A. P. J. Abdul Kalam - Revision history

Mr.x at 12:06, 25 August 2025

2025-08-25T12:06:48Z

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	\| religion = Islam		\| religion = Islam
	\| website = [https://kalamcentre.org/ Official Website]		\| website = [https://kalamcentre.org/ Official Website]
	}}'''Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam''' ~~(15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015)~~ was an Indian aerospace scientist and a respected leader who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.		}}'''Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam''' was an Indian aerospace scientist and a respected leader who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

	He was born in a small Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Kalam studied physics and later aerospace engineering. For more than forty years, he worked as a scientist and administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He played an important role in India’s space programme and missile development projects. Because of his work on ballistic missiles and launch vehicles, he was called the "Missile Man of India." He also had a major role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which strengthened India’s defence.		He was born in a small Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Kalam studied physics and later aerospace engineering. For more than forty years, he worked as a scientist and administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He played an important role in India’s space programme and missile development projects. Because of his work on ballistic missiles and launch vehicles, he was called the "Missile Man of India." He also had a major role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which strengthened India’s defence.

Mr.x at 09:48, 25 August 2025

2025-08-25T09:48:16Z

Show changes

Mr.x: /* Death */

2025-08-25T09:07:35Z

Death

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	== Death ==		== Death ==
	On 27 July 2015, ~~Dr. A.P.J. Abdul~~ Kalam~~, aged 83, collapsed while delivering~~ a lecture ~~titled~~ “Creating a ~~Liveable~~ Planet ~~Earth” at IIM Shillong~~. ~~Roughly~~ five minutes ~~into~~ his ~~talk~~, he ~~experienced discomfort,~~ collapsed~~, and~~ was ~~rushed~~ to ~~nearby~~ Bethany Hospital ~~in critical condition~~. Doctors ~~confirmed that~~ he ~~succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest~~ at ~~around~~ 7:45 PM IST.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, Dies at 83 \|url=https://time.com/3973436/apj-abdul-kalam-india-president-dies/ \|website=Time Magazine \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam’s 10th death anniversary: Remembering the man… \|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.~~com/news/new-updates/apj‑abdul‑kalams‑10th‑death‑anniversary‑remembering‑the‑man‑who‑taught‑india‑to‑dream‑through‑his‑life‑ideas‑and‑words/articleshow/122929739~~.~~cms \|website=Economic Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		On 27 July 2015, Kalam went to IIM Shillong to give a lecture on “Creating a Livable Planet Earth.” While climbing the stairs, he felt a bit uneasy but, after resting for a while, he entered the auditorium. Around 6:35 p.m., just five minutes after starting his lecture, he suddenly collapsed. He was quickly taken to Bethany Hospital, but by the time he arrived, he had no pulse or signs of life. Doctors tried to revive him in the intensive care unit, but he was declared dead at 7:45 p.m. due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

	~~The sudden and poignant nature of his passing while interacting with students—his lifelong passion—led~~ to ~~widespread shock and grief across India and globally. Reflecting on his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was~~ a “great loss to the scientific community” and noted Kalam’s unique ability to “show the way.” Thousands of tributes poured in from political leaders, scientists, youth groups, and international dignitaries.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=India Pays Tribute to ‘People’s President’ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam \|url=https://time.~~com/3974357/apj‑abdul‑kalam‑death‑tributes‑condolences/ \|website=Time Magazine \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~

	== Legacy ==		== Legacy ==

Mr.x: /* Post-Presidency */

2025-08-25T09:05:31Z

Post-Presidency

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	== Post-Presidency ==		== Post-Presidency ==
			After finishing his term as President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam went back to teaching. He became a visiting professor at several institutions, including IIM Shillong, his alma mater Anna University in Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. In 2007, he was appointed the first chancellor of the newly set up Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram. He also gave lectures to management students across India and even visited China twice, where he conducted sessions at Peking University.

			In 2011, Kalam supported the setting up of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, assuring people that the plant was safe. However, many locals were not convinced and some opposed his visit.

			In May 2012, Kalam started a youth movement called “What Can I Give”, with the main goal of inspiring young Indians to fight corruption.

