Editing A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

{{Short description|President of India from 2002 to 2007}}
{{redirect|Abdul Kalam|the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly member|Abdul Kalam (Varanasi politician)}}
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{{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, 2002
| office              = 11th [[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             = 1st [[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]]
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1931|10|15|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Rameswaram]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] (modern–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]] ([[BEng]])
* [[Madras Institute of Technology]] ([[MEng]])
}}
| profession          = {{hlist|[[Aerospace engineering|Aerospace Scientist]]|[[Author]]}}
| signature           = Abdul kalam autograph.jpg
| website             = {{URL|kalamcentre.com|A. P. J. Abdul Kalam <br/>Centre}}
| awards              = [[List of honors and awards received by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|Full list]]
| 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]]}}
}}
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]]{{Refn|group=fn|Appointed for 2002 Presidential Elections as an Independent Candidate; in coalition with NDA, during [[Vajpayee Government]]}}
}}

{{A. P. J. Abdul Kalam series}}
'''Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam''' {{small|[[Bharat Ratna|BR]]}} ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-A.p.j. Abdul Kalam from India pronunciation (Voice of America).ogg|ˈ|ə|b|d|ʊ|l|_|k|ə|ˈ|l|ɑː|m}}; 15 October 1931{{snd}}27 July 2015) was an Indian [[Aerospace engineering|aerospace]] scientist and statesman who served as the 11th [[president of India]] from 2002 to 2007. Born and raised in a Muslim family in [[Rameswaram]], [[Tamil Nadu]], he 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]].<ref name=Britannica /> He thus came to be 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=Ch. 4. 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 web|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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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|website=[[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> He also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in India's ''[[Pokhran-II]]'' nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the [[Smiling Buddha|original nuclear test by India]] in 1974.<ref>{{cite book| first=Amartya| last=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>

Kalam [[2002 Indian presidential election|was elected]] as the 11th president of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and the then-opposition [[Indian National Congress]]. Widely referred to as the "'''People's President'''",<ref>{{cite web|author1=Amarnath k 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|website=DailyO.in|publisher=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> he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the [[Bharat Ratna]], India's highest civilian honour.

While delivering a lecture at the [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong]], Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent [[cardiac arrest]] on 27 July 2015, aged 83.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Rishi Iyengar|title=India Pays Tribute to 'People's President' A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|url=http://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> Thousands, including national-level dignitaries, attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown of [[Rameswaram]], where he was buried with [[21-gun salute|full state honours]].<ref>{{cite news|author1=Neha Singh|title='People's President' APJ Abdul Kalam Buried with Full State Honours in Rameswaram|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/modi-expected-attend-apj-abdul-kalams-funeral-rameswaram-today-640977|access-date=20 August 2015|work=International Business Times|agency=IANS|date=30 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819065006/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/modi-expected-attend-apj-abdul-kalams-funeral-rameswaram-today-640977|archive-date=19 August 2015}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931, to a [[Tamil Muslim]] family in the pilgrimage centre of [[Rameswaram]] on [[Pamban Island]], then in the [[Madras Presidency]] and now in the [[States and union territories of India|State]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. His father Jainulabdeen Marakayar was a boat owner and [[imam]] of a local mosque;<ref name=":3">{{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> 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="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="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><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 owned a ferry that took [[Hindu]] pilgrims back and forth between Rameswaram and the now uninhabited [[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}}</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|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> 

Kalam was the youngest of four brothers and one sister in his 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}}</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}}</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}}</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 groceries between the mainland and the island and to and from [[Sri Lanka]], as well as ferrying pilgrims between the mainland and Pamban. With the opening of the [[Pamban Bridge]] to the mainland in 1914, however, the businesses failed and the family fortune and properties were lost by the 1920s, apart from the ancestral home. The family was poverty-stricken by the time Kalam was born. As a young boy he had to sell newspapers to add to 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" />

