View source for A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

{{Short description|President of India from 2002 to 2007<!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam
| image               = A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.jpg
| image_size          = 
| caption             = Official portrait {{circa|2002}}
| office              = <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->[[President of India]]
| term_start          = 25 July 2002
| term_end            = 25 July 2007
| predecessor         = [[K. R. Narayanan]]
| primeminister       = [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]<br />[[Manmohan Singh]]
| successor           = [[Pratibha Patil]]
| vicepresident       = [[Krishan Kant]]<br />[[Bhairon Singh Shekhawat]]
| office1             = <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->[[Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India]]
| term_start1         = November 1999
| term_end1           = November 2001
| president1          = K. R. Narayanan
| primeminister1      = Atal Bihari Vajpayee
| predecessor1        = ''Office established''
| successor1          = [[Rajagopala Chidambaram]]
| office2             = Director General of [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| term2               = 1992–1999
| predecessor2        = [[Raja Ramanna]]
| successor2          = [[Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre]]
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1931|10|15|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Rameswaram]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present day [[Tamil Nadu]], India)
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2015|07|27|1931|10|15|df=y}}
| death_place         = [[Shillong]], [[Meghalaya]], India
| resting_place       = [[Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial]], Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| alma_mater          = {{Plainlist|
* [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli|St. Joseph's College]] ([[BEng]])
* [[Madras Institute of Technology]] ([[MEng]])
}}
| profession          = {{hlist|[[Aerospace engineering|Aerospace Scientist]]|[[Author]]}}
| awards              = [[List of honors and awards received by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|List of awards and honours]]
| blank1              = Notable work(s)
| data1               = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[Wings of Fire (autobiography)|Wings of Fire]]''
* ''[[India 2020]]''
* ''[[Ignited Minds]]''
* ''[[Indomitable Spirit]]''
* ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]''}}
| module              = {{Infobox scientist
| embed               = yes
| fields              = [[Aerospace engineering]]
| workplaces          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
* [[Indian Space Research Organisation]]}}
| signature           = A. P. J. Abdul Kalam signature.svg
| honours             = [[Padma Bhushan]] (1981)<br/>[[Padma Vibhushan]] (1990)<br/>[[Bharat Ratna]] (1997)
| website             = {{URL|https://kalamcentre.com|A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Centre}}
}}
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]]{{Refn|group=|Contested the [[2002 Indian presidential election]] as an independent candidate backed by the ruling [[National Democratic Alliance]]}}
| order               = <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->
| order2              = <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->
| order1              = <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] -->
}}

'''Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-A.p.j. Abdul Kalam from India pronunciation (Voice of America).ogg|ˈ|ʌ|b|d|ʊ|l|_|k|ə|ˈ|l|ɑː|m}} {{respell|UB|duul|_|kə|LAHM}}; 15 October 1931{{snd}}27 July 2015) was an Indian [[Aerospace engineering|aerospace]] scientist and statesman who served as the <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] --> [[president of India]] from 2002 to 2007.

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 [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Program|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 [[Smiling Buddha|first test]] in 1974.

Kalam [[2002 Indian presidential election|was elected]] as the [[president of India]] in 2002 with the support of both the ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and the then-opposition [[Indian National Congress]]. He was widely referred to as the "People's President". He engaged in teaching, writing and public service after his presidency. He was a recipient of several awards, including the [[Bharat Ratna]], India's highest civilian honour.

While delivering a lecture at [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong|IIM Shillong]], Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent [[cardiac arrest]] on 27 July 2015, aged 83. Thousands attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was buried with [[21-gun salute|full state honours]]. A [[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial|memorial]] was inaugurated near his home town in 2017.

== Early life and education ==
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 to a [[Tamil Muslim]] family in the pilgrimage center of [[Rameswaram]] on [[Pamban Island]], [[Madras Presidency]] (now in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]).<ref name="KalamTiwari1999">{{cite book|last1=Kalam|first1=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul|last2=Tiwari|first2=Arun|title=Wings of Fire: An Autobiography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c3qmIZtWUjAC|year=1999|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=978-81-7371-146-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013011216/http://books.google.com/books?id=c3qmIZtWUjAC|archive-date=13 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="PIB01march12">{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/profile/apjak.asp|title=Bio-data: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam|publisher=Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India]]|date=1 March 2012|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608115449/http://pib.nic.in/profile/apjak.asp|archive-date=8 June 2010 }}</ref> His father, Jainulabdeen Marakayar, was a boat owner and [[imam]] of a local mosque,<ref name="IT">{{cite magazine|last=Akbar|first=M J|date=9 July 2012|title=APJ Abdul Kalam speaks to Editorial Director M.J. Akbar about presidential elections 2012|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/interview/story/20120709-abdul-kalam-presidential-elections-2012-new-book-turning-points-758940-2012-06-29|magazine=[[India Today]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731011511/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/abdul-kalam-presidential-elections-2012-new-book-turning-points/1/203064.html|archive-date=31 July 2015|access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref> and his mother, Ashiamma, was a housewife.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dr Abdul Kalam, People's President in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2567111001.html|access-date=3 May 2012|newspaper=[[Daily News (Sri Lanka)|Daily News]]|date=23 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518223333/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2567111001.html|archive-date=18 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Jai2003">{{cite book|last=Jai|first=Janak Raj|title=Presidents of India, 1950–2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r2C2InxI0xAC&pg=PA295|year=2003|publisher=Regency Publications|isbn=978-81-87498-65-0|page=296|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012224650/http://books.google.com/books?id=r2C2InxI0xAC&pg=PA295|archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> His father owned a boat that ferried [[Hindu]] pilgrims between Rameswaram and [[Dhanushkodi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abplive.in/incoming/2015/07/28/article664629.ece/APJ-Abdul-Kalam-the-unconventional-President-who-learnt-the-art-of-the-political|title=APJ Abdul Kalam, the unconventional President who learnt the art of the political|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729043804/http://www.abplive.in/incoming/2015/07/28/article664629.ece/APJ-Abdul-Kalam-the-unconventional-President-who-learnt-the-art-of-the-political|archive-date=29 July 2015|work=[[ABP News]]|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyo.in/politics/apj-abdul-kalam-peoples-president-greatest-student-india-ever-had/story/1/5271.html|title=The greatest student India ever had|work=Dailyo|access-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730224338/http://www.dailyo.in/politics/apj-abdul-kalam-peoples-president-greatest-student-india-ever-had/story/1/5271.html|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref>

[[File:House of Abdul Kalam.jpg|thumb|left|Kalam's birthplace in [[Rameswaram]], [[Tamil Nadu]]]]
{{A. P. J. Abdul Kalam series}}
Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and a sister in the family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150729/jsp/nation/story_34253.jsp|title=Brother awaits Kalam last trip|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729155853/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150729/jsp/nation/story_34253.jsp|archive-date=29 July 2015|work=[[Telegraph (India)|Telegraph]]|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://qz.com/465515/how-two-orthodox-brahmins-played-a-crucial-role-in-apj-abdul-kalams-childhood/|title=How two orthodox Brahmins played a crucial role in APJ Abdul Kalam's childhood|date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729090458/http://qz.com/465515/how-two-orthodox-brahmins-played-a-crucial-role-in-apj-abdul-kalams-childhood/|archive-date=29 July 2015|work=Qz|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/day-before-death-kalam-enquired-about-elder-brothers-health-1026767.html|title=Day before death, Kalam enquired about elder brother's health|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730205650/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/day-before-death-kalam-enquired-about-elder-brothers-health-1026767.html|archive-date=30 July 2015|work=[[CNN-News18|IBN Live]]|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> His ancestors had been wealthy [[Marakkar|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 result, apart from the ancestral home, the other family fortune and properties were lost by the 1920s, and the family was poverty-stricken by the time Kalam was born. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers to support the family's meager income.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Not-aware-of-any-will-left-by-Kalam-Nephew/articleshow/48297059.cms|title=Not aware of any will left by Kalam: nephew|date=31 July 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803120645/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Not-aware-of-any-will-left-by-Kalam-Nephew/articleshow/48297059.cms|archive-date=3 August 2015}}</ref><ref name="SharmaDas2004">{{cite book|last1=Sharma|first1=Mahesh|last2=Das|first2=P.K.|last3=Bhalla|first3=P.|title=Pride of the Nation: Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TkGyzKt-l6cC&pg=PA13|year=2004|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.|isbn=978-81-288-0806-7|page=13|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013011056/http://books.google.com/books?id=TkGyzKt-l6cC&pg=PA13|archive-date=13 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="visit">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W3K3wQsM9PUC&pg=PA153|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Visionary of India|pages=1–10,153|publisher=A.P.H. Publishing Corporation|location=New Delhi|date=2002|last1=Bhushan|first1=K.|last2=Katyal|first2=G.|isbn=978-81-7648-380-3|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-date=25 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725113051/https://books.google.com/books?id=W3K3wQsM9PUC&pg=PA153|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his school years, Kalam got average grades but was described by his teachers as a bright and hardworking student with a strong desire to learn. He spent hours learning [[Mathematics]].<ref name="visit" /> He did his schooling at Schwartz Higher Secondary School in [[Ramanathapuram]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kalam's alma mater in Ramnad set for renovation |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/renovation-of-dr-apj-abdul-kalams-alma-mater-in-ramanathapuram-by-coimbatore-non-profit/articleshow/108571331.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=18 March 2024 |access-date=1 April 2025}}</ref> He then graduated in [[Physics]] from [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli]], in 1954.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam meets the teacher who moulded him|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/24/stories/2006092404791000.htm|access-date=29 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 September 2006|author=K. Raju|author2=S. Annamalai|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928165057/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/24/stories/2006092404791000.htm|archive-date=28 September 2013}}</ref>

Kalam moved to Madras in 1955 to study [[aerospace engineering]] at the [[Madras Institute of Technology]].<ref name="PIB01march12" /> While he was working on a class project, the Dean of the institution was dissatisfied with his lack of progress and threatened to revoke his scholarship unless the project was finished within the next three days. Kalam met the deadline, impressing the Dean, who later said to him, "I was putting you under stress and asking you to meet a difficult deadline."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dixit|first=Sumita Vaid|title=The boy from Rameswaram who became a President|url=http://getahead.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/18/slide-show-1-achievers-indias-best-students-apj-abdul-kalam.htm|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=4 July 2012|date=18 March 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702010920/http://getahead.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/18/slide-show-1-achievers-indias-best-students-apj-abdul-kalam.htm|archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref> Later, he narrowly missed out on his dream of becoming a [[fighter pilot]], as he placed ninth in qualifiers, and only eight positions were available in the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Failed in my dream of becoming a pilot : Abdul Kalam in new book|date=18 August 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/books/books-authors/failed-in-my-dream-of-becoming-pilot-abdul-kalam-in-new-book/article5035287.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818165820/http://www.thehindu.com/books/books-authors/failed-in-my-dream-of-becoming-pilot-abdul-kalam-in-new-book/article5035287.ece|archive-date=18 August 2013}}</ref>