	== Death ==		== Death ==

Mr.x: /* Presidency (2002–2007) */

2025-08-25T09:03:10Z

Presidency (2002–2007)

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	== Presidency (2002–2007) ==		== Presidency (2002–2007) ==
	~~Dr.~~ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ~~was sworn in as~~ the ~~11th~~ President of India ~~on 25 July 2002~~. ~~He became~~ the ~~first scientist~~ and ~~aerospace engineer to hold~~ the ~~country’s highest constitutional office~~. ~~His nomination received~~ support ~~from both major political parties~~, ~~and he was celebrated as~~ the ~~“People’s President” for his humility, accessibility, and strong connection with India’s youth..<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam sworn in as~~ President ~~\|url=https://timesofindia~~.~~indiatimes~~.~~com/india/apj-abdul-kalam-sworn-in-as-president/articleshow/17040454~~.~~cms \|website=Times of India \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		On 10 June 2002, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced that it wanted to nominate A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for the post of President of India. His candidature was also supported by opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. With so much support for Kalam, the then-President K. R. Narayanan chose not to run for a second term.

	~~During~~ his ~~presidency~~, ~~Kalam broke traditional boundaries~~ of the ~~Rashtrapati Bhavan. He often interacted with students, gave lectures~~ at educational institutions, and promoted his development plan, Vision 2020. He advocated for India’s transformation into a knowledge superpower through sustainable development and technological progress.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam death anniversary: What Kalam’s tenure as President meant for India? \|url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-death-anniversary-what-kalams-tenure-as-president-meant-for-india-23300096 \|website=Mid-Day \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>		Kalam, while reacting to his nomination, said he was deeply touched and wondered what message he could give to the people of the country at such an important time.

	Kalam ~~made history~~ by ~~returning~~ the ~~Office of Profit Bill to Parliament for reconsideration~~. He ~~became~~ the ~~first~~ President of India ~~to do this~~. ~~This unusual constitutional action was widely debated in political~~ and ~~legal circles.~~		On 18 June 2002, Kalam filed his nomination papers in Parliament, accompanied by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior cabinet leaders. His opponent was Lakshmi Sahgal, and voting took place on 15 July in Parliament and the state assemblies. As expected, Kalam won by a huge margin—he received 922,884 electoral votes, while Sahgal got 107,366. He was sworn in as the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002. He became the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the highest office in India.
	~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam's 10th death anniversary: Remembering~~ the ~~man who taught India~~ to ~~dream \|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/apj-abdul-kalams-10th-death-anniversary-remembering-~~the~~-man-who-taught-india-to-dream-through-his-life-ideas-and-words/articleshow/122929739~~.~~cms \|website=Economic Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~

	~~While admired for~~ his ~~scientific skills~~, Kalam ~~faced criticism for acting on only one mercy petition out~~ of ~~21 during~~ his ~~tenure. He rejected~~ the ~~plea~~ of ~~convicted rapist Dhananjoy Chatterjee~~. ~~Several high-profile petitions~~, ~~including that of Afzal Guru~~, ~~remained pending when~~ he ~~left office in July 2007.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam death anniversary: What Kalam’s tenure as President meant~~ for India~~? \|url=https://www~~.~~mid-day~~.~~com/news/india-news/article/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-death-anniversary-what-kalams-tenure-as-president-meant-for-india-23300096 \|website=Mid-Day \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		During his term, Kalam became popularly known as the “People’s President.” He later said that the toughest decision of his presidency was signing the Office of Profit Bill. In September 2003, during an interactive session in Chandigarh, he also spoke about the importance of a Uniform Civil Code for India. In 2005, he approved the imposition of President’s Rule in Bihar.

	~~Despite these controversies~~, ~~many remember Kalam’s presidency~~ for ~~bringing empathy~~, ~~intellect~~, and ~~inspiration back into~~ the ~~role~~. ~~He transformed it into a platform~~ for ~~national awakening~~ and ~~youth-driven development~~.		When it came to mercy petitions (requests to reduce death penalties), Kalam did not take action on 20 out of 21 cases, including that of Afzal Guru, who was convicted for the 2001 Parliament attack. He acted only on one plea—that of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, whose petition he rejected, leading to Chatterjee’s execution.

			Towards the end of his term in 2007, Kalam said he was open to a second term, but only if he was sure of winning. The United National Progressive Alliance supported his name, but he did not receive backing from the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Two days later, Kalam announced that he would not contest again, as he did not want to drag the Rashtrapati Bhavan into political matters.

