LIFE SKETCH OF Dr.

APJ ABDUL KALAM AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION

LIFE SKETCH OF Dr. APJ ABDUL KALAM

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, better known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was an Illustrious scientist
turned statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Kalam spent more
than forty years as a science administrator and scientist mainly at the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) and Defence Research and the Development Organization (DRDO). He was
closely associated with the military missile development efforts and civilian space programme of
India. For his work on launch vehicle technology and development of ballistic missile, he was given
the pseudonym of 'The Missile Man of India. In 1998, he played a prominent role in Pokhran-II
Nuclear Tests.

In 2002, he was elected the 11 President of the country and became widely known as the 'People's
President. After serving his presidential term he pursued what he loved most teaching, writing and
reading. For his achievements and contributions as a scientist, he was honoured with the 'Bharat
Ratan Award, India's highest civilian honour.

He left for the heavenly abode on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of
Management (IIM) Shillong. He was laid to rest with full state-honours and his funeral was attended
by thousands of people including national-level dignitaries.

Early Life

APJ Abdul Kalam was born into a poor Tamil Muslim family in the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram,
Tamil Nadu, on October 15, 1931. His mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife and his father,
Jainuiabdeen, was an imam of a local mosque and a boat owner. He was the

youngest in the family with four elder brothers and a sister.

Though, the family was not financially affluent yet all the children were raised in an atmosphere that
was full of love and compassion. In order to add to the family's income, Kalam had to sell
newspapers during his early years.
He was an average student during his school, but possessed a strong desire to learn and was very
hard working. He loved mathematics and spent hours studying the subject. He pursued his education
from 'Schwartz Higher Secondary School, and then graduated from 'Saint Joseph's College.
Tiruchirappalli, In 1954. He wanted to become a fighter pilot but his dream could not be fulfilled as
here were only eight positions available in the IAF and he secured the ninth place.

Career

As A Scientist

In 1960, he graduated from the 'Madras Institute of Technology, and joined as a scientist at the
'Aeronautical Development Establishment,' after becoming a member of the 'Defence Research and
Development Service. Kalam also worked under the eminent space scientist Vikram Sarabhal while
he was a part of 'INCOSPAR' committee, Kalam was transferred to the 'Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO)' in 1969. He became the project head of the country's foremost Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SLV-III). In July 1980, SLV-III deployed the 'Rohini' satellite successfully near-earth orbit
under Kalam's leadership.

Kalam was a part of a number of projects, Including 'Project Devil, In 1970. Though the project was
not successful, yet it laid the foundation for the development of the 'Prithvi Missile,' in 1980. He was
also associated with 'Project Valiant.

In 1983, Kalam returned to DRDO as its chief as he was asked to lead the 'Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program' (IGMDP).
In May 1998, he played a key role in carrying out 'Porkhran-II' nuclear tests by India. The success of
these nuclear tests made Kalam a national hero and his popularity went skyrocketing.

As a technical visionary, he made several recommendations in the fields of technological

innovations, agriculture, and nuclear energy to make India a developed nation by 2020.

As President

In 2002, Kalam was chosen the Presidential nominee by the ruling National Democratic Alliance
(NDA), and he was elected the President. He became the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002
and served the position till July 25, 2007.

He also became the third President of India to have received 'Bharat Ratna' before assuming the
office of the President.

Due to his style of working and interaction with common people, especially the youth, he was
affectionately called 'The People's President. According to Dr. Kalam, the most arduous decision he
had taken during his tenure was that of signing the 'Office of Profit Bill.'

During his tenure as President, he faced criticism for his inaction in deciding the fate of mercy
petitions that were submitted to him. Out of the 21 mercy petitions, he acted only on one mercy
plea. In 2005, he recommended for President's rule in Bihar, which also became a controversial
decision.

As An Academician

After the end of his presidential term, he became a visiting professor at the 'Indian Institute of
Management (IIM), Ahemdabad,' 'Indian Institute of Management ((IIM), Indore,' and the 'Indian
Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong. He served as a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Anna
University, as chancellor at the 'Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Thiruvananthapuram, an honorary fellow of 'Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and an
adjunct at a number of other research and academic institutes across the country. He also taught
technology at 'Anna University, and 'Banaras Hindu University,' and taught information technology
at the 'International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad.
With an aim to defeat corruption and bring efficiency, Kalam launched a program for the youth,
called 'What Can I Give Movement,' in 2012.

