7 Contributions of Dr. Kalam to India
One of the finest and most humble human being the world would ever witness. Dr. A.J.P Abdul Kalam, the name itself is enough for any Indian to feel the pride and be inspired by this man. No doubt he is called the People’s President of India. His legacy is such that anyone would feel overwhelmed hearing his story. It’s not every day we see such a great leader and a renowned scientist like him.
What he did for the country, right from being India’s president to spearheading the development of Indian missiles, one can never forget his contribution to the field of science and technology. In a nutshell, he could be referred to as the backbone of two significant space research organizations; ISRO Indian space research organization, and DRDO Defense research and development organization.
Let’s take a look at his major contributions to India.
An Inspiration for the Youth of New India
Abdul Kalam had great faith in the power of youth to shape the country’s future. He strongly believed that young minds have superfluous potential that if equipped with knowledge and creativity can work wonders for a country. He had always tried to inspire the younger generation through the medium of his powerful speeches.
Making health care affordable
His contribution to the medical field has also been significant and praiseworthy. He along with cardiologist Soma Raju created indigenous coronary stents. This led to a significant reduction in the price of coronary stents, over 50% price cut. It is also widely called ‘Kalam-Raju stent‘. The duo designed a rugged tablet computer for health care in rural areas, which was named the ‘Kalam-Raju Tablet‘.
Father of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle
When everything and everyone was new to the field of science and technology in India. The Indian Space Research Organization was established and Dr. Kalam was selected as the project director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle called the SLV-III to construct it from ground zero. Finally, on July 1980, the SLV-III successfully deployed indigenously developed satellite Rohini in near-earth orbit. With this amazing feat, India officially became a member of the Space Club.
The Pokhran saga: making India a nuclear-armed state
During his time as the Chief Executive officer of DRDO, his efforts resulted in a “defining moment” in our country’s history as India emerged as a nuclear power. With a (cool) concealed code name Major General Prithvi Raj, he was the mastermind behind the Pokhran II nuclear test. During this period, he also served as a Chief Scientific Advisor for the Defense Minister of India.
Becoming the Missile Man of India
With the success of Rohini, he utilized the technology of SLV, and directed two projects to develop two ballistic missiles namely, Project Devil and Project Valiant. After serving in ISRO, he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) under the Ministry o Defense. The infamous AGNI and PRITHVI missiles were developed and operationalized under his responsibility.
India’s first indigenous hovercraft
Not only was he involved in the launching of India’s first Satellite, but he also played an important role in building India’s first indigenous hovercraft. The project named Nandi, at the Aeronautical Development Establishment, aimed to design and develop an indigenous hovercraft prototype as a Ground Equipment Machine [GEM]. Though it became a huge success, it was barely talked about after the change in government. For sure his first-born, it was.
The country’s Light Combat Aircraft project
Dr. Kalam is the first Indian Head of State to fly a fighter plane. He has been involved with avionics since he specialized in Aeronautical Engineering at Madras Institute of Technology. A significant part of his work focused on the project for Light Combat Aircraft.
His love for the nation transcended through his work and close relationship with the people. More than being a scientist, science administrator, statesman, and role model to many young minds, he is an ever-so-optimistic and hard-working person, being ONE OF A KIND.
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