			In 2012, when the term of President Pratibha Patil was about to end, reports suggested that Kalam might run again. Many people on social media showed strong support for him, and some parties like the BJP and the Trinamool Congress were also in favour. But the Congress Party opposed his nomination. On 18 June 2012, Kalam finally declined, saying:

			“Many citizens want me to contest again, and I am touched by their love and trust. But I have decided not to. I thank everyone for their support and affection.”

	== Post-Presidency ==		== Post-Presidency ==

Mr.x: /* Post-Presidency */

2025-08-25T09:02:56Z

Post-Presidency

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	== Post-Presidency ==		== Post-Presidency ==

	On 10 June 2002, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced that it wanted to nominate A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for the post of President of India. His candidature was also supported by opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. With so much support for Kalam, the then-President K. R. Narayanan chose not to run for a second term.

	~~Kalam, while reacting to his nomination, said he was deeply touched and wondered what message he could give to the people of the country at such an important time.~~

	On 18 June 2002, Kalam filed his nomination papers in Parliament, accompanied by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior cabinet leaders. His opponent was Lakshmi Sahgal, and voting took place on 15 July in Parliament and the state assemblies. As expected, Kalam won by a huge margin—he received 922,884 electoral votes, while Sahgal got 107,366. He was sworn in as the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002. He became the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the highest office in India.

	During his term, Kalam became popularly known as the “People’s President.” He later said that the toughest decision of his presidency was signing the Office of Profit Bill. In September 2003, during an interactive session in Chandigarh, he also spoke about the importance of a Uniform Civil Code for India. In 2005, he approved the imposition of President’s Rule in Bihar.

	When it came to mercy petitions (requests to reduce death penalties), Kalam did not take action on 20 out of 21 cases, including that of Afzal Guru, who was convicted for the 2001 Parliament attack. He acted only on one plea—that of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, whose petition he rejected, leading to Chatterjee’s execution.

	Towards the end of his term in 2007, Kalam said he was open to a second term, but only if he was sure of winning. The United National Progressive Alliance supported his name, but he did not receive backing from the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Two days later, Kalam announced that he would not contest again, as he did not want to drag the Rashtrapati Bhavan into political matters.

	In 2012, when the term of President Pratibha Patil was about to end, reports suggested that Kalam might run again. Many people on social media showed strong support for him, and some parties like the BJP and the Trinamool Congress were also in favour. But the Congress Party opposed his nomination. On 18 June 2012, Kalam finally declined, saying:

	~~“Many citizens want me to contest again, and I am touched by their love and trust. But I have decided not to. I thank everyone for their support and affection.”~~

	== Death ==		== Death ==

Mr.x: /* Post-Presidency */

2025-08-25T09:02:37Z

Post-Presidency

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	== Post-Presidency ==		== Post-Presidency ==

	~~After finishing his term as President in July 2007~~, ~~Dr.~~ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ~~gracefully stepped back from politics. He returned to what he loved most: teaching, writing, and mentoring~~ the ~~youth~~ of India. ~~He declined a second term~~ and ~~said he wanted to "focus on interacting with students and igniting young minds~~.~~"<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul~~ Kalam~~: From Missile Man to People's~~ President ~~\|url=https://www~~.~~hindustantimes~~.~~com/india-news/ajp-abdul-kalam-from-missile-man-~~to~~-people-s-president/story-buvNtBT8do4ZHlLzFso4IP~~.~~html \|website=Hindustan Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		On 10 June 2002, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced that it wanted to nominate A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for the post of President of India. His candidature was also supported by opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. With so much support for Kalam, the then-President K. R. Narayanan chose not to run for a second term.

	~~In the years that followed~~, he ~~took on honorary~~ and ~~visiting roles at several prestigious institutions, including~~ the ~~Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, and Anna University. He also served as Chancellor~~ of the ~~Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram~~.		Kalam, while reacting to his nomination, said he was deeply touched and wondered what message he could give to the people of the country at such an important time.