Awards and Achievements

Kalam was honoured with the prestigious 'Bharat Ratan,' 'Padma Vibhushan," and

'Padma Bhushan' from the Government of India.

He was bestowed upon the 'Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration' by the Government of
India in 1997.

He was the recipient of Veer Savarkar Award.

In 2000, he was bestowed with 'Ramanujan Award' by the 'Alwars Research Centre."

In 2007, he received the 'Kings Charles II Medal' from the Royal Society.

The ASME Foundation, USA, honoured Kalam with the Hoover Medal.

He also received honorary doctorate from 40 universities..

The United Nations recognized Kalam's 79 birthday as World Students' Day. In 2003 and 2006, he
was nominated for the 'MTV Youth Icon of the Year."

Death
Kalam went to IIM Shillong to deliver a lecture on 'Creating a Livable Planet Earth, on July 27, 2015.
While climbing a flight of stairs, he expressed some discomfort, but made his way to the auditorium.
Only five minutes into the lecture, around 6:35pm IST, he collapsed in the lecture hall. He was taken
to 'Bethany Hospital' in a critical condition. He was kept in the intensive care unit but lacked signs of
life. At 7:45pm IST, he was declared dead due to cardiac arrest.

Kalam's body was airlifted in an Indian Air Force helicopter and was flown to New Delhi on July

28. Numerous dignitaries and masses pald homage to him at his residence at 10 Rajaji Marg.

Kalam's body, wrapped in the national flag, was then flown to the town of Mandapam, from

where an army truck took it to his home town of Rameswaram. His body was displayed at

Rameswaram in front of a bus station to allow people to pay their last respect to the departed

soul. On July 30, 2015, the former President was laid to rest with full state honours at

eswaram's Pei Karumbu Ground, Kalam's last rites were attended by more than 350,000 people.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and the Youth

Destiny was seen being benevolent when death beseeched Kalam while he was doing what he
wanted to do throughout his life-sharing knowledge. Kalam took the final gasp doing what he loved
most, and amongst those whom he loved the most the youth. His life became a paradigm for the
youth of the country. He became a role model and inspiration for the younger generation due to his
humble nature, simple and easy going personality, and his ability to connect with young minds.

His Writings

Dr Kalam authored and co-authored a number of instructional and inspirational books, including
'India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium,' 'Wings of Fire,' 'The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in
Verse and Colours,' 'Mission of India: A Vision of Indian Youth, You Are Born To Blossom, 'Ignited
Minds: Unleashing the Power within India, Gulding Souls, 'Inspiring Thoughts, Turning Points: A
Journey Through Challenges, 'Transcendence. My Spiritual Experiences,'

'Beyond 2020: A

Timeline Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Vision for Tomorrow's India," and various others.

1931

1954

Interesting Facts About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

1958

1958

A man who spent approximat ely five decades in public service that included one stint as The
President, Kalam owned precious

1963

1963

1980
1981

1963

1990

1992

1997

2002

2015

little.

He

Bom on 15 October at Rameswatam in Tamil Nadu, India. Mother: Ashiamma, Father:

Jainulabudeen.

Completed B.Sc. in Physics from Saint Joseph's College at Tiruchirappalli in

Tamil Nadu, affiliated to University of Madras

Completed Engineering degree in scronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology

(MIT) in Tamil Nadu.
Joined the Acronautical Development Establishment of DRDO in Bangalore as junior scientia.

Joined the Indian Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), predecesuse of 15863, as rocket
engineer. Joined advanced training programme at NASA and received practical maning

at various R&D centres of NASA.

Led launching of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), which placed Rohini RS-1 satellite into
sarth orbit on 18 July, India became a member of

the elite space club

Conferred the Padma Bhushan. Joined as Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Mimile
Development

Programme (IGMDP) of DRDO, the Ministry of Defence. Conferred Padma Vibhushan.

Became the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of

DRDO and served till 1999. Conferred Bharat Ratna

Became President of India and served till 2017.