== Career as a scientist ==
{{quote box
| quoted = true
| width = 320px
| align = right
| salign = right
| quote = This was my first stage, in which I learnt leadership from three great teachers—Dr [[Vikram Sarabhai]], Prof [[Satish Dhawan]] and Dr [[Brahm Prakash]]. This was the time of learning and acquisition of knowledge for me.
| source = Abdul Kalam<ref name="nic">{{cite web|title=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam |url=http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/scientists/abdulkalam/abdulkalam.htm |work=[[National Informatics Centre]] |access-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309080244/http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/scientists/Abdulkalam/Abdulkalam.htm |archive-date=9 March 2007 }}</ref>}}

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.<ref name="Sumita Vaid Dixit">{{cite news|last=Gopalakrishnan|first=Karthika|title=Kalam tells students to follow their heart|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kalam-tells-students-to-follow-their-heart/articleshow/4689858.cms|access-date=4 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 June 2009|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523213320/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-23/chennai/28168542_1_kalam-primary-school-maths-class|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, he joined the [[Indian National Committee for Space Research]], working under renowned space scientist [[Vikram Sarabhai]].<ref name="PIB01march12" /> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-i-m-proud-that-i-recommended-him-for-isro-ev-chitnis-2109096|title=I'm proud that I recommended him for ISRO: EV Chitnis|first=Ashwini|last=Pawar|date=29 July 2015|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|access-date=30 December 2022|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709211836/https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-i-m-proud-that-i-recommended-him-for-isro-ev-chitnis-2109096|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1969, Kalam transferred to ISRO where he became the project director of India's first [[satellite launch vehicle]] (SLV) which successfully deployed the [[Rohini (satellite)|Rohini]] satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980. He had earlier started work on an expandable rocket project independently at DRDO in 1965.<ref name=Britannica>{{cite book |title=A to C (Abd Allah ibn al-Abbas to Cypress).|date=2000|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India)|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-0-85229-760-5|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kpd9lLY_0-IC|author=Ramchandani|editor-first=Dale|editor-last=Hoiberg|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829192223/https://books.google.com/books?id=Kpd9lLY_0-IC|archive-date=29 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1969, Kalam received the approval from the [[Government of India]] to expand the programme to include more engineers.<ref name="nic" /> In 1963–64, he visited [[NASA]]'s [[Langley Research Center]] in [[Hampton, Virginia|Hampton]], [[Goddard Space Flight Center]] in [[Greenbelt, Maryland|Greenbelt]], and [[Wallops Flight Facility]].<ref name="KalamTiwari1999" /><ref name="Inc.1989">{{cite journal |title=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Science and Public Affairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6AUAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32|date=November 1989|publisher=Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science |page=32|issn=0096-3402|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511004955/https://books.google.com/books?id=6AUAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the late 1970s, Kalam was part of the effort to develop the [[Satellite Launch Vehicle|SLV-3]] and [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (PSLV), both of which were successful.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/national-space-day-when-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-learnt-from-failure-and-isro-bounced-back-to-life-2586775-2024-08-23|title=When Dr APJ Abdul Kalam learnt from failure and Isro bounced back to life|date=23 August 2024|access-date=1 January 2025|work=[[India Today]]|archive-date=1 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001120006/https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/national-space-day-when-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-learnt-from-failure-and-isro-bounced-back-to-life-2586775-2024-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://presidentofindia.nic.in/dr-apj-abdul-kalam-profile|title=APJ Abdul Kalam, profile|work=[[Rashtrapathi Bhavan]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=27 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227201320/https://presidentofindia.nic.in/dr-apj-abdul-kalam-profile|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 1974, Kalam was invited by [[Raja Ramanna]] to witness the country's first nuclear test ''[[Smiling Buddha]]'' as the representative of [[Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory]], even though he was officially not part of the project.<ref name="Facts">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2015/Jul/28/lesser-known-facts-about-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-787047.html|title=Lesser Known Facts About Dr APJ Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> In the 1970s, Kalam directed two projects, ''[[Project Devil]]'' and ''[[Project Valiant]]'', which sought to develop [[ballistic missiles]] using the technology from the successful SLV programme. Despite the disapproval of the [[Union Council of Ministers of India|union cabinet]], then Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] allotted funds for these aerospace projects under Kalam's directorship through her discretionary powers. Kalam also played a major role in convincing the cabinet to conceal the true nature of these classified projects. His research and leadership brought him recognition in the 1980s, which prompted the government to initiate an advanced missile programme under his directorship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/india_missile.pdf?_=1316466791|publisher=James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at Monterey Institute of International Studies, Nuclear Threat Initiative|date=July 2003|title=Missile Chronology, 1971–1979|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120103945/http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/india_missile.pdf?_=1316466791|archive-date=20 November 2012}}</ref>

Kalam worked with metallurgist [[V. S. R. Arunachalam]], who was then scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, on the suggestion by the then Defence Minister [[R. Venkataraman]] on the simultaneous development of a quiver of missiles instead of taking planned missiles one after another.<ref name="RV">{{cite news|url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1913/19131240.htm|title=The prime motivator|newspaper=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|date=5 July 2002|access-date=5 July 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021161310/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1913/19131240.htm|archive-date=21 October 2006}}</ref> Venkatraman was instrumental in getting the cabinet approval for allocating {{INRconvert|3.88|b|year=1983}} for the project titled [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]] (IGMDP) and appointed Kalam as its chief executive.<ref name="RV" /> Kalam played a major role in the development of missiles including [[Agni missile|Agni]], an intermediate range ballistic missile and [[Prithvi missile|Prithvi]], the tactical surface-to-surface missile, despite inflated costs and time overruns.<ref name="RV" /><ref name="IGMDP Criticism">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Missile-plan-Some-hits-misses/articleshow/2684641.cms|title=Missile plan: Some hits, misses|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|first=Rajat|last=Pandit|agency=TNN|date=9 January 2008|access-date=1 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118112401/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-01-09/india/27782318_1_akash-visual-range-air-to-air-missile-missile-development-programme|archive-date=18 November 2011|url-status=live }}</ref> He was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of [[ballistic missile]] and [[launch vehicle]] technology.<ref>{{cite book|first=R. K.|last=Pruthi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ee3PR5HFBCAC|title=President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|publisher=Anmol Publications|date=2005|isbn=978-81-261-1344-6|chapter=Missile Man of India|pages=61–76|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=25 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725112548/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ee3PR5HFBCAC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/29/indias-mr-missile-a-man-of-the-people?token=8bebcb17cfd851eb0bc06642519e8767|title=India's 'Mr. Missile': A man of the people|access-date=30 July 2015|date=30 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925135024/http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/29/indias-mr-missile-a-man-of-the-people?token=8bebcb17cfd851eb0bc06642519e8767|archive-date=25 September 2015|newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Kalams-unrealised-Nag-missile-dream-to-become-reality-next-year/articleshow/48267342.cms|title=Kalam's unrealised 'Nag' missile dream to become reality next year|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 July 2015|date=30 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103225412/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Kalams-unrealised-Nag-missile-dream-to-become-reality-next-year/articleshow/48267342.cms|archive-date=3 January 2017}}</ref>

Kalam served as the chief scientific adviser to the prime minister and [[Secretary to Government of India|secretary]] of the DRDO from July 1992 to December 1999. He played a key organisational, political and technical role in the ''[[Pokhran-II]]'' nuclear tests conducted in May 1998.<ref>{{cite book|first=Amartya|last=Sen|author-link=Amartya Sen|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IjZA-bQde1wC&pg=RA1-PA169|chapter=India and the Bomb|title=Prisoners of the Nuclear Dream|editor=M. V. Ramana|editor2=C. Rammanohar Reddy|pages=167–188|publisher=Sangam Books|date=2003|isbn=978-81-250-2477-4|access-date=8 June 2020|archive-date=25 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725112558/https://books.google.com/books?id=IjZA-bQde1wC&pg=RA1-PA169|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with [[Rajagopala Chidambaram]], he served as the chief project coordinator for the tests.<ref name="KalamTiwari1999"/><ref name="Conley2001">{{cite book|first=Jerome M.|last=Conley|title=Indo-Russian military and nuclear cooperation: lessons and options for U.S. policy in South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SZRk_z3dhtYC&pg=PA106|date=2001|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-0217-6|page=106|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425020736/https://books.google.com/books?id=SZRk_z3dhtYC&pg=PA106|archive-date=25 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Media coverage of Kalam during this period made him the country's best known nuclear scientist.<ref>{{cite news|title=Koodankulam nuclear plant: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's safety review has failed to satisfy nuke plant protestors, expert laments|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-11-08/news/30373196_1_safety-review-safety-norms-koodankulam|access-date=20 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=8 November 2011|archive-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410003051/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-11-08/news/30373196_1_safety-review-safety-norms-koodankulam|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the director of the site test, [[K. Santhanam]], said that the [[thermonuclear bomb]] had been a "[[fizzle (nuclear test)|fizzle]]" and criticised Kalam for issuing an incorrect report.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2619/stories/20090925261902000.htm|title=Pokhran row|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|first1=Ramachandran|last1=R.|date=25 September 2009|access-date=5 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203180132/http://frontlineonnet.com/fl2619/stories/20090925261902000.htm|archive-date=3 February 2011}}</ref> The claim was refuted and rejected by Kalam and Chidambaram.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pokhran II controversy needless: PM|url=http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2009/08/3161|publisher=Hard News|date=August 2009|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525092955/http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2009/08/3161|archive-date=25 May 2012}}</ref>

In 1998, Kalam worked with [[cardiologist]] [[Bhupathiraju Somaraju]] and developed a low cost [[coronary stent]], named the "Kalam-Raju stent".<ref>{{cite web|title=Story of indigenous stents|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/08/15/stories/041567so.htm|work=[[Business Line]]|date=15 August 2001|location=India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528085930/http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/08/15/stories/041567so.htm|archive-date=28 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The stent man|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/dec/19ap.htm|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=19 December 1998|location=India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518111556/http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/dec/19ap.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> In 2012, the duo designed a [[tablet computer]] named the "Kalam-Raju tablet" for usage by healthcare workers in rural areas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Now, 'Kalam-Raju tablet' for healthcare workers|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3025860.ece|access-date=19 April 2012|work=[[The Hindu]]|first=M. Sai|last=Gopal|date=22 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425093504/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3025860.ece|archive-date=25 April 2012}}</ref>