	~~Kalam’s lectures went well beyond textbooks. He talked about dreams~~, ~~dignity, discipline~~, and ~~national change~~. His ~~style of interaction~~ was ~~open~~, ~~curious~~, ~~and energizing~~, ~~attracting thousands of students to each session. “Teaching gives me the greatest joy~~,~~” he often said~~. ~~This joy showed~~ in ~~his schedule: he visited hundreds~~ of ~~schools and colleges across~~ India~~, often without media or protocol~~.~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam: The scientist who~~ became ~~a teacher \|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/apj-abdul-kalam-~~the-scientist~~-who-became-a-teacher/ \|website=The Indian Express \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		On 18 June 2002, Kalam filed his nomination papers in Parliament, accompanied by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior cabinet leaders. His opponent was Lakshmi Sahgal, and voting took place on 15 July in Parliament and the state assemblies. As expected, Kalam won by a huge margin—he received 922,884 electoral votes, while Sahgal got 107,366. He was sworn in as the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002. He became the first scientist and the first bachelor to hold the highest office in India.

	~~Outside~~ of ~~academia, he wrote over a dozen books, including Turning Points, Ignited Minds, Indomitable Spirit, and Target 3 Billion~~. ~~These works combined science~~, ~~leadership~~, ~~and~~ a ~~deep moral vision~~ for ~~India’s future~~. ~~Many of his writings included contributions from young researchers~~, ~~reflecting his spirit~~ of ~~collaboration~~.		During his term, Kalam became popularly known as the “People’s President.” He later said that the toughest decision of his presidency was signing the Office of Profit Bill. In September 2003, during an interactive session in Chandigarh, he also spoke about the importance of a Uniform Civil Code for India. In 2005, he approved the imposition of President’s Rule in Bihar.

	~~In 2011~~, Kalam ~~proposed~~ the ~~"What Can I Give Movement~~," a ~~national campaign aimed at encouraging selfless acts~~, ~~ethical living~~, and ~~anti-corruption values among Indian youth~~.~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Dr APJ Abdul~~ Kalam~~'s 'What Can~~ I ~~Give' Movement: The spirit lives on \|url=https://timesofindia~~.~~indiatimes~~.~~com/home/education/news/dr-apj-abdul-kalams-what-can-i-give-movement-the-spirit-lives-on/articleshow/48293298~~.~~cms \|website=Times of India \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		When it came to mercy petitions (requests to reduce death penalties), Kalam did not take action on 20 out of 21 cases, including that of Afzal Guru, who was convicted for the 2001 Parliament attack. He acted only on one plea—that of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, whose petition he rejected, leading to Chatterjee’s execution.

			Towards the end of his term in 2007, Kalam said he was open to a second term, but only if he was sure of winning. The United National Progressive Alliance supported his name, but he did not receive backing from the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Two days later, Kalam announced that he would not contest again, as he did not want to drag the Rashtrapati Bhavan into political matters.

			In 2012, when the term of President Pratibha Patil was about to end, reports suggested that Kalam might run again. Many people on social media showed strong support for him, and some parties like the BJP and the Trinamool Congress were also in favour. But the Congress Party opposed his nomination. On 18 June 2012, Kalam finally declined, saying:

			“Many citizens want me to contest again, and I am touched by their love and trust. But I have decided not to. I thank everyone for their support and affection.”

	== Death ==		== Death ==

Mr.x: /* Post-Presidency and Teaching */

2025-08-25T08:58:39Z

Post-Presidency and Teaching

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 25 August 2025
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	Despite these controversies, many remember Kalam’s presidency for bringing empathy, intellect, and inspiration back into the role. He transformed it into a platform for national awakening and youth-driven development.		Despite these controversies, many remember Kalam’s presidency for bringing empathy, intellect, and inspiration back into the role. He transformed it into a platform for national awakening and youth-driven development.

	== Post-Presidency ~~and Teaching~~ ==		== Post-Presidency ==

	After finishing his term as President in July 2007, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gracefully stepped back from politics. He returned to what he loved most: teaching, writing, and mentoring the youth of India. He declined a second term and said he wanted to "focus on interacting with students and igniting young minds."<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam: From Missile Man to People's President \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajp-abdul-kalam-from-missile-man-to-people-s-president/story-buvNtBT8do4ZHlLzFso4IP.html \|website=Hindustan Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>		After finishing his term as President in July 2007, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gracefully stepped back from politics. He returned to what he loved most: teaching, writing, and mentoring the youth of India. He declined a second term and said he wanted to "focus on interacting with students and igniting young minds."<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul Kalam: From Missile Man to People's President \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajp-abdul-kalam-from-missile-man-to-people-s-president/story-buvNtBT8do4ZHlLzFso4IP.html \|website=Hindustan Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