In his school years, Kalam had average grades but was described as a bright and hardworking student who had a strong desire to learn. He spent hours on his studies, especially [[Mathematics]].<ref name="visit" /> After completing his education at Schwartz Higher Secondary School, [[Ramanathapuram]], Kalam went on to attend the [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli]] from where he graduated in [[Physics]] 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|location=Chennai, India|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 [[Chennai|Madras]] in 1955 to study aerospace engineering in [[Madras Institute of Technology]].<ref name="PIB01march12" /> While Kalam was working on a senior class project, the Dean 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> He narrowly missed achieving his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, as he placed ninth in qualifiers, and only eight positions were available in the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]].<ref>{{cite news|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|newspaper = The Hindu|access-date = 18 August 2013|location = Chennai, India|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
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| 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 = A P J Abdul Kalam<ref name="nic">{{cite web|title=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam |url=http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/scientists/abdulkalam/abdulkalam.htm |publisher=[[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 joined the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (by Press Information Bureau, Government of India) as a scientist after becoming a member of the [[Defence Research & Development Service]] (DRDS). He started his career by designing a small [[hovercraft]], but 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=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-23/chennai/28168542_1_kalam-primary-school-maths-class|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=dead}}</ref> Kalam joined the [[Indian National Committee for Space Research|INCOSPAR]], working under [[Vikram Sarabhai]], the renowned space scientist.<ref name="PIB01march12" /> He was interviewed and recruited into ISRO by [[H. G. S. Murthy]], the first Director of  [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station|Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)]].<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|website=DNA India|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 was transferred to the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) where he was the project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle ([[Satellite Launch Vehicle|SLV]]-III) which successfully deployed the [[Rohini (satellite)|''Rohini'']] satellite in near-earth orbit in July 1980; Kalam had first 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=Dale 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 government's approval and expanded the programme to include more engineers.<ref name="nic" />

In 1963 to 1964, he visited [[NASA]]'s [[Langley Research Center]] in [[Hampton, Virginia]]; [[Goddard Space Flight Center]] in [[Greenbelt, Maryland]]; 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> Between the 1970s and 1990s, Kalam made an effort to develop the [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]] (PSLV) and SLV-III projects, both of which proved to be successful.

Kalam was invited by [[Raja Ramanna]] to witness the country's first nuclear test [[Smiling Buddha]] as the representative of [[Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory|TBRL]], even though he had not participated in its development. In the 1970s, Kalam also directed two projects, ''[[Project Devil]]'' and ''[[Project Valiant]]'', which sought to develop ballistic missiles from the technology of the successful SLV programme.<ref name="James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies" /> Despite the disapproval of the [[Union Council of Ministers of India|Union Cabinet]], Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] allotted secret funds for these aerospace projects through her discretionary powers under Kalam's directorship.<ref name="James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies" /> Kalam played an integral role convincing the Union Cabinet to conceal the true nature of these classified aerospace projects.<ref name="James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies">{{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>
His research and educational leadership brought him great laurels and prestige in the 1980s, which prompted the government to initiate an advanced missile programme under his directorship.<ref name="James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies" /> Kalam and [[V. S. R. Arunachalam|Dr V S Arunachalam]], metallurgist and scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, worked on the suggestion by the then Defence Minister, [[R. Venkataraman]] on a proposal for 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> R Venkatraman was instrumental in getting the cabinet approval for allocating {{Indian Rupee}} 3.88&nbsp;billion for the mission, named [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]] (IGMDP) and appointed Kalam as the chief executive.<ref name="RV" /> Kalam played a major part in developing many missiles under the mission including [[Agni missile|Agni]], an intermediate range ballistic missile and [[Prithvi missile|Prithvi]], the tactical surface-to-surface missile, although the projects have been criticised for mismanagement and cost and time overruns.<ref name="RV" /><ref name="IGMDP Criticism">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-01-09/india/27782318_1_akash-visual-range-air-to-air-missile-missile-development-programme | 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=dead }}</ref>

Kalam served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] from July 1992 to December 1999. The ''[[Pokhran-II]]'' nuclear tests were conducted during this period in which he played an intensive political and technological role. Kalam served as the Chief Project Coordinator, along with [[Rajagopala Chidambaram]], during the testing phase.<ref name="KalamTiwari1999" /><ref name="Conley2001">{{cite book|author=Jerome M. 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|author=ANI|location=Chennai, India|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=live}}</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 name="pok">{{cite news | url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2619/stories/20090925261902000.htm | title=Pokhran row | newspaper=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> Both Kalam and Chidambaram dismissed the claims.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hardnews bureau|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, along with cardiologist [[Bhupathiraju Somaraju|Soma Raju]], Kalam developed a low cost [[coronary stent]], named the "Kalam-Raju Stent".<ref>{{cite news|title=Story of indigenous stents|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/08/15/stories/041567so.htm|newspaper=The Hindu-Businessline|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 news|title=The stent man|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/dec/19ap.htm|newspaper=Rediff-News|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 rugged tablet computer for health care in rural areas, which was named the "Kalam-Raju Tablet".<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|location=India|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 ==
Kalam served as the 11th president of India, succeeding [[K. R. Narayanan]]. He won the [[2002 Indian presidential election|2002 presidential election]] with an electoral vote of 922,884, surpassing the 107,366 votes won by [[Lakshmi Sahgal]]. His term lasted from 25 July 2002, to 25 July 2007.<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>

