A life well lived: Remembering Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
He also played a key role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998
Mumbai: Known as the ‘People’s President’, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15 in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
Starting his life as a paperboy, he spent four decades of his life as a scientist and science administrator.
Read: When a lecture on the seashore gave Kalam his aim in life
Having worked for at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Kalam was involved in India’s civilian space program.
He also played a key role in the development of ballistic missile and India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
Read: Former President APJ Abdul Kalam passes away after suddenly collapsing in Shillong
Coming from a downtrodden background, Dr Kalam began working at an early age to help his family.
In 1955, he moved to Madras to study aerospace engineering. In 1969, Kalam was transferred to ISRO, where he was the project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
He played an important part in developing several missiles, including Agni, an intermediate range ballistic missile and Prithvi, the tactical surface-to-surface missile.
Read: Tributes flow in for ‘Missile Man of India’, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
He was also the first president to visit the Line of Control (LoC). He addressed troops at Uri to boost their morale.
His 79th birthday was recognised as World Student's Day by United Nations.