Mr.x: /* State Funeral and Final Rites */

2025-08-25T08:58:05Z

State Funeral and Final Rites

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	The sudden and poignant nature of his passing while interacting with students—his lifelong passion—led to widespread shock and grief across India and globally. Reflecting on his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a “great loss to the scientific community” and noted Kalam’s unique ability to “show the way.” Thousands of tributes poured in from political leaders, scientists, youth groups, and international dignitaries.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=India Pays Tribute to ‘People’s President’ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam \|url=https://time.com/3974357/apj‑abdul‑kalam‑death‑tributes‑condolences/ \|website=Time Magazine \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>		The sudden and poignant nature of his passing while interacting with students—his lifelong passion—led to widespread shock and grief across India and globally. Reflecting on his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a “great loss to the scientific community” and noted Kalam’s unique ability to “show the way.” Thousands of tributes poured in from political leaders, scientists, youth groups, and international dignitaries.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=India Pays Tribute to ‘People’s President’ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam \|url=https://time.com/3974357/apj‑abdul‑kalam‑death‑tributes‑condolences/ \|website=Time Magazine \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

	~~==State Funeral and Final Rites==~~

	The Government of India declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country. Kalam’s body was airlifted from Shillong to Guwahati, then flown to New Delhi, where it lay in state at his official residence, 10 Rajaji Marg.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Death and state funeral of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_state_funeral_of_A._P._J._Abdul_Kalam \|website=Wikipedia (state funeral) \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> From there, it was flown to Rameswaram, his hometown, for the last rites.

	On 30 July 2015, under full military honours, Kalam was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu Ground in Rameswaram. Over 350,000 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, and leaders from multiple states, paid their final respects during the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Kalam's final journey: People's President laid to rest… \|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/apj‑abdul‑kalam‑funeral‑last‑rites‑rameswaram‑live‑285379‑2015‑07‑30 \|website=India Today \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=India state funeral for former president APJ Abdul Kalam \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33713769 \|website=BBC News \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

	== Legacy ==		== Legacy ==

Mr.x: /* Scientific Career */

2025-08-25T08:54:33Z

Scientific Career

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 25 August 2025
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	== Scientific Career ==		== Scientific Career ==
	After ~~finishing his aeronautical engineering degree~~ in 1960, ~~Dr.~~ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam joined the ''Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)''. ~~He initially worked on designing~~ a hovercraft ~~called Nandi~~. ~~Though~~ the ~~project~~ was ~~experimental, it marked~~ the ~~start of his lifelong commitment to developing technology in India~~.~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=From ‘Missile Man’ to ‘People’s President’: A look at APJ Abdul Kalam’s legacy \|url=https://www~~.~~hindustantimes~~.~~com/india-news/ajp-abdul-kalam-from-missile-man-to-people-s-president/story-buvNtBT8do4ZHlLzFso4IP~~.~~html \|website=Hindustan Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Aeronautical Development Establishment. In his early work, he designed a small hovercraft, though he was not fully satisfied with his role at DRDO. Later, he joined the Indian National Committee for Space Research under the leadership of the great scientist Vikram Sarabhai. He was recruited into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by H. G. S. Murthy, the first director of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.

	In 1969, Kalam moved to ISRO ~~and~~ became the ~~Project Director~~ of ~~SLV-III,~~ India’s first ~~satellite launch vehicle~~. ~~Under his leadership, the~~ SLV~~-III~~ successfully launched the Rohini satellite into ~~Earth’s~~ orbit in 1980. ~~This achievement established~~ India ~~as a serious player~~ in the ~~global~~ space ~~community~~.~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=How APJ Abdul Kalam became~~ the ~~'Missile Man~~ of ~~India' \|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/how-apj-abdul-kalam-became~~-the~~-missile-man-~~of~~-india-1026680~~.~~html \|website=News18 \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		In 1969, Kalam moved to ISRO, where he became the project director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). This SLV successfully launched the Rohini satellite into orbit in July 1980. Earlier, in 1965, while still at DRDO, he had already started working on a small expandable rocket project. By 1969, the Government of India approved the expansion of the programme, allowing him to bring in more engineers. During the 1960s, Kalam also visited several NASA centres in the USA, including Langley Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Wallops Flight Facility, to learn about space technology. By the late 1970s, he was actively involved in the development of India’s SLV-3 and later the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), both of which were successful.

