AMIT WADHE

DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAMPRESIDENT OF INDIA Born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, specialized in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology. Dr. Kalam made significant contribution as Project Director to develop India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) which successfully injected the Rohini satellite in the near earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of Space Club. He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO’s launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration. After working for two decades in ISRO and mastering launch vehicle technologies, Dr. Kalam took up the responsibility of developing Indigenous Guided Missiles at Defence Research and Development Organisation as the Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). He was responsible for the development and operationalisation of AGNI and PRITHVI Missiles and for building indigenous capability in critical technologies through networking of multiple institutions. He was the Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development from July 1992 to December 1999. During this period he led to the weaponisation of strategic missile systems and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy, which made India a nuclear weapon State. He also gave thrust to self-reliance in defence systems by progressing multiple development tasks and mission projects such as Light Combat Aircraft.As Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) and as an eminent scientist, he led the country with the help of 500 experts to arrive at Technology Vision 2020 giving a road map for transforming India from the present developing status to a developed nation. Dr. Kalam has served as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, in the rank of Cabinet Minister, from November 1999 to November 2001 and was responsible for evolving policies, strategies and missions for many development applications. Dr. Kalam was also the Chairman, Ex-officio, of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C) and piloted India Millennium Mission 2020.Dr. Kalam took up academic pursuit as Professor, Technology & Societal Transformation at Anna University, Chennai from November 2001 and was involved in teaching and research tasks. Above all he took up a mission to ignite the young minds for national development by meeting high school students across the country.In his literary pursuit four of Dr. Kalam’s books - "Wings of Fire", "India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium", "My journey" and "Ignited Minds - Unleashing the power within India" have become household names in India and among the Indian nationals abroad. These books have been translated in many Indian languages.Dr. Kalam is one of the most distinguished scientists of India with 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.Dr. Kalam became the 11th President of India on 25th July 2002. His focus is on transforming India into a developed nation by 2020. Song Of Youth As a young citizen of India, armed with technology, knowledge and love for my nation, I realize, small aim is a crime.I will work and sweat for a great vision, the vision of transforming India into a developed nation, powered by economic strength with value systemI am one of the citizens of the billion; Only the vision will ignite the billion souls.It has entered into me ; The ignited soul compared to any resource is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth.I will keep the lamp of knowledge burning to achieve the vision - Developed IndiaIf we work and sweat for the great vision with ignited minds, the transformation leading to the birth of vibrant developed India will happen.I pray the Almighty: "May the divine peace with beauty enter into our people; Happiness and good health blossom in our bodies, minds and souls". MY SONG PIOs tribute to Mother India O Mother, Mother India,You have nursed us and grown us, And gave us a parting mission And an eternal message."O my sons and daughters, Wherever you go, Whatever mission you do, Remember my children, My three advices golden!Always be truthful even in danger,Sweat and sweat to acquire, Knowledge and name, Wherever you live enrich that land.O, Mother we crossed the oceans and seasWith many generation of yours with your blessings,We made new lands prosperous,We made knowledge as the way of lifeSweat as the way of life and We give and give to honour youWhat we do is for honoring you,We will always be children yours,Wherever we are, Whatever we do, We will always be children yours!.O Mother, Mother India.