Died on 27 July: Collapsed due to heart failure while delivering a speech at Indian Institute of
Management Shillong in Meghalaya, India.

owned no property, TV, fridge, car, AC, but owned approximately 2,500 books, six shirts, a pair of
shoes, a wristwatch, four trousers and three suits.

He never accepted any gifts from anyone, except books.

He never charged any fee for the lectures that he delivered within or outside the country.

His love for technology is no secret and he kept an eye on all the latest developments primarily
through radio.

He was a vegetarian and was always happy with what he was served.

He was a plous soul and particular about his morning prayer, which he never missed.

He was never seen wearing his religion on his sleeves nor was he seen playing up his humble origins.

He never wrote his will. However, whatever was left behind was to be given to his elder brother and
to grandchildren. Kalam always called his elder brother before going or returning from a significant
assignment.

His autoblography 'Wings of Fire,' was Initially published In English but has been translated into
thirteen languages, including Chinese and French,

In 2011, Nila Madhab Panda directed a movie based on the life of Kalam, titled, 'I Am Kalam."

Mathematics and Physics were his favourite subjects.

CONTRIBUTION OF Dr. APJ ABDUL KALAM TO EDUCATION

Introduction-

Dr. Kalam is a practical educational thinker and visionary who stands for Integrating ancient and
modern educational ideals for the development of a balanced Indian society. Being a top scientist of
international reputation, his direct contribution to the advancement of science and technology is
unique and commendable. His scholarly research publications, articles, books etc. have opened new
avenues for research and studies in the area of aeronautics, ballistics, and metallurgy.

Dr Kalam lays great emphasis on education. He believes that the teachers, particularly school
teachers, have tremendous responsibility in shaping the life of an individual. Childhood is the
foundation stone upon which stands the entire life structure. He states that the seeds sown in
childhood blossom into the tree of life. He firmly believes that the education system should be able
to retain the smiles of children. He further states that the education system has al tremendous
responsibility to transform a child into a leader-the transformation from "What can you do for me?"
to "What can I do for you?" He believes that proper education would help nurture a sense of dignity
and self- respect among the students. He maintains that the purpose of teaching is to create nation-
building capacities in the students and these capabilities are derived from knowledge, education,
own experience and value system inherited through

civilization.

Kalam's Aims of Education-

According to Dr. Kalam education system should retain the smiles of children. This can happen if the
education system is made creative throughout and full employment is provided to all. Dr.

Kalam lists the main aims of education are as follows:-

To build confidence among children to face the future

To enlighten and empower citizens to contribute towards healthy nation building

To build character and to cultivate human values in students

To encourage creativity and to develop scientific attitude with spiritual foundation

To develop capacity for research and enquiry among students.

To unfold innovating powers and entrepreneurship

To develop moral leadership

To make the country energy independent

To develop the sense of dignity, self-respect and self-reliance among students

Some Crucial Factors for Better Education-

1. Capacities to be built among students-

The primary focus of the students should be to excel in their studies. This is their first contribution to
the development of the nation. The education system should instil in the minds of students
capacities of inquiry, creativity, technology, entrepreneurial and moral leadership. If we develop in
all our students these five capacities, we will produce "Autonomous Learner" a self-directed, self-
controlled, lifelong learner, who will have the capacity to both respect authority and at the same
time is capable of questioning authority, in an appropriate manner.

2. Planning for good education for children in villages-

Every school should have basic amenities such as a good building equipped with ventilation and
lighting. The rooms should be airy and have spacious classrooms. The school should also have a
library, laboratories including the latest information Technology tools and infrastructure, safe
drinking water, clean tollets and a playground. This is possible by earmarking the additional 2 to

3 per cent of GDP.

3. Mission of education-
Education is the most important element for growth and prosperity of a nation. India is in the
process of transforming itself into a developed nation by 2020. Yet we have 350 million people

WHO need literacy and many more who have to acquire employable skills to suit the emerging
modern India and the globe.

4. Inequality of access to educational resources-

It is essential that we enlighten and create widespread awareness of education among all sections of
society particularly in rural areas and among the urban poor. We should use technology for this
important social purpose. It is possible for NGOs, other social and philanthropic institutions and the
media to focus on this area of creating awareness. We should also mobilise necessary resources for
providing education to the underprivileged people.