	In the 1970s, ~~Kalam~~ led ~~Project~~ Devil and Project ~~Valiant~~, ~~which aimed~~ to ~~turn satellite launch technology into ballistic missile programs~~. ~~Although~~ these projects ~~were eventually shelved~~, ~~they laid~~ the ~~groundwork for India’s future strategic~~ missile ~~systems~~.		In May 1974, Kalam was invited by Raja Ramanna to witness India’s first nuclear test, “Smiling Buddha,” at Pokhran, even though he was not officially part of the project. During the 1970s, he led two important projects—Project Devil and Project Valiant—focused on building ballistic missiles using the technology of the SLV. Although the Union Cabinet was not in favor of funding them, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used her special powers to secretly allocate funds for the projects. Kalam also convinced the cabinet to keep the real purpose of these projects hidden. His leadership and research brought him national recognition in the 1980s, leading to the launch of a full-fledged missile development programme under his guidance.

	In the ~~1980s~~, Kalam ~~took charge as~~ the ~~head~~ of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). ~~Under his guidance~~, ~~India~~ developed ~~five key~~ missile ~~systems: Agni,~~ Prithvi, ~~Akash, Trishul, and Nag. This solidified~~ the ~~nation’s missile capabilities and defense independence.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Missile~~ Man of India: How powerful were the missiles developed by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam? \|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/missile-man-of-india-how-powerful-were-the-missiles-developed-by-dr-apj-abdul-kalam/articleshow/114255097.~~cms \|website=Economic Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		Working closely with metallurgist V. S. Arunachalam and with the support of Defence Minister R. Venkataraman, Kalam suggested developing a whole range of missiles at the same time instead of one by one. This idea led to the creation of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), for which the cabinet approved a budget of ₹3.88 billion (about ₹66 billion in 2023). Kalam was appointed as the chief executive of this programme, which developed missiles like Agni (intermediate-range ballistic missile) and Prithvi (tactical surface-to-surface missile). For these achievements, he became popularly known as the “Missile Man of India.”

	From 1992 to 1999, ~~he worked~~ as the Scientific Adviser to the ~~Defence~~ Minister and ~~later~~ as the ~~Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government~~ of ~~India~~. ~~During this time~~, ~~he played a crucial~~ role in ~~coordinating and overseeing~~ the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, ~~which officially established India~~ as a nuclear ~~power~~.~~<ref>{{Cite web \|title=APJ Abdul~~ Kalam~~'s birth anniversary: 10 major contributions to India \|url=https://www~~.~~news18.com/news/lifestyle/apj-abdul-kalam-birth-anniversary-2021-missile-man-of-indias-10-major-contributions-to-the-country-4323371.html \|website=News18 \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		From July 1992 to December 1999, Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and as the Secretary of DRDO. He played an important organisational, political, and technical role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of May 1998. Along with Rajagopala Chidambaram, he was the chief coordinator of the project. These tests made Kalam a household name as India’s leading nuclear scientist, though some controversies followed when scientist K. Santhanam claimed that the thermonuclear device had failed. Kalam and Chidambaram strongly rejected this claim.

	~~In addition to defense~~, Kalam also contributed to healthcare ~~innovation~~. ~~He collaborated~~ with cardiologist ~~Dr.~~ B. ~~Soma Raju~~ to ~~develop~~ the ~~Kalam–Raju~~ Stent, ~~which significantly lowered the cost of heart procedures~~ in ~~India. Later~~, ~~they~~ created the ~~Kalam–Raju tablet~~, ~~focused on improving~~ healthcare in rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=From ‘Missile Man’ to ‘People’s President’: A look at APJ Abdul Kalam’s legacy \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajp-abdul-kalam-from-missile-man-to-people-s-president/story-buvNtBT8do4ZHlLzFso4IP.~~html \|website=Hindustan Times \|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>~~		Apart from missiles and nuclear research, Kalam also contributed to healthcare technology. In 1998, he worked with cardiologist B. Somaraju to design a low-cost coronary stent called the Kalam-Raju Stent. Later, in 2012, the duo created the Kalam-Raju Tablet, a low-cost device meant for rural healthcare workers.

	== Presidency (2002–2007) ==		== Presidency (2002–2007) ==