Quick Facts
Birthday: October 15, 1931
Nationality: Indian
Famous: Quotes By A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Scientists
Also Known As: Missile Man
Sun Sign: Libra
Died At Age: 83
Born In: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Famous As: Former President Of India [11th President of India (July 25, 2002 – July 25, 2007)]
Father: Jainulabudeen
Mother: Ashiamma
Spouse: Remained Unmarried
Education: St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli; Madras Institute of Technology
Profession:Professor, Author, Scientist
Religion: Islam
Died On: July 27, 2015
Place Of Death: Shillong, Meghalaya, India
More Facts
Awards and Achievements:
Bharat Ratna (1997)
Padma Vibhushan (1990)
Padma Bhushan (1981)
Indira Gandhi Award For National Integration (1997)
Ramanujan Award (2000)
King Charles II Medal (2007)
Hoover Medal (2008)
International Von Kármán Wings Award
received honorary doctorate from 40 universities
United Nations recognized Kalam’s 79th birthday as World Students’ Day (Oct-15)
In 2003 and 2006, he was nominated for the ‘MTV Youth Icon of the Year.’
Interesting Facts About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
- A man who spent approximately five decades in public service that included one stint as ‘The President,’ Kalam owned precious little. He 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.
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