A P J Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Often hailed as the "Missile Man of India," his work in developing the nation's military missile systems is legendary. As a key figure in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, Kalam played a pivotal role in cementing India's status as a nuclear power. His tenure at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) saw the successful deployment of the Rohini satellite in 1980. In 1981, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, followed by the Bharat Ratna in 1997. Kalam authored several influential books, including "Wings of Fire," an autobiography outlining his journey from a humble background to becoming a key figure in India's scientific community.