Report on apj abdul kalam death
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Mr. Kalam, the country’s 11th President, was one of India’s most eminent scientists, and had the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions.
“He has been awarded the coveted civilian awards - Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). He is a recipient of several other awards and Fellow of many professional institutions,” an official bio said.
Apart from leading the Indian Space Research Organisation’s satellite launch programme, Mr. Kalam headed the country’s guided missile programme for many years.
As scientific advisor to the Defence Minister from July 1992 to December 1999, the former President led the “weaponisation of strategic missile systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy”.
Popular with children and young people, Mr. Kalam engaged the youth by reaching out to them through lectures and public interactions. He also led a frugal life, which was reflected during his stay in the stately Rashtrapati Bhavan.
One of his pet themes was PURA – or the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas – a theme he referred to often in his travels abroad.
Mr. Kalam also regaled visitors from abroad with his stories and often took them into his study in Rashtrapati Bhavan for detailed, informal chats.