Monday, July 27, 2015

Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam is no more

Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. As per reports he passed away Monday at 7.45 p.m. at the Bethany Hospital in Shillong at the age of 83. The legendary scientist died after collapsing during a lecture at the IIM-Shillong. He was delivering a lecture on 'liveable planet' when he suddenly collapsed.

Born October 15, 1931 Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam raised in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) after studying physics and aerospace engineering. He graduated from Madras Institute of Technology. Later he involved himself in the India's missile programme. His contribution to the ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology earned him the epithet "Missile Man of India". Dr Kalam played a key role in India's nuclear test in 1998 during the Prime Ministerial stint of Atal Bihar Vajpayee.

One of India's most accomplished scientists, Dr Kalam was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and Bharat Ratna in 1997.

Dr Kalam became India's 11th President and resumed office from 2002 to 2007. He earned the reputation of being the "people's President" who endeared himself to all all sections of the society, especially the youngsters and students. He succeeded K R Narayanan and served a full five-year term after winning the Presidential elections which was a highly one-sided contest with Lakshmi Sahgal as his rival.  Dr Kalam was the first scientist and first ever bachelor to occupy the Rastrapati Bhawan.

Demise of Dr Kalam is an irreparable loss to India. May his soul rest in peace.