The World Students’ Day is annually celebrated on 15th October, which marks the birth anniversary of the former President (11th president – 2002 to 2007) and the Missile Man of India Dr. A P J (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen) Abdul Kalam.
- 15th October 2022 marks the 91st Birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
About Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam:
i.Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15th October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. On 27th July 2015, he passed away due to cardiac arrest during his lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, Meghalaya.
ii.As an aerospace scientist, he worked with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
iii.He was elected as the President of India in 2002. After his tenure as president ended in 2007, he became a visiting professor at different branches of the Indian Institute of Management (Shillong, Ahmedabad and Indore).
Significant works:Â
i.He played a crucial role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 and so, he was known as the Missile Man of India.
ii.He also served as the project director of India’s 1st Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) at ISRO.
Key highlights:
i.Awards – He was honoured with Padma Bhushan award (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), Bharat Ratna (1997), Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997), Veer Savarkar Award (1998).
ii.Books – Some famous books written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam include, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, Wings of Fire: An Autobiography, Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India, Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges and Forge your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring.
Keynote:
i.In 2005, The Swiss government declared May 26 as its Science Day in honour of A P J Abdul Kalam for his vast expertise in science and technology.
ii.In 2015, Wheeler Island near the coast of Odisha was renamed to honour Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island.
