Kalam, A. P. J. Abdul, << kah LAM, `ahb` dool >> (1931-2015), was president of India from 2002 to 2007. Well known as a leader in the development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons programs, Kalam was the first scientist to hold the mainly ceremonial post of president.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on Oct. 15, 1931, into a Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in southern India. In 1957, he earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in Madras (now Chennai). While working at the Indian Space Research Organisation from 1963 to 1982, Kalam helped develop rockets to launch satellites. At the Defence Research and Development Organisation from 1982 to 1992, he led India’s guided missile development program.
In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Kalam held several important scientific posts in India’s national government. He became a popular public figure after India conducted several tests of nuclear weapons in 1998. He wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999). After his presidential term, Kalam taught at Anna University in Chennai. He died on July 27, 2015.