== Presidency ==
[[File:The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam greeting the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 79th birthday in New Delhi on December 25, 2003.jpg|thumb|Kalam greeting then prime minister [[Vajpayee]] on 25 December 2003]]

On 10 June 2002, the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] which was in power at the time, expressed its intention to nominate Kalam for the post of the [[President of India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NDA's smart missile: President Kalam|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-06-11/news/27348497_1_nda-alliance-nda-today-president-kalam|access-date=29 April 2012|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=11 June 2002|author=Times News Network|author-link=Times News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523202053/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2002-06-11/news/27348497_1_nda-alliance-nda-today-president-kalam|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/11spec.htm|title=With him at the helm, there is hope that things might change|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729224243/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/11spec.htm|archive-date=29 July 2015|work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> His candidature was backed by the opposition parties including the [[Samajwadi Party]] and the [[Nationalist Congress Party]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SP to support Kalam for President's post|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez3.htm|date=11 June 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522075344/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez3.htm|archive-date=22 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NCP supports Kalam's candidature for presidentship|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez2.htm|date=11 June 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522072307/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez2.htm|archive-date=22 May 2013 }}</ref> After the support for Kalam, incumbent president [[K. R. Narayanan]] chose not to seek a re-election.<ref>{{cite news|title=Narayanan opts out, field clear for Kalam|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez5.htm|date=11 June 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518112930/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/11prez5.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013 }}</ref> Kalam said of the announcement of his candidature:

{{blockquote|I am really overwhelmed. Everywhere both in Internet and in other media, I have been asked for a message. I was thinking what message I can give to the people of the country at this juncture.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overwhelmed by response: Kalam|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/13prez2.htm|date=13 June 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518114306/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/13prez2.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013  }}</ref>}}

On 18 June, Kalam filed his nomination papers in the [[Indian Parliament]], accompanied by then prime minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] and senior cabinet members.<ref>{{cite news|title=Presidential nominee Abdul Kalam files nomination papers|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/18prez1.htm|date=18 June 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518111105/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jun/18prez1.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013 }}</ref> He faced off against [[Lakshmi Sahgal]], and the polling for the [[2002 Indian presidential election|presidential election]] was held on 15 July 2002, in the Indian parliament and the state assemblies, with the media predicting a win for Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Polling for presidential election begins|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/15prez1.htm|date=15 July 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518112418/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/15prez1.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013 }}</ref> The counting was held on 18 July, and Kalam won the elections after securing 922,884 electoral votes as against the 107,366 votes won by Sahgal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam is 11th President in 12th term|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalam-is-11th-President-in-12th-term/articleshow/17197985.cms|date=26 July 2002|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=4 July 2012|last=Ved|first=Mahendra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530003810/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-07-26/india/27318326_1_neelam-sanjiva-reddy-p-j-abdul-kalam-rashtrapati-bhavan|archive-date=30 May 2013|url-status=live }}</ref> He was sworn in as the [[List of Presidents of India|11th president]] of India on 25 July 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Presidents, Rashtrapati Bhavan|url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/former-presidents.htm|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016060850/http://presidentofindia.nic.in/former-presidents.htm|archive-date=16 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Abdul Kalam elected President|url=http://hindu.com/2002/07/19/stories/2002071905340100.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 July 2002|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113191656/http://hindu.com/2002/07/19/stories/2002071905340100.htm|archive-date=13 November 2013}}</ref> He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy the top chair at [[Rashtrapati Bhawan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A P J Kalam is sworn in as India's eleventh President|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/25prez5.htm|date=25 July 2002|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130222012/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/25prez5.htm|archive-date=30 January 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:The President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam authorizing the Prime Minister designate Dr. Manmohan Singh to form the next Government in New Delhi on May 19, 2004.jpg|thumb|left|Kalam with prime minister designate [[Manmohan Singh]] in New Delhi on 19 May 2004]]

During his term as president, he was affectionately known as the "People's President".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Tyagi|first1=Kavita|last2=Misra|first2=Padma|title=Basic Technical Communication|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N3ixJ62qwqcC&pg=PA124|publisher=[[Prentice Hall]]|isbn=978-81-203-4238-5|page=124|date=23 May 2011|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603050016/https://books.google.com/books?id=N3ixJ62qwqcC&pg=PA124|archive-date=3 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Amarnath|last1=Menon|title=Why Abdul Kalam was the 'People's President'|url=http://www.dailyo.in/politics/why-apj-abdul-kalam-was-the-peoples-president/story/1/5270.html|work=DailyO|access-date=20 August 2015|date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813121059/http://www.dailyo.in/politics/why-apj-abdul-kalam-was-the-peoples-president/story/1/5270.html|archive-date=13 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/abdul-kalam-is-peoples-president-mamata/266740-37-64.html|title=APJ Abdul Kalam is people's president: Mamata Banerjee|date=19 June 2012|newspaper=[[CNN-IBN]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|access-date=4 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620094235/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/abdul-kalam-is-peoples-president-mamata/266740-37-64.html|archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/14/stories/2007041411130100.htm|title=The people's President does it again|last=Perappadan|first=Bindu Shajan|date=14 April 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 March 2012|location=Chennai, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125233936/http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/14/stories/2007041411130100.htm|archive-date=25 January 2012}}</ref> He later stated that signing the [[Office of profit]] bill was the toughest decision he had taken during his tenure.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/my-toughest-decision-as-president-was-returning-the-office-of-profit-bill-to-parliament------------------------/214046/|title=My toughest decision as president was returning the Office of Profit Bill to Parliament|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731003929/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/my-toughest-decision-as-president-was-returning-the-office-of-profit-bill-to-parliament------------------------/214046|archive-date=31 July 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How a 110 years old became friend of APJ Kalam|url= http://www.thebetterindia.com/64306/life-lesson-dr-p-j-abdul-kalam-srijan-pal-singh|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160819200510/http://www.thebetterindia.com/64306/life-lesson-dr-p-j-abdul-kalam-srijan-pal-singh/|archive-date= 19 August 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Better India|date= 14 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Signing office of profit bill was toughest decision: A P J Kalam|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/dateline-india/signing-office-of-profit-bill-was-toughest-decision-a-p-j-kalam/articleshow/6182455.cms|access-date=2 May 2012|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=18 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511055231/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/dateline-india/signing-office-of-profit-bill-was-toughest-decision-a-p-j-kalam/articleshow/6182455.cms|archive-date=11 May 2013}}</ref> In September 2003, during an interactive session at [[Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research|PGIMER]] in [[Chandigarh]], Kalam asserted the need of [[Uniform Civil Code]] in India, keeping in view the population of the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/29prez.htm|title=Uniform Civil Code essential: Kalam|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928084617/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/29prez.htm|archive-date=28 September 2015|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=29 September 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-09-30/news/27555155_1_uniform-civil-code-moon-mission-secular-credentials|title=Kalam calls for uniform civil code|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142527/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-09-30/news/27555155_1_uniform-civil-code-moon-mission-secular-credentials|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=30 September 2003}}</ref> He also took a decision to impose [[President's rule]] in Bihar in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=APJ Abdul Kalam: The People's President|url=http://www.ndtv.com/people/apj-abdul-kalam-the-peoples-president-1201126|publisher=[[NDTV]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727173548/http://www.ndtv.com/people/apj-abdul-kalam-the-peoples-president-1201126|archive-date=27 July 2015}}</ref> However, during his tenure as president, he made no decision on 20 out of the 21 mercy petitions submitted to him to commute [[death penalties]], including that of terrorist [[Afzal Guru]], who was convicted of conspiracy in the [[2001 Indian Parliament attack|December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament]] and was sentenced to death by the [[Supreme Court of India]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mercy Guidelines|url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2607/stories/20090410260703400.htm|date=April 2009|access-date=5 July 2012|work=Frontline|last=V.|first=Venkatesan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129214855/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2607/stories/20090410260703400.htm|archive-date=29 January 2013 }}</ref> He acted only on a single plea, rejecting that of [[Dhananjoy Chatterjee]], who was later hanged.<ref>{{cite news|title=The journey of a mercy plea|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-journey-of-a-mercy-plea/621586/0|date=21 May 2010|access-date=5 July 2012|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128051841/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-journey-of-a-mercy-plea/621586/0|archive-date=28 November 2012}}</ref>

Towards the end of his term, on 20 June 2007, Kalam expressed his willingness to consider a second term in office provided there was certainty about his victory in the upcoming [[2007 Indian presidential election|presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam not to contest presidential poll|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/22prezpoll6.htm|date=22 June 2007|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=2 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518114128/http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/22prezpoll6.htm|archive-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> His name was proposed by the [[United National Progressive Alliance]], but he did receive the support of the ruling [[United Progressive Alliance]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam not to contest Presidential polls|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/Kalam-not-to-contest-Presidential-polls/articleshow/2142035.cms|access-date=3 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523223931/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-06-22/india/27955990_1_unpa-leaders-united-national-progressive-alliance-nda-leaders|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/10/stories/2007051008450100.htm|title=Talks under way on Presidential election|date=10 May 2007|access-date=2 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317101008/http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/10/stories/2007051008450100.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=17 March 2012}}</ref> However, two days later, he decided not to contest the election again stating that he wanted to avoid involving the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the political processes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam not to contest Presidential polls|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/Kalam-not-to-contest-Presidential-polls/articleshow/2142035.cms|access-date=2 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523223931/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-06-22/india/27955990_1_unpa-leaders-united-national-progressive-alliance-nda-leaders|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam addressing the nation on the eve of 58th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 25, 2007.jpg|thumb|Kalam addressing the nation on the eve of the 58th Republic day in 2007]]

