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 11th 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, Jainulabdeen, 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.

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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
Sarabhai 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.

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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 79th 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 paid 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

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Rameswaram’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,’ ‘Guiding Souls,’ ‘Inspiring
Thoughts,’ ‘Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges,’ ‘Transcendence My Spiritual
Experiences,’
‘Beyond 2020: A
Vision for
Tomorrow’s India,’
and various others.

Interesting Facts
About Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam

 A man who
spent
approximat
ely five
decades in
public
service that
included
one stint as
‘The
President,’
Kalam
owned
precious
little. He

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 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 pious 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 autobiography ‘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 a
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.

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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 toilets 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

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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 A P J 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:-

i. 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

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 inculcate high moral values among the students in addition to learning skills. Dr Kalam
has struck a balance between science and spiritualism in his educational philosophy,
which he believes is imperative, and suggested that curriculum must include the
teachings and experiences of our eminent and great leaders.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
v. 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.
vi. 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

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 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.

References-

1) Das, Anup. (2015). Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: The People’s President. Dream 2047. 18. 32-34.
Kalam Abdul,A.P.J.(1998) .India 2020-A Vision for the New Millennium. Penguin Books
India Ltd.
2) Gurmeet, K. (2015). Thesis- Educational Thoughts of J Krishnamurti and their relevance
to present education.
3) https://learn.culturalindia.net/a-p-j-abdul-kalam.html
4) Kalam, A. P. (2012). You are unique. bangalore: punya publishing private limited.
5) Kalam, A. P. (2002). Ignited Minds. Gurgaon: Penguin Books India Pvt LTD.
6) Kalam, A. P. (2013). My Journey, Transforming Dreams in to Action. New Delhi: Rupa
Publications India Pvt.LTD.
7) Katiyar, K. &. (2002). A.P.J abdul Kalam The Visionary Of India. New Delhi: S.B.Nangia A.
P. H. Publishing corporation .
8) Pandalai, P. K. (1998-1999, sep-oct, jan-feb ). a man of destiny- 1,2,3. Retrieved may 10,
2016, from newindfiadigest: www.newindiadigest.com
9) Pareek, S. (2015, July 28). 12things that made dr. apj abdul kalam the most
extraordinary man we know. retrieved may 15, 2016, from thebetterindia:
www.thebetterindia.com
10) Pillai, A. P. (2004). Envisioning an Empowered Nation. TATA MacGraw- Hill Publishing
Company Limited.
11) Policepatil, B. B. (2011). Thesis- A Study of Educational Thoughts of Dr. Rabindranath
Tagore and their Relevence to Present Education System.
12) Rajan, A. P. (1998). A Vision for the New Millennium. New Delhi: S.B. Nangia A.P.H.
Publishing Corporation.