Donning several hats in his life, Abdul Kalam was probably the most loved President the country has ever seen. In the phenomenal 86 years of his life, Kalam established himself as an eminent scientist, educationist, author, visionary, philanthropist, and orator. He is known as people’s President and “Missile Man of India“. Though he was a scientist who made our country proud with his missile defence programme his favorite job was ‘teaching’. And he always wanted the world to remember him for that and shockingly he died doing what he loved best. 

Few Lesser-Known Facts About APJ Abdul Kalam That You Might Don’t Know

• Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15^th October 1931 in a Tamil Muslim family to a boat owner. He used to sell newspaper to support his family.
• Although a muslim, he was a strict vegetarian.
• He loved playing “Veena”.
• Kalam followed only one cricketer on his Twitter account – VVS Laxman.
• Kalam missed an opportunity to become a Fighter Pilot for Indian Air Force. He qualified at 9th position however, there were only 8 openings.
• Kalam’s first major project, SLV-3, failed, and he was shattered.
• In 1969, Kalam was made the project director for Satellite Launch Vehicles and was shifted to ISRO. The project became successful, and India, under the directorship of Kalam, was able to launch the Rohini satellite series into Earth’s orbit.
• The Pokhran II Nuclear Tests were possible cause of him.
• Kalam’s visit to Switzerland is commemorated as Science Day in the country.
• Apart from his autobiography ‘Wings on Fire: An Autobiography’, there are six other biographies on his life and works.
• Kalam was honored with many awards, including the highest civilian award in the country, the Bharat Ratna(1997). His other awards include Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990). He was also honored with doctorates from 40 universities.