In April 2012, towards the expiry of the term of the 12th president [[Pratibha Patil]], media reports claimed that Kalam was likely to be nominated for his second term.<ref>{{cite news|last=Raj|first=Rohit|title=Virtual world seeks second term for Abdul Kalam|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/virtual-world-seeks-second-term-abdul-kalam-590|access-date=23 April 2012|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=23 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423195211/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/virtual-world-seeks-second-term-abdul-kalam-590|archive-date=23 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Prafulla|last=Marapakwar|title=Next President should be apolitical: Pawar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Second-innings-APJ-Abdul-Kalam-to-return-as-President/articleshow/12830216.cms|access-date=23 April 2012|date=23 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616111353/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-23/india/31386583_1_consensus-candidate-sharad-pawar-parties|archive-date=16 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Race for Rashtrapati Bhawan: APJ Abdul Kalam a good choice, says SP; backs Pawar|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/race-for-rashtrapati-bhawan-apj-abdul-kalam-a-good-choice-says-sp-backs-pawar-200986|access-date=23 April 2012|work=[[NDTV]]|date=23 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424001728/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/race-for-rashtrapati-bhawan-apj-abdul-kalam-a-good-choice-says-sp-backs-pawar-200986|archive-date=24 April 2012}}</ref> After the reports, [[social networking sites]] witnessed a surge in posts supporting his candidature.<ref>{{cite news|title=Netizens campaign for second term to Kalam|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/245135/netizens-campaign-second-term-kalam.html|access-date=27 April 2012|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=26 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114034934/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/245135/netizens-campaign-second-term-kalam.html|archive-date=14 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Azeez|first=Parwin|title=Kalam for President clicks on social networks|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chennai/Kalam-for-President-clicks-on-social-networks/articleshow/13044137.cms|access-date=8 May 2012|date=8 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616111409/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-08/chennai/31625398_1_p-j-abdul-kalam-social-media-social-networking|archive-date=16 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref> While the ruling [[Indian National Congress]] opposed the nomination of Kalam,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Benedict|first=Kay|date=14 June 2012|title=Congress opposes APJ Abdul Kalam's name for President|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/presidential-race-congress-opposes-apj-abdul-kalam-100083-2012-04-23|magazine=[[India Today]]|access-date=24 July 2023|archive-date=24 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724163532/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/presidential-race-congress-opposes-apj-abdul-kalam-100083-2012-04-23|url-status=live}}</ref> other parties such as the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and the [[Trinamool Congress]] were reported by the media to be keen on his candidature.<ref>{{cite news|title=President poll: BJP rejects Pranab Mukherjee, Hamid Ansari, may back Kalam|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/president-poll-bjp-rejects-pranab-may-back-kalam/253558-37.html|access-date=30 April 2012|newspaper=[[CNN-IBN]]|date=30 April 2012|place=New Delhi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208161314/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/president-poll-bjp-rejects-pranab-may-back-kalam/253558-37.html|archive-date=8 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Presidential polls: We will not support Pranab Mukherjee, BJP says|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/Presidential-polls-We-will-not-support-Pranab-Mukherjee-BJP-says/articleshow/12937364.cms|access-date=30 April 2012|date=30 April 2012|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517162025/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-30/india/31505985_1_pranab-mukherjee-presidential-polls-sushma-swaraj|archive-date=17 May 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prez poll: Mulayam, Mamata suggest APJ Kalam, Manmohan Singh, Somnath Chatterjee|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_prez-poll-mulayam-mamata-refuse-to-endorse-pranab-suggest-manmohan_1701902|access-date=13 June 2012|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|date=13 June 2012|archive-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410000348/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-prez-poll-mulayam-mamata-reject-pranab-suggest-manmohan-1701902|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mamata turns to Facebook, seeks support for Kalam|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/social-media/Mamata-turns-to-Facebook-seeks-support-for-Kalam/articleshow/14174984.cms|access-date=16 June 2012|date=16 June 2012|agency=Press Trust of India|location=Kolkata, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617112446/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-16/social-media/32268498_1_mamata-banerjee-apj-abdul-kalam-missile-man|archive-date=17 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 June 2012, Kalam declined to contest stating that:

{{blockquote|Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.<ref name="toirefused">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/APJ-Abdul-Kalam-not-to-contest-presidential-poll-2012/articleshow/14237561.cms|title=Abdul Kalam not to contest presidential poll 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 June 2012|access-date=18 June 2012|first=Karthick|last=S|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622074516/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-18/india/32298401_1_apj-abdul-kalam-bjp-leader-contest|archive-date=22 June 2012|url-status=live }}</ref>}}

== Post-presidency ==
[[File:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam addresses the 14th Convocation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.jpg|thumb|Kalam addressing students at [[IIT Guwahati]] in 2012]]

After leaving office, Kalam returned to teaching, and became a visiting professor at various institutions. He became a visiting professor at [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong|IIM Shillong]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dinamalar.com/news/kalvimalar-news-en/kalam-to-join-as-visiting-faculty-at-iim-shillong/11068|title=Kalam to join as visiting faculty at IIM Shillong|date=7 March 2013|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Dinamalar]]|language=ta}}</ref> an honorary professor at his alma mater [[Anna University]] in Chennai,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kalam-may-become-honorary-professor/story-IDF8dULMzCFsuZd1acZ4sI.html|title=Kalam may become honorary professor|date=15 July 2007|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927083323/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/kalam-may-become-honorary-professor/story-IDF8dULMzCFsuZd1acZ4sI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and an honorary fellow of the [[Indian Institute of Science]] at [[Bengaluru]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/press_rel.htm|title=Honorary Fellowship of IISc|work=[[Indian Institute of Science]]|date=27 May 2008|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709223659/http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/press_rel.htm|archive-date=9 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kalam|first1=Abdul|title=Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|isbn=978-9-35029-543-4|access-date=30 June 2015|publication-date=5 September 2012|pages=48, 69|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HykusumG6YkC&pg=PT48|date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517061603/https://books.google.com/books?id=HykusumG6YkC&pg=PT48|archive-date=17 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2007, he became the first chancellor of the newly established [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology]] at [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam appointed IIST Chancellor |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/09/stories/2008090956211300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911060649/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/09/stories/2008090956211300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2008|date=9 September 2008|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 February 2009}}</ref> He also conducted lectures for management students in India,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/kalam-to-teach-management-students/articleshow/2642842.cms?from=mdr|title=Kalam to teach management students|date=22 December 2007|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> and visited China twice at the invitation of the [[Chinese government]] to conduct sessions at the [[Peking University]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/apj-abdul-kalam-not-just-indias-scientist-but-of-the-world-china-professor/|title=China professor: Abdul Kalam not just India's scientist but of the world|date=29 July 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008233944/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/apj-abdul-kalam-not-just-indias-scientist-but-of-the-world-china-professor/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, Kalam voiced his support towards the establishment of the [[Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant|nuclear power plant]] at [[Koodankulam]] in Tamil Nadu, giving assurances for the safety of the facility.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 November 2011|title=Dr Kalam's 'assurance' on nuclear power plants draws flak|newspaper=Financial Magazine|url=http://moneylife.in/article/dr-kalams-assurance-on-nuclear-power-plants-draws-flak/21199.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108023921/http://www.moneylife.in/article/dr-kalams-assurance-on-nuclear-power-plants-draws-flak/21199.html|archive-date=8 November 2011}}</ref> However, some of the locals were unconvinced by his statements on the safety of the plant, and were hostile to his visit.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 November 2011|title=Kalam bats for Kudankulam but protesters unimpressed|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalam-bats-for-Kudankulam-but-protesters-unimpressed/articleshow/10637144.cms|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523204808/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-07/india/30369212_1_kudankulam-plant-kudankulam-nuclear-power-project-kasinath-balaji|archive-date=23 May 2013}}</ref> In May 2012, Kalam launched a programme called ''What Can I Give Movement'' aimed at the youth of India with a central theme of defeating corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatcanigive.info/BlankBodyWGnrlRightPanl.php?PageTitle=AboutUs|title=About us|publisher=What Can I Give|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051003/http://www.whatcanigive.info/BlankBodyWGnrlRightPanl.php?PageTitle=AboutUs|archive-date=22 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2137285.ece|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911233506/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2137285.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2012|title=Take part in movement against corruption: Kalam|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 June 2011|access-date=1 March 2012|author=Mallady, Shastry}}</ref>

== Death ==
{{Main|Death and state funeral of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}

On 27 July 2015, Kalam travelled to [[Shillong]] to deliver a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth" at IIM Shillong. While climbing a flight of stairs, he experienced some discomfort, but was able to enter the auditorium after a brief rest.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalam-had-no-property/article7493734.ece|title=Kalam had no property|author=Scott, D.J. Walter|date=3 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222044729/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalam-had-no-property/article7493734.ece|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-passes-away-after-collapsing-during-lecture-at-iim-shillong-2366030.html|title=End of an era: 'Missile man' APJ Abdul Kalam passes away after cardiac arrest|work=Firstpost|date=28 July 2015|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728112529/http://www.firstpost.com/india/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-passes-away-after-collapsing-during-lecture-at-iim-shillong-2366030.html|archive-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> At around 6:35&nbsp;p.m. [[Indian Standard Time|IST]], after five minutes into his lecture, he collapsed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/former-president-abdul-kalam-passed-away-following-sudden-illness/|title=Abdul Kalam, former president of India, passes away at 84|date=27 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=27 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728170754/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/former-president-abdul-kalam-passed-away-following-sudden-illness/|archive-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> He was rushed to the nearby Bethany Hospital in a critical condition, and upon arrival, he lacked a pulse or any other signs of life. Despite being placed in the [[intensive care unit]], he was confirmed dead of a sudden [[cardiac arrest]] at 7:45{{nbsp}}p.m.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/abdul-kalam-showed-no-signs-of-life-when-brought-to-hospital-doctor-1026532.html|title=Abdul Kalam showed no signs of life when brought to hospital: Doctor|date=28 July 2015|work=[[CNN-IBN]]|access-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729225600/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/abdul-kalam-showed-no-signs-of-life-when-brought-to-hospital-doctor-1026532.html|archive-date=29 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-admitted-to-icu-in-shillong-sources-1201111|title=Former President APJ Abdul Kalam Dies at 83|first=Anindita|last=Sanyal|date=27 July 2015|publisher=NDTV.com|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729222948/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-admitted-to-icu-in-shillong-sources-1201111|archive-date=29 July 2015}}</ref> His purported last words to his aide [[Srijan Pal Singh]] were: "Funny guy! Are you doing well?"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/11-last-words-of-famous-people-that-reflect-exactly-what-life-was-to-them-243620.html|title=11 Last Words of Famous People That Reflect Exactly What Life Was To Them|work=India Times|date=31 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803141930/http://m.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/11-last-words-of-famous-people-that-reflect-exactly-what-life-was-to-them-243620.html|archive-date=3 August 2015}}</ref>

=== Aftermath ===
[[File:Front_view_of_APJ_Abdul_Kalam_Memorial_.jpg|thumb|[[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial]] at [[Rameswaram]]]]