5. Technology Enhanced Education-

Constraints of time and space together with the rapid obsolescence of knowledge in some areas of
science and technology, have created a huge demand for different courses from different
institutions in the distance mode. There is a need for a working digital library system that alone can,
in the long run, provide the kind of access required for a Knowledge Society. Technology Enhanced
Learning is a solution, it attempts to exploit the rapid developments in Information and
Communication Technology. As the communications bandwidth continues to increase and the cost
of computer power continues to drop, Technology Enhanced Learning will become an economically
viable solution. Virtual classrooms of the future will have students from many locations taught by a
team of geographically distributed Instructors through the tele-education delivery system.

6. Reducing Dropouts-

It is reported that 39 per cent of children drop out from school after studying 5th Class and 55 per
cent drop out after studying up to 8th Class. This situation needs remedial action, especially since
assent has been accorded to the 86th Constitution Amendment Act? The Right to Education Bill for
children between the age group of 5 and 14 years. But, an Act alone cannot achieve the goal, unless
education is delivered in a manner, which will take into account the socio-ecnomic reality and
perception of the people to whom it is addressed.
Some Thoughts of APJ Abdul Kalam Regarding Education-

Dr Kalam believes that education is the pillar of a developed and powerful country, and also the
most important element for growth and prosperity. He trusts that education is the most Important
area of the service sector as it provides the required knowledge and skill to do any work. Some of his
educational thoughts are:-

L Curriculum: Dr Kalam maintains that the curriculun and syllabus should be structured in such a
manner that it should meet the changing societal and occupational needs, and

which ne believes is imperative, and suggested that curriculum must include the teachings and
experiences of our eminent and great leaders.

Schools: In his educational philosophy, Dr Kalam has also laid due emphasis on schools. He
advocates that there is an urgent need for every school to have basic amenities, such as good
building equipped with ventilated, lighted, airy and spacious classrooms, safe drinking water, clean
toilets and playgrounds. Fixing the responsibility for the same, he further states that it is the
responsibility of the sponsoring organisation to see that their schools maintain basic minimum
norms both in academics as well as in providing physical facilities on their campus. Certain safety
features must be built in school buildings without which it should not be possible to get affiliation for
these schools.

Children: Children are our greatest wealth. Each child born in the nation allowed to blossom. It is
particularly important to provide extra care and facilities to the children. Including those who are not
fortunate to have their families to look after them. This noble service should be promoted by all
individuals and government organizations, leading to the development of enlightened citizens who
will become an asset for national development.

iv. Imparting moral values: The right kind of education on moral values will upgrade the society and
the country. After every child is nurtured during the early years with love and affection and when he
reaches- a school going age he needs a value based education. The prime learning period for a child
is from six to seventeen years of age. Hence, the school hours for children are the best environment
and mission-oriented learning with value based educational system.

Teacher: Dr Kalam has provided a glorious place to teachers in his educational philosophy. He has
thrown light on the role of teachers, various qualities of teachers and teacher-student relationship.
Dr Kalam believes that teachers have tremendous responsibility in shaping the life of an individual
and their great mission should be to ignite the minds of the young. Dr Kalam realises that these
ignited minds of the young are the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under
the earth. He visualises that the role of a teacher is like the proverbial 'ladder' which is used by
everyone to climb up in life, provided the ladder stays in its place.

Capacity to Use High-End Technology: All students should learn how to use the latest technologies
for aiding their learning process. Universities should equip themselves with adequate computing
equipment, laboratory equipment, and internet facilities and provide an environment for the
students to enhance their learning ability. In the midst of all the technological Innovations and
revolutions we cannot think that the roles of the

teachers will. In fact, the teacher will become even more important and the whole world

of education will become teacher assisted as technology would help in tele-porting the best teacher
to every nook and corner of the country to propagate knowledge.

Conclusion-

Thus, it can be concluded that the essence of Dr. Kalam's personal experience, his life, his
educational philosophy and his educational thoughts are a treasure, worthy to be possessed, studied
deeply and implemented. He is the only president- who has a lot of love for children and feels that
the future of India lies in them. Today's young students want the education system to feed and
challenge their innovative and creative minds. Educational institutions have to year up to evolve a
curriculum that is sensitive to the social and technological needs of a Developed India.