HONOURING SPEECH ON ACHIEVEMENTS OF A PERSON – APJ ABDUL KALAM

Abdul Kalam will remain one of the finest human beings to have ever lived. He lived an
illustrious and successful life, and his legacy will continue to inspire people around the world in the
coming years. Below is a list that tries to do justice to his numerous achievements:
After graduating from Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Mr Kalam joined the Defense
Research and Development Organization (DRDO). He designed helicopters for the Indian Army, but he
always said he didn’t feel at home at the DRDO.
In 1969 he got the Government’s approval to expand the programme by including more engineers
and scientists.
After he was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Mr Kalam worked as
the project director for SLV-III, India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle.
SLV-III successfully launched satellite Rohini to orbit on July 1980. From then, Mr Kalam
expanded India’s space programme.
In the 1980s he led India’s missile programme. Under his leadership, India became a major
military power after the successes of Agni and Prithvi.
He was the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research
and Development Organisation from July 1992 to December 1999.
In 1998, along with cardiologist Dr.Soma Raju, Kalam developed a low cost Coronary stent. It
was named as “Kalam-Raju Stent” honouring them. In 2012, the duo designed a rugged tablet PC for
health care in rural areas, which was named as “Kalam-Raju Tablet”.
In 1998, the Pokhran-II tests cemented India’s nuclear prowess. Mr Kalam played the pivotal role
in the project. He firmly told the international community that such arms were only to deter other nations
from trying to subjugate India, and were only to be used as “weapons of peace”.
In a rare show of unity, all political parties unanimously voted for Mr Kalam in 2002 as the 11th
President of India.
As President, Mr Kalam personified dignity and optimism throughout India and abroad. His
stirring speeches at the UN and the European Parliament are among the best ever delivered. His simplicity
in oration and action were applauded and made him dear to all.
After the completion of his term as President, Mr Kalam became a visiting professor, wrote
extensively and launched many initiatives for youth development. “Wings of Fire” and “India 2020” are
modern classics, and have motivated millions of Indians.
His books envision his dream of India as a superpower, with Indians as innovative and unique in
their thinking. His speeches, books, works – all are the legacy of a man who spent all his life trying to
make the world a better place.
1997 Bharat Ratna Government of India
1990 Padma Vibhushan Government of India
1981 Padma Bhushan Government of India
 Saying that Indian people love APJ Abdul Kalam would be a massive understatement. The Indian
people have a huge affection for this man. Consequently, he was known as the People’s President. The
man had to face only a few critics his entire life.
The entire nation reacted to his death with grief. Kalam was a great asset to India. His
unparalleled contributions in the field of science took India to new heights. Kalam’s presidency was
characterized by peace and efficiency.
Leaders keep on coming and going. Every once in awhile, we come across someone as pre-
eminent as Kalam. His name will certainly go down in history as one of the greatest presidents that India
has ever seen. Moreover, people will also remember him as a brilliant scientist. The man was a precious
gem for each and every Indian.
Acheivements:
Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931. He was both a great
President and scientist who in his numerous ways has contributed to the development of the country in
various spheres. He successfully led the development of Agni and Prithvi, the indigenous guided missiles.
Let's take a look at his five other major scientific offerings to India.
India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)
Dr Kalam's had put in over 10-year-long hard work as the project director for the development of
the indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle at ISRO that ultimately resulted in one of the greatest scientific
development of indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV).
Ballistic missiles project
The projects Devil and Valiant headed by APJ Abdul Kalam aimed at developing ballistic
missiles using the technology behind the successful SLV program. Under Kalam Mission, the two
missiles Agni and Prithvi did get the boost along with other projects.
Nuclear tests at Pokhran
Abdul Kalam played a major role in heading the Pokhran-II nuclear testing, being the chief
scientific man of the then Prime Minister, leading to him being known as the best nuclear scientist of the
country at that time. The nuclear testing under the supervision of Kalam during the period of July 1992 to
December 1999 made India a nuclear-armed state.
Universal healthcare plan
Working jointly with cardiologist Soma Raju, the late President developed a cost-effective
coronary stent 'Kalam-Raju Stent' which helped in making healthcare accessible to all.
'Kalam-Raju tablet'
The duo of Kalam and Soma Raju in 2012 designed a rugged tablet computer for better health
care administration in the rural and less reachable areas. They termed it the 'Kalam-Raju tablet.' For his
work in the stream of science and politics, the 11th President was also awarded India's highest civilian
honour or the Bharat Ratna.