Following his death, the people of India paid tributes on social media.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685083|title=People's president: India mourns Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730230504/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685083|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref> The Government of India declared a seven-day [[National day of mourning|state mourning]] period as a mark of respect.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Seven-day-state-mourning-but-no-holiday/articleshow/48246786.cms|title=Seven-day state mourning but no holiday|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731030228/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Seven-day-state-mourning-but-no-holiday/articleshow/48246786.cms|archive-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> Various leaders from India and abroad condoled the death of Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/28/former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam-has-died-aged-83|title=Former President APJ Abdul Kalam has died aged 83|access-date=28 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821123429/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/28/former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam-has-died-aged-83|archive-date=21 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abdul-kalams-death-tremendous-loss-to-india-isro-chief-a-s-krishna-kumar-1201137|title=Abdul Kalam's Death Tremendous Loss to India: ISRO Chief A S Kiran Kumar|date=29 July 2015|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730021211/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abdul-kalams-death-tremendous-loss-to-india-isro-chief-a-s-krishna-kumar-1201137|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/world-leaders-pay-glowing-tributes-to-inspirational-kalam-115072801081_1.html|title=World leaders pay glowing tributes to inspirational Kalam|date=28 July 2015|work=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144046/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/world-leaders-pay-glowing-tributes-to-inspirational-kalam-115072801081_1.html|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
Kalam's body was flown to New Delhi on the morning of 28 July, where dignitaries including then president, vice president, and prime minister paid their last respects.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-s-body-being-flown-to-delhi/article1-1373798.aspx|title=Farewell Kalam! Pranab, Modi lead nation in paying homage|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728100552/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-s-body-being-flown-to-delhi/article1-1373798.aspx|archive-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> His body was placed in his Delhi residence for public viewing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/apj-abdul-kalam-funeral-in-rameswaram-live/1/454493.html|title=Live: Kalam's body at Delhi house for people to pay tribute|date=28 July 2015|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728192314/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/apj-abdul-kalam-funeral-in-rameswaram-live/1/454493.html|archive-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> On 29 July, his body was flown to the town of [[Mandapam]] via [[Madurai]], and was carried towards his home town of Rameswaram by road. His body was displayed in an open area to allow the public to pay their final respects until 8{{nbsp}}p.m. that evening.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Dignitaries-Pay-Respect-to-Kalam-in-Madurai-Airport/2015/07/29/article2947038.ece|title=Dignitaries Pay Respect to Kalam in Madurai Airport|author=Arunachalam, Pon Vasanth|date=29 July 2015|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=29 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801220459/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Dignitaries-Pay-Respect-to-Kalam-in-Madurai-Airport/2015/07/29/article2947038.ece|archive-date=1 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/live-kalams-body-to-be-flown-to-rameswaram-from-delhi/article7476407.ece?homepage=true|title=Kalam's mortal remains reach Rameswaram|date=29 July 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729093211/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/live-kalams-body-to-be-flown-to-rameswaram-from-delhi/article7476407.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=29 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Rishi|last1=Iyengar|title=India Pays Tribute to 'People's President' A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|url=https://time.com/3974357/apj-abdul-kalam-death-tributes-condolences/|access-date=20 August 2015|work=[[Time Inc.]]|date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731002329/http://time.com/3974357/apj-abdul-kalam-death-tributes-condolences/|archive-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> On 30 July 2015, following an [[Islamic funeral|Islamic burial prayer]] performed by the local [[imam]],<ref>{{cite news|date=30 July 2015|title=Thousands bid adieu to former President A P J Abdul Kalam |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Thousands-bid-adieu-to-former-President-A-P-J-Abdul-Kalam/article60333907.ece|access-date=10 June 2025|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> he was laid to rest at Rameswaram's Pei Karumbu ground with full state honours with over 350,000 people in attendance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/people-s-president-kalam-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-115073000426_1.html|title=People's president' Kalam laid to rest with full state honours|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=30 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801235007/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/people-s-president-kalam-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-115073000426_1.html|archive-date=1 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation-bids-adieu-to-abdul-kalam/article7480951.ece?homepage=true|title=Nation bids adieu to Abdul Kalam|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920020301/https://www.thehindu.com/news/nation-bids-adieu-to-abdul-kalam/article7480951.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial]] was built in memory of Kalam by the DRDO in Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dr APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=147841|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023001125/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=147841|archive-date=23 October 2016}}</ref> It was inaugurated by then prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] in July 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Images of the Inauguration function |work=[[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=photogallary_events_pm_apj_memorial.jsp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802082018/https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=photogallary_events_pm_apj_memorial.jsp|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi's web page with news and photos|url=http://www.narendramodi.in/pm-modi-inaugurates-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-ar-rameswaram-tamil-nadu-536393|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802123139/http://www.narendramodi.in/pm-modi-inaugurates-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-ar-rameswaram-tamil-nadu-536393|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> The memorial displays replicas of rockets and missiles which Kalam had worked with, and various acrylic paintings about his life. There is a large statue of Kalam in the entrance showing him playing the [[veena]], and two other smaller statues in sitting and standing posture respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the Abdul Kalam memorial row? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-abdul-kalam-memorial-row-4774992/ |access-date=8 August 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808124802/https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-abdul-kalam-memorial-row-4774992/ |archive-date=8 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Personal life and interests ==
[[File:Veena played by APJ Abdul Kalam.jpg|alt=Musical instrument veena enclosed in a glass casing|thumb|Kalam's veena on display at the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]] museum in Delhi]]

Kalam was the youngest of five siblings, the eldest of whom was a sister, Asim Zohra ({{died-in|1997}}), followed by three elder brothers: Mohammed Lebbai (5 November 1916&ndash;7 March 2021),<ref>{{cite news|date=7 March 2021|title=Kalam's elder brother dies at 104|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalams-elder-brother-dies-at-104-ramanathapuram-rameswaram/article34013992.ece|access-date=8 March 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=11 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311044739/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalams-elder-brother-dies-at-104-ramanathapuram-rameswaram/article34013992.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Abdul Kalam's elder brother turns 100 and APJ had bought a gift for him|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/apj-abdul-kalam-brother-birthday/1/803544.html|access-date=5 July 2017|work=[[India Today]]|date=5 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710181745/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/apj-abdul-kalam-brother-birthday/1/803544.html|archive-date=10 July 2017}}</ref> Mustafa Kalam ({{died-in|1999}}) and Kasim Mohammed ({{died-in|1995}}).<ref name="Mid">{{cite news|title=We thought he would be with us for another decade: Kalam's nephew|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/we-thought-he-would-be-with-us-for-another-decade-kalams-nephew/16408160|access-date=3 August 2015|work=Mid-Day|date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731230128/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/we-thought-he-would-be-with-us-for-another-decade-kalams-nephew/16408160|archive-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> He was close to his elder siblings and their extended families throughout his life, and would regularly send small sums of money to his older siblings, though he himself remaining a lifelong [[bachelor]].<ref name="Mid"/><ref name="integrity">{{cite news|title=Man of integrity, Kalam insulated family from trappings of power|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Man-of-integrity-Kalam-insulated-family-from-trappings-of-power/articleshow/48289991.cms|date=31 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803081040/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Man-of-integrity-Kalam-insulated-family-from-trappings-of-power/articleshow/48289991.cms|archive-date=3 August 2015}}</ref>

Kalam was noted for his integrity and his simple lifestyle.<ref name="integrity"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Scott|first1=Walter|date=4 November 2016|title=Kalam's brother turns 100, says takes life as it comes|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Kalam%E2%80%99s-brother-turns-100-says-takes-life-as-it-comes/article16436426.ece|url-status=live|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223052244/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Kalam%E2%80%99s-brother-turns-100-says-takes-life-as-it-comes/article16436426.ece|archive-date=23 February 2020|quote=Kalam never accepted gifts when he attended functions...}}</ref> He was a [[teetotalism|teetotaler]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Michael|first=Saneesh|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - The President of the masses|work=OneIndia|date=n.d.|url=http://living.oneindia.in/celebrity/other-celebrities/kalam-indian-president.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914092623/http://living.oneindia.in/celebrity/other-celebrities/kalam-indian-president.html|archive-date=14 September 2007}}</ref> and a [[vegetarian]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Of Rasam and Rice: The Humble Lifestyle of Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam|work=[[NDTV]]|url=http://food.ndtv.com/opinions/of-rasam-and-rice-the-humble-lifestyle-of-former-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-1201369|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730231654/http://food.ndtv.com/opinions/of-rasam-and-rice-the-humble-lifestyle-of-formerHe|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref> Kalam enjoyed writing [[Tamil language|Tamil]] poetry, playing the [[veena]] (an Indian string instrument),<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040386,00.html|title=India's A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|date=30 November 1998|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228182257/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2040386,00.html|archive-date=28 February 2012 }}</ref> and listening to [[Carnatic music|Carnatic devotional music]] every day.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685041|title=Abdul Kalam: People's president, extraordinary Indian|work=[[BBC]]|date=28 June 2015|access-date=28 June 2015|first=Shashi|last=Tharoor|author-link=Shashi Tharoor|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730230459/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685041|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref> He never owned a [[television]], and was in the habit of rising at 6:30 or 7{{nbsp}}a.m. and sleeping by 2{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kalam Tribute: Sir Never Had a TV at Home, Recalls Secretary of 24 Years|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kalam-tribute-sir-never-had-a-tv-at-home-recalls-secretary-of-24-years-1201261|date=28 July 2015|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=3 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731000524/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kalam-tribute-sir-never-had-a-tv-at-home-recalls-secretary-of-24-years-1201261|archive-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> His personal possessions included a few books, a [[veena]], clothing, a [[compact disc]] player and a [[laptop]]. He left no will, and his possessions went to his eldest brother after his death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam had no property|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalam-had-no-property/article7493734.ece?homepage=true|date=3 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222032339/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalam-had-no-property/article7493734.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Guru Kalam's assets, royalties to go to elder brother|url=http://www.oneindia.com/india/oneindia-special-guru-kalam-s-assets-royalties-to-go-to-elder-brother-1825182.html|access-date=3 August 2015|work=One India|date=3 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805225257/http://www.oneindia.com/india/oneindia-special-guru-kalam-s-assets-royalties-to-go-to-elder-brother-1825182.html|archive-date=5 August 2015}}</ref>

Kalam set a target of interacting with 100,000 students during the two years after his resignation from the post of scientific adviser in 1999. He explained, "I feel comfortable in the company of young people, particularly high school students. Henceforth, I intend to share with them experiences, helping them to ignite their imagination and preparing them to work for a developed India for which the road map is already available." His dream is to let every student to light up the sky with victory using their latent fire in the heart.<ref name="visit"/> He had an active interest in other developments in the field of science and technology such as developing [[Implant (medicine)|biomedical implants]]. He also supported [[Open-source software|open source]] technology over [[proprietary software]], predicting that the use of free software on a large scale would bring the benefits of information technology to more people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/India-leader-advocates-open-source/2100-1016_3-1011255.html|title=India leader advocates open source|last=Becker|first=David|work=[[CNET]]|date=29 May 2003|access-date=17 July 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617103200/http://news.cnet.com/India-leader-advocates-open-source/2100-1016_3-1011255.html|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>

