be the first citizen of India. An Indian scientist and administrator, Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 until 2007. One amongst the most respected people of the country, Kalam has contributed immensely both as a scientist and as a president. His contribution at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been immense. He was responsible for numerous projects such as Project Devil and Project Valiant and launch of the Rohini-1, besides developing missiles under the missions Agni and Prithvi. For the same, he has been popularly tagged as the “Missile Man of India”. Kalam has been honored with great laurels and awards for his work by both the Government of India and other countries. Currently, Kalam serves as a visiting professor in various esteemed institutes and universities of India.
Childhood & Early Life
- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born to Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma on October 15, 1931.
He came from a family whose financial conditions weren’t sound enough. As a means
to support his family’s meagre income, Kalam took up odd jobs in his childhood but
never gave up on his education. EDIT - He graduated from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli in 1954 but not satisfied
with his degree, he left for Madras later next year to study aerospace engineering.
He enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT).
Career
- After graduating from MIT, Kalam took up the position of chief scientist at
the Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defense Research
and Development Organization (DRDO). However, the profile
didn’t appeal Kalam much who shifted to the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) where he was the project director of India's
first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
- His years at the ISRO were the most crucial ones, as they left a
lasting impact on him. Kalam lead many projects and turned
out to be successful each time.
- In the 1970s, Kalam directed two projects, namely, Project Devil
and Project Valiant, which sought to develop ballistic missiles
from the technology of the successful SLV programme.
- A milestone was achieved when locally built Rohini-1 was launched
into space, using the SLV rocket. Upon watching the raving success
of Kalam, the government agreed for initiation of an advanced
missile program under his directorship. He played a pivotal role
in developing missiles under the missions Agni and Prithvi. - Kalam was the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program (I.G.M.D.P) which researched in simultaneous
development of a quiver of missiles instead of taking planned
missiles one by one. - From 1992 until 1999, Kalam was appointed as the Chief Scientific
Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research
and Development Organisation. It was during this time that Kalam
served as the Chief Project Coordinator for Pokhran II nuclear tests,
after which he was fondly called the “Missile Man of India”.
- Kalam succeeded K. R. Narayan to serve as the 11th President of
India from 2002 until 2007. It was a highly one-sided contest.
With his appointment, Kalam became the first scientist and
first ever bachelor to occupy the Rastrapati Bhawan. - During his tenure as a President, Kalam was both appreciated and
criticised. The latter was mostly due to his inaction in deciding the
fate of 20 mercy petitioners.
- In addition to all the profiles that Kalam holds, he has authored numerous
influential and inspirational books. Amongst all his books, “India 2020” was
the widely read and appreciated one. It forecasted an action plan which
advocated India turning into a knowledge superpower and as one of the
developed nations of the world by the year 2020. His other books include,
“Ignited Minds”, “Mission India”, “Inspiring Thoughts” and “The Luminous
Sparks”.
- In 2011, he launched his mission for the youth of the nation called the
“What Can I Give Movement” with the main aim to defeat corruption in India.
- Currently, Kalam serves as the visiting professor in various esteemed
institutes and universities of India, such as Indian Institute of Management
Ahmedabad and Indore, Chancellor of Indian Institute of Space
Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, Aerospace Engineering
at Anna University (Chennai), JSS University (Mysore).
Awards & Achievements
- Kalam is the proud recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma
Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna awards from the
Government of India. He received the same in the years
1981, 1990 and 1997, respectively. - In 1997, he was honored by the Government of India with
the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. - Later, the next year, he was awarded the Veer Savarkar
Award by the Government of India. - The Alwars Research Centre, Chennai bestowed Kalam with
the Ramanujan Award in the year 2000. - Kalam was honored with the King Charles II Medal by the
Royal Society, U.K in 2007. - The California Institute of Technology, U.S.A presented Kalam
with the International von Kármán Wings Award in the year 2009.
Same year, he won the Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA.
- The IEEE honored Kalam with IEEE Honorary Membership in 2011.
- Kalam is the proud recipient of honorary doctorates from 40 universities.
- In addition to this, Kalam's 79th birthday was recognised as World
Students' Day by United Nations. - He was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award
in 2003 and in 2006.
A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TIMELINE
1931:
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15th October.
1954:
Graduated from Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli.
1955:
Enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering.
1960:
Joined Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a chief scientist.
1969:
Was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
1992-1999:
Served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research and Development Organisation.
2002-2007:
Served as the 11th President of India.
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