Who Is A. P. J. Abdul Kalam? Age, Biography and Wiki
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, India, would have been 94 years old in 2025. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, notable for his role in India’s missile and space programs. Often referred to as the “Missile Man of India,” Kalam inspired countless individuals with his vision for the country and his dedication to education and innovation. His legacy continues to influence future generations, especially in the field of science and technology.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1931 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, British India (present day Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 27 July, 2015 |
| Died Place | Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
Popularity
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam are not famously recorded, he was known for his tall and lean stature. Standing at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighing around 70 kg (154 lbs), his humble and approachable personality matched his physical demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dr. Kalam came from a modest but supportive family. He was born to Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma Kalam and was the youngest of four siblings. Although he never married and had no reported romantic relationships, he often emphasized the importance of family and education in shaping individuals. His profound commitment to the nation often came at the cost of personal relationships.
His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife. His father owned a boat that ferried Hindu pilgrims between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.
Net Worth and Salary
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was known for his simplicity and for living a life dedicated to service rather than wealth. At the time of his passing in 2015, his reported net worth was estimated to be in the range of $15 million. His earnings primarily benefited from his various positions in academia, public speaking, and authorship of several bestselling books. His impactful speeches and writings on education and innovation continue to contribute to his earnings even posthumously through royalties and public honors.
Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and a sister in the family. His ancestors had been wealthy Marakayar traders and landowners, with numerous properties and large tracts of land. Marakayar are a Muslim ethnic group found in coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka who claim descent from Arab traders and local women.
The family business had involved trading goods and transporting passengers between the Indian mainland and the Pamban Island and to and from Sri Lanka. With the opening of the Pamban Bridge connecting Pamban Island to mainland India in 1914, the businesses failed. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers to support the family's meager income.
Career, Business and Investments
Kalam’s career spanned several important fields, including aerospace engineering, education, and politics. After completing his B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology, he joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His leadership in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and various missile systems solidified his reputation.
Post-presidency, Kalam became a popular lecturer and author, encouraging youth to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation. His nonprofit efforts and educational initiatives have left a lasting impact, and his teachings continue to inspire today.
After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam became a member of the Defence Research & Development Service and joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a scientist.
During his early career, he was involved in the design of small hovercraft, and remained unconvinced by his choice of a job at DRDO. Later, he joined the Indian National Committee for Space Research, working under renowned space scientist Vikram Sarabhai. He was interviewed and recruited into Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by H. G. S.
Murthy, the first director of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.
Social Network
Though Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam passed away in 2015, his influence thrives on multiple social media platforms where fans and followers celebrate his teachings. His quotes and philosophy are often shared widely on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, reminding everyone of his vision for India and the world. Additionally, educational institutions and NGOs frequently reference his work, further enhancing his legacy across social networks.
On 10 June 2002, the National Democratic Alliance which was in power at the time, expressed its intention to nominate Kalam for the post of the President of India. His candidature was backed by the opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. After the support for Kalam, incumbent president K. R.
Narayanan chose not to seek a re-election. Kalam said of the announcement of his candidature:
Education
Kalam was an advocate for education, placing immense value on learning as a pathway to success. He earned his B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1954, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in aerospace and defense. His dedication to education was evident in his later years, where he frequently visited schools and colleges to mentor young minds and promote scientific thinking.
Born and raised in a Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam studied physics and aerospace engineering.
He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space programme and military missile development efforts.
He was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, India's second such test after the first test in 1974.