=== Religious and spiritual views ===
Religion and spirituality were very important to Kalam throughout his life.<ref>{{cite web|title =The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama|url=http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/626-apj-abdul-kalam-contemplative-science-complements-modern-science|website=www.dalailama.com|access-date=4 August 2015|first=The Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai|last=Lama|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907005520/http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/626-apj-abdul-kalam-contemplative-science-complements-modern-science|archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> He was a  practising [[Sunni Muslim]], and daily [[namaz]] and fasting during [[Ramadan]] were integral to his life.<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="NDTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/dr-kalam-indias-most-non-traditional-president-1201311?site=full|title=Dr Kalam, India's Most Non-Traditional President|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320080739/http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/dr-kalam-indias-most-non-traditional-president-1201311?site=full|archive-date=20 March 2016|work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> His father was an imam of a mosque, and had strictly instilled these Islamic customs in his children.<ref name="IT" /> His father had also impressed upon the young Kalam the value of interfaith respect and dialogue. As Kalam recalled: "Every evening, my father A.&nbsp;P. Jainulabdeen, an imam, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the head priest of the Ramanathaswamy Hindu temple, and a church priest used to sit with hot tea and discuss the issues concerning the island."<ref name="Pramukh">{{Cite book|title=Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji|last=Kalam|first=A.P.J. Abdul|publisher=HarperCollins India|date=2015|isbn=978-93-5177-405-1|location=Noida|pages=ix–xi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ramzan & Rameswaram: His ties with the island|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ramzan-Rameswaram-His-ties-with-the-island/articleshow/48274023.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 July 2015|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823165616/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ramzan-Rameswaram-His-ties-with-the-island/articleshow/48274023.cms|archive-date=23 August 2015}}</ref> Such early exposure convinced Kalam that the answers to India's multitudinous issues lay in "dialogue and cooperation" among the country's religious, social, and political leaders.<ref name="NDTV"/> Moreover, since Kalam believed that "respect for other faiths" was one of the key cornerstones of Islam, and he remarked: "For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool."<ref>{{cite web|title=APJ Abdul Kalam: Not Hindu, Not Muslim – Death of an 'Indian'|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/apj-abdul-kalam-not-hindu-not-muslim-%25E2%2580%2593-death-of-an-indian_1637341.html|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730205714/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/apj-abdul-kalam-not-hindu-not-muslim-%E2%80%93-death-of-an-indian_1637341.html|archive-date=30 July 2015|date=27 July 2015}}</ref>

One component of Kalam's widespread popularity among diverse groups in India, and an enduring aspect of his legacy, is the [[syncretism]] he embodied in appreciating various elements of the many spiritual and cultural traditions of India.<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="NDTV"/><ref name="FP">{{cite web|title=Remembering Kalam: Greatly beloved, but he maybe missed being truly great|date=28 July 2015|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/remembering-apj-abdul-kalam-greatly-beloved-but-he-maybe-missed-being-truly-great-2367544.html|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731000537/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/remembering-apj-abdul-kalam-greatly-beloved-but-he-maybe-missed-being-truly-great-2367544.html|archive-date=31 July 2015|work=Firstpost}}</ref> In addition to his faith in the [[Quran]] and Islamic practice, Kalam was well-versed in Hindu traditions, learnt [[Sanskrit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Abdul-Kalam-or-Abul-Kalam-the-message-is-same/articleshow/48408920.cms|title=Abdul Kalam or Abul Kalam- the message is same|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=8 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824191957/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Abdul-Kalam-or-Abul-Kalam-the-message-is-same/articleshow/48408920.cms|archive-date=24 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/01kalam1.htm|title=Kalam on why Sanskrit is important|access-date=8 August 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910015917/http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/01kalam1.htm|archive-date=10 September 2007|work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> and read the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/11spec.htm|title=Muslims react to A P J Abdul Kalam's candidature for President|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830051202/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/11spec.htm|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Three books that influenced APJ Abdul Kalam deeply|date=28 July 2015|url=http://www.firstpost.com/living/three-books-that-influenced-apj-abdul-kalam-deeply-2367912.html|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730195411/http://www.firstpost.com/living/three-books-that-influenced-apj-abdul-kalam-deeply-2367912.html|archive-date=30 July 2015|work=Firstpost}}</ref> In 2002, in one of his early speeches to Parliament after becoming the president, he reiterated his desire for a more united India, stating that "During the last one year I met a number of spiritual leaders of all religions ... and I would like to endeavour to work for bringing about unity of minds among the divergent traditions of our country".<ref name="FP"/> Describing Kalam as a unifier of diverse traditions, [[Shashi Tharoor]] remarked, "Kalam was a complete Indian, an embodiment of the eclecticism of India's heritage of diversity".<ref name="BBC"/> Former [[Deputy Prime Minister of India|deputy prime minister]] [[L. K. Advani]] concurred that Kalam was "the best exemplar of the Idea of India, one who embodied the best of all the cultural and spiritual traditions that signify India's unity in immense diversity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam served India till last breath: Advani|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/kalam-served-india-till-last-breath-advani_1637359.html|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014074425/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/kalam-served-india-till-last-breath-advani_1637359.html|archive-date=14 October 2015|date=28 July 2015|work=[[Zee News]]}}</ref>

Kalam's desire to meet spiritual leaders led him to meet [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]], the Hindu guru of the [[Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha]] (BAPS), who Kalam would come to consider his ultimate spiritual teacher and guru.<ref name="NDTV"/> Kalam and Pramukh Swami met eight times over a fourteen-year period and on his first meeting on 30 June 2001, Kalam described being immediately drawn to Pramukh Swami's simplicity and spiritual purity.<ref name="Pramukh"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Transcending boundaries with Swamiji|url=http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/ahmedabad/others/Transcending-boundaries-with-Swamiji/articleshow/48006801.cms|access-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817031028/http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/ahmedabad/others/Transcending-boundaries-with-Swamiji/articleshow/48006801.cms|archive-date=17 August 2015|work= Ahmedabad Mirror}}</ref> Kalam stated that he was inspired by Pramukh Swami throughout their numerous interactions, and recalled being moved by Swami's equanimity and compassion, citing this incident as one of his motivations for writing his experiences as a book later.<ref name="Pramukh"/> Summarising the effect that Pramukh Swami had on him, Kalam stated that "[Pramukh Swami] has indeed transformed me. He is the ultimate stage of the spiritual ascent in my life ... Pramukh Swamiji has put me in a God-synchronous orbit. No manoeuvres are required any more, as I am placed in my final position in eternity."<ref name="NDTV"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Did Kalam sense his end was near? Arun Tiwari suspects|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arun-tiwari-suspects-kalams-premonition-of-his-death/article7478169.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 July 2015|access-date=4 August 2015|issn=0971-751X|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222061032/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arun-tiwari-suspects-kalams-premonition-of-his-death/article7478169.ece|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref>

== Writings ==
{{main|A. P. J. Abdul Kalam bibliography}}
[[File:A.P.J Abdul Kalam.jpg|thumb|Kalam delivering a speech in 2010]]

Kalam has authored various books during his career, and his books have garnered interest in various countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=354077|title=Kalam, the author catching on in South Korea|date=9 February 2006|access-date=25 March 2012|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511001515/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=354077|archive-date=11 May 2009}}</ref>

In his book ''[[India 2020]]'', he strongly advocated an action plan to develop India into a "knowledge superpower" and a [[developed nation]] by 2020. He regarded his work on India's [[nuclear weapons]] programme as a way to assert India's place as a future superpower.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.nujslawreview.org/pdf/articles/2011_3/dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam.pdf|title=IDG Session Address|last=Kalam|first=A.P.J. Abdul|date=1 October 2011|journal=NUJS Law Review|access-date=1 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314182225/http://nujslawreview.org/pdf/articles/2011_3/dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam.pdf|archive-date=14 March 2014}}</ref>

{{blockquote|I have identified five areas where India has a core competence for integrated action: (1) agriculture and food processing; (2) education and healthcare; (3) information and communication technology; (4) infrastructure, reliable and quality electric power, surface transport and infrastructure for all parts of the country; and (5) self-reliance in critical technologies. These five areas are closely inter-related and if advanced in a coordinated way, will lead to food, economic and national security.}}

Kalam described a "transformative moment" in his life in his book ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]''. When he asked Pramukh Swami on how India might realise his vision of development, Swami answered to add a sixth area of developing faith in God and spirituality to overcome the current climate of crime and corruption.<ref name="Pramukh"/>

;Bibliography
The following are the books authored by Kalam:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-books-written-by-dr-abdul-kalam-1509088012-1|title=List of 25 Inspiring books written by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam|work=[[Jagran Prakashan]]|date=14 October 2022|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* {{cite book|title=Developments in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Roddam Narasimha|author-link2=Roddam Narasimha|publisher=[[Indian Academy of Sciences]]|year=1988}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Developments in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology|url=http://www.abdulkalam.nic.in/fluid.html|publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130092420/http://abdulkalam.nic.in/fluid.html|archive-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* {{cite book|title=[[India 2020|India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium]]|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Y. S. Rajan|author-link2=Y. S. Rajan|publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]|year=1998|isbn=978-0-670-88271-7}}
* {{cite book|title=[[Wings of Fire (autobiography)|Wings of Fire]]|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Arun Tiwari|author-link2=Arun Tiwari|publisher=Universities Press|year=1999|isbn=978-8-173-71146-6}}
* {{cite book|author=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|date=2002|isbn=978-0-670-04928-8}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=A. Sivathanu Pillai|author-link2=A. Sivathanu Pillai|title=Envisioning an Empowered Nation: Technology for Societal Transformation|date=2004|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]]|isbn=978-0-070-53154-3}}
* {{cite book|author=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=The Luminous Sparks: A Biography in Verse and Colours|publisher=Punya Publishing|date=2004|isbn=978-8-190-18978-1}}
* {{cite book|title=Guiding Souls: Dialogues on the Purpose of Life|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Arun Tiwari|author-link2=Arun Tiwari|publisher=Ocean Books|year=2005|isbn=978-8-188-32274-9}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Manav Gupta|author-link2=Manav Gupta|title=Mission India : A Vision for Indian youth|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|date=2005|isbn=978-0-14-333499-6}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Inspiring Thoughts: Quotation Series|date=2007|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|isbn=978-81-7028-684-4}}
* {{cite book|title=You Are Born To Blossom: Take my Journey Beyond|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Arun Tiwari|author-link2=Arun Tiwari|publisher=Ocean Books|year=2010|isbn=978-8-184-30037-6}}
* {{cite book|title=The Scientific India: A Twenty First Century Guide to the World around Us|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Y. S. Rajan|author-link2=Y. S. Rajan|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|year=2011|isbn=978-0-143-41687-6}}
* {{cite book|title=Failure to Success: Legendry Lives|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Arun Tiwari|author-link2=Arun Tiwari|publisher=[[Orient Blackswan]]|year=2011|isbn=978-8-125-04212-9}}
* {{cite book|title=[[Target 3 Billion|Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions towards Sustainable Development]]|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Srijan Pal Singh|author-link2=Srijan Pal Singh|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|year=2011|isbn=978-0-143-41730-9}}
* {{cite book|title=You are Unique: Scale New Heights by Thoughts and Actions|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Poonam Kohli|author-link2=|publisher=Punya Publishing|year=2012|isbn=978-0-143-41730-9}}
* {{cite book|title=Turning Points: A Journey through Challenges|author=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|year=2012|isbn=978-9-350-29347-8}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=[[Indomitable Spirit]]|date=2013|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|isbn=978-8-170-28879-4}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Spirit of India|date=2013|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|isbn=978-8-170-28795-7}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions|date=2014|publisher=[[Rupa Publications]]|isbn=978-8-129-12491-3}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=A. Sivathanu Pillai|author-link2=A. Sivathanu Pillai|title=We Can do it: Thoughts for Change|date=2014|publisher=Shree Book Centre|isbn=978-9-350-49763-0}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Governance for Growth in India|date=2014|publisher=[[Rupa Publications]]|isbn=978-8-129-13260-4}}
* {{cite book|title=A Manifesto for Change: A Sequel to India 2020|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=V. Ponraj|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|year=2014|isbn=978-9-351-36172-5}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Dr. Abdul Kalam's new Book A Manifesto for Change to release on July 14|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/dr-abdul-kalams-new-book-a-manifesto-for-change-to-release-on-july-14/|work=Bihar Prabha|access-date=27 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707150021/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/dr-abdul-kalams-new-book-a-manifesto-for-change-to-release-on-july-14/|archive-date=7 July 2014}}</ref>
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Forge Your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring|date=2014|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|isbn=978-93-5064-279-5}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow's India|date=2014|publisher=Viking Publishing|isbn=978-0-670-08796-9}}
* {{cite book|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|title=The Guiding Light: A Selection of Quotations from My Favourite Books|date=2015|publisher=[[Rupa Publications]]|isbn=978-8-129-13486-8}}
* {{cite book|title=Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Srijan Pal Singh|author-link2=Srijan Pal Singh|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|date=2015|isbn=978-0-143-33354-8}}
* {{cite book|title=The Family and the Nation|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Acharya Mahapragya|author-link2=Acharya Mahapragya|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|date=2015|isbn=978-8-172-23727-1}}
* {{cite book|title=[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Arun Tiwari|author-link2=Arun Tiwari|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|date=2015|isbn=978-9-351-77405-1}}
* {{cite book|title=Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity|author1=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author2=Srijan Pal Singh|author-link2=Srijan Pal Singh|publisher=[[Harper Collins]]|date=2015|isbn=978-9-351-77645-1}}

== Awards and honours ==
{{Main|List of honors and awards received by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}

Kalam received [[Doctor (title)#Honorary doctorates|honorary doctorates]] from various universities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr.Kalam's Page|url=http://www.abdulkalam.com/kalam/jsp/display_content.jsp?menuid=22&menuname=Dr.Kalam%F6s%20Page&linkid=130&linkname=Profile&content=457&columnno=0&starts=0&menu_image=-|publisher=Abdulkalam.com|access-date=1 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424232206/http://www.abdulkalam.com/kalam/jsp/display_content.jsp?menuid=22&menuname=Dr.Kalam%F6s%20Page&linkid=130&linkname=Profile&content=457&columnno=0&starts=0&menu_image=-|archive-date=24 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dr Abdul Kalam former President of India arrives to Dubai|url=http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110417054039|date=16 April 2011|last=Dayekh|first=Ribal|work=[[Zawya]]|access-date=17 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604020818/http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110417054039|archive-date=4 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam receives honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2009/06/11/kalamreceives-honorary-doctorate-from-queensuniver.html|date=11 June 2009|work=[[Oneindia.in]]|access-date=13 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515153517/http://news.oneindia.in/2009/06/11/kalamreceives-honorary-doctorate-from-queensuniver.html|archive-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> The Government of India honoured him with the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1981 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 1990.<ref name="Facts"/> In 1997, he was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the [[Bharat Ratna]], for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bharat Ratna conferred on Dr Abdul Kalam|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/nov/26kal.htm|date=26 November 1997|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=13 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717032654/http://www.rediff.com/news/nov/26kal.htm|archive-date=17 July 2012}}</ref> He received the [[Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration]] in 1997, Savarkar Award in 1998, and Ramanujan Award in 2000.<ref name="Facts"/> In 2008, he was the recipient of [[Hoover Medal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, 2008 Hoover Medal Recipient |url=https://www.asme.org/about-asme/honors-awards/joint-awards/hoover-awards/2008 |work=[[American Society of Mechanical Engineers]] |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812084114/https://www.asme.org/about-asme/honors-awards/joint-awards/hoover-awards/2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, he was awarded the [[National Space Society#Awards|Von Braun Award]] by the [[National Space Society]] "to recognize excellence in the management and leadership of a space-related project".<ref>{{cite web|work=[[National Space Society]]|url=http://www.nss.org/awards/vonbraun_award.html|title=NSS Von Braun Award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202034637/http://www.nss.org/awards/vonbraun_award.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 |access-date=10 February 2015}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
[[File:APJ Abdul Kalam 2015 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|A 2015 [[India Post]] stamp of Kalam]]
{{Main|List of things named after A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}

Kalam's birthday is celebrated as [[World Students' Day]] in India.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 October 2021|title=Why APJ Kalam's birth anniversary is celebrated as World Students' Day|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-apj-kalam-s-birth-anniversary-is-celebrated-as-world-students-day-101634262358789.html|access-date=30 June 2022|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> In 2012, Kalam was ranked second in ''[[the Greatest Indian]]'' poll conducted by [[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/a-measure-of-the-man/281949|title=A Measure of the Man|last=Sengupta|first=Uttam|date=20 August 2012|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501020655/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/a-measure-of-the-man/281949|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2014, India and the United States launched the Fulbright-Kalam climate fellowship which enabled six Indian doctoral students and researchers to work with institutions in the US for a period of 6–12 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-us-launch-fulbright-kalam-climate-fellowship-1286399|title=India, US Launch Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship|work=[[NDTV]]|date=12 March 2016|access-date=17 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217101021/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-us-launch-fulbright-kalam-climate-fellowship-1286399|archive-date=17 February 2017 }}</ref> In 2015, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] announced that Kalam's birthday, 15 October, would be observed as "Youth Renaissance Day". It also instituted the "[[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award|Dr. A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam Award]]" constituting a gold medal, a certificate and {{INRconvert|500|k}}, to be awarded annually on the [[Indian Independence Day]], to residents of the state with achievements in promoting scientific growth, the humanities or the welfare of students.<ref>{{cite news|title=Award in Kalam's name, birthday to be observed as 'Youth Renaissance Day'|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/award-in-apj-abdul-kalams-name-birthday-to-be-observed-as-youth-renaissance-day/articleshow/48293888.cms|date=31 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=31 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823154804/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/award-in-apj-abdul-kalams-name-birthday-to-be-observed-as-youth-renaissance-day/articleshow/48293888.cms|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> On the anniversary of Kalam's birth in 2015, the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] (CBSE) released topics on his name as a part of the CBSE expression series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://49.50.126.244/web_material/Circulars/2015/exseries/66_APJ_Abdul_Kalam.pdf|title=APJ Abdul Kalam.pdf|date=16 October 2015|access-date=16 October 2015|work=[[Central Board of Secondary Education]]|pages=1, 4–6|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014012454/http://49.50.126.244/web_material/Circulars/2015/exseries/66_APJ_Abdul_Kalam.pdf|archive-date=14 October 2015}}</ref> On the same day, [[India Post]] released postage stamps commemorating the 84th anniversary of Kalam's birth.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-remarks-at-birth-anniversary-celebrations-of-dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam/|title=PM's remarks at birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam|date=15 October 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's office]]|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118133838/http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-remarks-at-birth-anniversary-celebrations-of-dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, researchers at the NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] discovered a new bacterium on the filters of the [[International Space Station]] and named it ''[[Solibacillus kalamii]]'' to honour Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/nasa-pays-tribute-apj-abdul-kalam-by-naming-new-species-after-him-727552|title=NASA pays tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam by naming new species after him|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017|work=International Business Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521111607/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/nasa-pays-tribute-apj-abdul-kalam-by-naming-new-species-after-him-727552|archive-date=21 May 2017}}</ref> In February 2018, scientists from the [[Botanical Survey of India]] named a newly found plant species as ''Drypetes kalamii'', in his honour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-plant-species-from-west-bengal-named-after-former-president-abdul-kalam/article22845140.ece|title=New plant species from West Bengal named after former President Abdul Kalam|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303121557/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-plant-species-from-west-bengal-named-after-former-president-abdul-kalam/article22845140.ece|archive-date=3 March 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 February 2018|last1=Pacha|first1=Aswathi }}</ref> In 2022, a newly discovered species of [[footballfish]] was named as ''[[Himantolophus kalami]]'' in Kalam's honour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://etyfish.org/lophiiformes2/|title=Order LOPHIIFORMES (part 2): Families Caulophrynidae, Neoceratiidae, Melanocetidae, Himantolophidae, Diceratiidae, Oneirodidae, Thaumatichthyidae, Centrophrynidae, Ceratiidae, Gigantactinidae And Linophrynidaee|first=Christopher|last=Scharpf|date=3 June 2024|access-date=28 June 2024|work=The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database|publisher=Christopher Scharpf|version=3|archive-date=13 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513083231/https://etyfish.org/lophiiformes2/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, a newly discovered [[tardigrade]] was named ''Batillipes kalami'' after him.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rajwi|first=Tiki|date=19 September 2023|title=New marine tardigrade species named after former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-marine-tardigrade-species-named-after-former-president-apj-abdul-kalam/article67322477.ece|access-date=7 November 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Several places and locations have been named after Kalam. In August 2015, [[Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road|Aurangzeb Road]] in New Delhi was named after Kalam as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhis-aurangzeb-road-to-be-renamed-abdul-kalam-road/|title=Delhi exits 'cruel' Aurangzeb Road for 'kind' Abdul Kalam|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701212557/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhis-aurangzeb-road-to-be-renamed-abdul-kalam-road/|archive-date=1 July 2017|date=29 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aurangzeb-road-is-now-abdul-kalam-road/article7613198.ece|title=Aurangzeb Road is now Abdul Kalam Road|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227114944/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aurangzeb-road-is-now-abdul-kalam-road/article7613198.ece|archive-date=27 February 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 September 2015|last1=Nath|first1=Damini }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhis-aurangzeb-road-to-be-named-after-president-apj-abdul-kalam-tweets-arvind-kejriwal-1211984|title=Aurangzeb Road Renamed After APJ Abdul Kalam, Arvind Kejriwal Tweets 'Congrats'|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041412/https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhis-aurangzeb-road-to-be-named-after-president-apj-abdul-kalam-tweets-arvind-kejriwal-1211984|archive-date=28 February 2018|work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> In September 2015, the national missile test site in [[Odisha]] in Wheeler Island was renamed as [[Abdul Kalam Island]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Odisha's Wheeler Island to be renamed after APJ Abdul Kalam|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-s-wheeler-island-to-be-renamed-after-former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam/article1-1387528.aspx|date=4 September 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|access-date=21 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909091009/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-s-wheeler-island-to-be-renamed-after-former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam/article1-1387528.aspx|archive-date=9 September 2015}}</ref> In October 2015, a {{cvt|6180|m}} peak near the [[Bara Shigri Glacier]] in the [[Himalayas]] was named as Mount Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/36880/arjun-vajpai-and-bhupesh-kumar-scale-unexplored-peak/|title=These 2 Indians Scaled an Unexplored Mountain Peak. And Named It Mt. Kalam|date=23 October 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Better India}}</ref> [[Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex]], a missile research facility in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] is named after him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/missile-complex-in-hyderabad-renamed-after-kalam-495459-2015-10-15|title=Missile Complex in Hyderabad renamed after Kalam|work=[[India Today]]|date=15 October 2015|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> [[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science City]] in [[Patna]], and [[Puducherry Science Centre & Planetarium|Dr. Abdul Kalam Science Centre and Planetarium]] in [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] are named in honour of Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rumi|first1=Faryal|title=Work on APJ Abdul Kalam Science City to begin this month|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/work-on-science-city-to-begin-this-month/articleshow/68141661.cms|access-date=31 October 2019|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129021835/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/work-on-science-city-to-begin-this-month/articleshow/68141661.cms|archive-date=29 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Science centre-cum-planetarium named after Abdul Kalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/science-centrecumplanetarium-named-after-abdul-kalam/article7545449.ece|date=16 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222061046/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/science-centrecumplanetarium-named-after-abdul-kalam/article7545449.ece|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref> Several universities,<ref>{{cite news|title=UPTU is now APJ Abdul Kalam Tech University|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/UPTU-is-now-APJ-Abdul-Kalam-Tech-University/articleshow/48302218.cms|date=1 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805101720/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/UPTU-is-now-APJ-Abdul-Kalam-Tech-University/articleshow/48302218.cms|archive-date=5 August 2015}}</ref> and other educational institutions and other locations were renamed or named in honour of Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bihar govt names college, science city after 'People's President' APJ Abdul Kalam|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bihar-govt-names-college-science-city-after-peoples-president-apj-abdul-kalam/|date=30 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802205557/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bihar-govt-names-college-science-city-after-peoples-president-apj-abdul-kalam/|archive-date=2 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Institute to be named after Kalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/institute-to-be-named-after-kalam/article7483906.ece|date=31 July 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222010642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/institute-to-be-named-after-kalam/article7483906.ece|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Complex to be named after Abdul Kalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/complex-to-be-named-after-abdul-kalam/article7498039.ece|date=4 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222044815/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/complex-to-be-named-after-abdul-kalam/article7498039.ece|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/new-arts-and-science-college-named-after-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-coming-up-in-tamil-nadu-1451387-2019-02-08|title=New arts and science college named after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam coming up in Tamil Nadu| work=[[India Today]]|date=8 February 2019|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
;Biographies
* ''Eternal Quest: Life and Times of Dr Kalam'' by S Chandra; Pentagon Publishers, 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rohde|first=David|title=Nuclear Scientist, 70, a Folk Hero, Is Elected India's President|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/19/world/nuclear-scientist-70-a-folk-hero-is-elected-india-s-president.html|access-date=29 June 2012|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=19 July 2002|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109144604/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/19/world/nuclear-scientist-70-a-folk-hero-is-elected-india-s-president.html|archive-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
* ''President A P J Abdul Kalam'' by R K Pruthi; Anmol Publications, 2002.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pruthi|first=Raj|title=President Apj Abdul Kalam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ee3PR5HFBCAC|date=2003|publisher=Anmol Publications|isbn=978-81-261-1344-6|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603190326/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ee3PR5HFBCAC|archive-date=3 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''A P J Abdul Kalam: The Visionary of India'' by K Bhushan, G Katyal; A P H Pub Corp, 2002.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bhushan|first1=K.|last2=Katyal|first2=G.|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Visionary of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W3K3wQsM9PUC|date=2002|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-7648-380-3|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507014259/https://books.google.com/books?id=W3K3wQsM9PUC|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President'' by P M Nair; HarperCollins, 2008.<ref name="Nair2008">{{cite book|last=Nair|first=P. M.|title=The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NldWPgAACAAJ|date=2008|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers, a joint venture with the India Today Group|isbn=978-81-7223-736-3|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426081144/https://books.google.com/books?id=NldWPgAACAAJ|archive-date=26 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''My Days With Mahatma Abdul Kalam'' by Fr A K George; Novel Corporation, 2009.<ref name="George2009">{{cite book|author=Fr A K George|title=My Days with Mahatma Abdul Kalam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PyvbRgAACAAJ|date=2009|publisher=Novel Corp|isbn=978-81-904529-5-3|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513053103/https://books.google.com/books?id=PyvbRgAACAAJ|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Life'' by [[Arun Tiwari]]; Harper Collins, 2015.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/book/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-a-life/|title=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Life|last=Tiwari|first=Arun|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2015|isbn=9789351776918|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905181325/https://harpercollins.co.in/book/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-a-life/|archive-date=5 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''The People's President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam'' by S M Khan; Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.bloomsbury.com/in/the-peoples-president-9789386141521/|title=The People's President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam|last=Khan|first=S M|publisher=Bloomsbury|year=2016|isbn=9789386141521|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330121500/https://www.bloomsbury.com/in/the-peoples-president-9789386141521/|url-status=live}}</ref>

;Film and media
In 2008, a documentary film ''[[A Little Dream]]'' directed by P. Dhanapal was released in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/25/stories/2008012550520200.htm|title=Documentary on Kalam released|date=12 January 2008|access-date=27 March 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511012413/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/25/stories/2008012550520200.htm|archive-date= 11 May 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status= dead}}</ref> In the 2011 [[Bollywood|Hindi film]] ''[[I Am Kalam]]'', Kalam is portrayed as a positive influence on a poor but bright [[Rajasthani people|Rajasthani]] boy named Chhotu, who renames himself Kalam in honour of his idol.<ref>{{cite web|title=I Am Kalam: Movie Review|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-04/news-interviews/29849681_1_film-nila-madhab-panda-harsh-mayar|access-date=3 March 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=4 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523204749/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-04/news-interviews/29849681_1_film-nila-madhab-panda-harsh-mayar|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''People's President'' is a 2016 Indian documentary [[feature film]] directed by Pankaj Vyas and produced by the Government of India's [[Films Division of India|Films Division]].<ref>{{cite news|date=15 January 2021|title=Biopic to be streamed as tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam|url=https://filmsdivision.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/15.pdf|work=[[Films Division of India]]|access-date=11 June 2021|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611165852/https://filmsdivision.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ''My Hero Kalam'' is a 2018 [[Kannada]] biographical film by Shivu Hiremath which portrays Kalam's life from childhood to the Pokhran tests.<ref>{{cite web|title=My Hero Kalam (2018)|url=https://indiancine.ma/CFYH/info|work=Indiancine|access-date=17 February 2021|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818013129/https://indiancine.ma/CFYH/info|url-status=live }}</ref> The third episode of ''Mega Icons'' (2018–2020), a documentary television series about prominent personalities of India aired on [[National Geographic India|National Geographic]] was based on Kalam's life.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mega Icons Season 1 Episode 1|url=https://www.hotstar.com/in/tv/mega-icons/1260000382/virat-kohli/1770018765|access-date=11 June 2021|work=[[Disney+ Hotstar]]|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611165844/https://www.hotstar.com/in/tv/mega-icons/1260000382/virat-kohli/1770018765|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2020 [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'', Sheik Maideen portrayed Kalam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Meet the man who's Kalam but not Kalam|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/apj-abdul-kalam-sheikh-mydeen-look-alike-331642-2016-07-27|access-date=29 April 2022|work=India Today|date=27 July 2016|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429101432/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/apj-abdul-kalam-sheikh-mydeen-look-alike-331642-2016-07-27|url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Rocket Boys'', a Hindi biographical [[streaming television]] series on [[SonyLIV]], the character of Kalam was played by Arjun Radhakrishnan.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Rocket Boys' Begins Well, Then Turns Into Hagiography With a Blatantly Communal Touch|url=https://thewire.in/culture/rocket-boys-review|access-date=1 July 2022|website=The Wire|archive-date=4 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304105826/https://thewire.in/culture/rocket-boys-review|url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2022 Tamil film ''[[Rocketry: The Nambi Effect]]'', Kalam is portrayed by Amaan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chellappan|first=Kumar|date=8 December 2013|title=True lies|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2013/sunday-edition/true-lies.html|work=[[The Pioneer (India)|The Pioneer]]|access-date=2 April 2021|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419131302/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2013/sunday-edition/true-lies.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Presidency of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]
* [[List of presidents of India]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|display=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|wikt=no|c=Category:Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam|commonscat=Category:Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam|n=Former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam dies at age 83|q=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|s=A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|author=no|b=no|voy=no|v=no|d=Q9513|species=no|species_author=no|m=no|mw=Wikipedia:VideoWiki/A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|position=right}}
* [http://www.abdulkalam.com/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227160818/http://www.abdulkalam.com/ |date=27 February 2021 }}
* [http://abdulkalam.nic.in/profile.html Website of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam during his tenureship as the President of India], hosted by the [[National Informatics Centre]]
* {{IMDb name|id=1527897}}

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[[Category:Tamil poets]]
[[Category:University of Madras alumni]]
[[Category:St Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli alumni]]
[[Category:Nuclear power in India]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in science & engineering]]
[[Category:Fellows of the National Academy of Medical Sciences]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian engineers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian engineers]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil academics]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:People associated with Shillong]]
[[Category:People associated with solar power]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad]]
[[Category:Om Prakash Bhasin Award recipients]]