On 10 June 2002, the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) which was in power at the time, expressed that they would nominate Kalam for the post of President,<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=live}}</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}}</ref> and both the [[Samajwadi Party]] and the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] backed his candidacy.<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 Samajwadi Party announced its support for Kalam, Narayanan chose not to seek a second term in office, leaving the field clear.<ref>{{cite web |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>}}[[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|337x337px|The President Kalam authorising the Prime Minister designate [[Manmohan Singh]] to form the next Government in New Delhi on 19 May 2004]]On 18 June, Kalam filed his nomination papers in the [[Indian Parliament]], accompanied by Vajpayee and his senior Cabinet colleagues.<ref>{{cite web |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>

The polling for the presidential election began on 15 July 2002, in Parliament and the state assemblies, with the media claiming that the election was a one-sided affair and Kalam's victory was a foregone conclusion; the count was held on 18 July.<ref>{{cite web |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> Kalam became the 11th president of the Republic of India in an easy victory,<ref>{{cite news |title=Kalam is 11th President in 12th term |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-07-26/india/27318326_1_neelam-sanjiva-reddy-p-j-abdul-kalam-rashtrapati-bhavan |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=dead }}</ref> and moved into the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]] after he was sworn in on 25 July.<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|location=Chennai, India|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> Kalam was the third President of India to have been honoured with a Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, before becoming the President [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]] (1954) and [[Zakir Husain]] (1963) were the earlier recipients of Bharat Ratna who later became the President of India.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Bharat Ratna Awardees |url=http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/Recipients-BR.pdf |page=2 |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, India |access-date=12 March 2013 |date=2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203061751/http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/Recipients-BR.pdf |archive-date=3 February 2013 }}</ref> He was also the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy [[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>

During his term as president, he was affectionately known as the ''People's President'',<ref name="Misra">{{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=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.|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 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> saying that signing the [[Office of profit|Office of Profit Bill]] was the toughest decision he had taken during his tenure.<ref>{{cite web|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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|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|place=Coimbatore|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> Kalam was criticised for his inaction in deciding the fate of 20 out of the 21 mercy petitions submitted to him during his tenure.<ref name="hang" /> Article 72 of the [[Constitution of India]] empowers the President of India to grant pardons, and suspend or commute the death sentence of convicts on death row.<ref name="hang" /><ref name="hang1" /> Kalam acted on only one mercy plea in his five-year tenure as president, rejecting the plea of rapist [[Dhananjoy Chatterjee]], who was later hanged.<ref name="hang">{{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|work=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> Perhaps the most notable plea was from [[Afzal Guru]], a [[Kashmiri people|Kashmiri]] terrorist 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 name="hang1">{{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> While the sentence was scheduled to be carried out on 20 October 2006, the pending action on his mercy plea resulted in him remaining on death row.<ref name="hang1" /> He also took the controversial 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>

In September 2003, in an interactive session in [[Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research|PGI Chandigarh]], Kalam supported the need of [[Uniform Civil Code]] in India, keeping in view the population of the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/President-Kalam-votes-for-uniform-civil-code/articleshow/208444.cms|title=President Kalam votes for uniform civil code|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 September 2003 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730204431/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/President-Kalam-votes-for-uniform-civil-code/articleshow/208444.cms|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|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=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031104/asp/jamshedpur/story_2532611.asp|title=Puri seer rallies for uniform civil code|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009042336/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031104/asp/jamshedpur/story_2532611.asp|archive-date=9 October 2015|access-date=4 December 2018}}</ref>
[[File:The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the President of South Africa Mr. Thabao Mbeki during the Ceremonial Reception at Cape Town on September 15, 2004.jpg|thumb|262x262px|President Kalam and the [[President of South Africa]] [[Thabo Mbeki|Thabao Mbeki]] during the Ceremonial Reception at [[Cape Town]]]]
At 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 [[2007 Indian presidential election|2007 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web|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> However, two days later, he decided not to contest the Presidential election again stating that he wanted to avoid involving [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]] from any political processes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam not to contest Presidential polls|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-06-22/india/27955990_1_unpa-leaders-united-national-progressive-alliance-nda-leaders|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=dead}}</ref> He was proposed by third front named ''[[United National Progressive Alliance]]'' leader [[J. Jayalalithaa]] and coordinator [[Chandrababu Naidu]] other leaders [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]] and [[Om Prakash Chautala]], but he did not have the support of the left parties, [[Shiv Sena]] and [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA constituents]], to receive a renewed mandate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalam not to contest Presidential polls|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-06-22/india/27955990_1_unpa-leaders-united-national-progressive-alliance-nda-leaders|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=dead}}</ref><ref name="hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/10/stories/2007051008450100.htm | location=Chennai, India | 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>

Nearing the expiry of the term of the 12th President [[Pratibha Patil]] on 24 July 2012, media reports in April claimed that Kalam was likely to be nominated for his second term.<ref>{{cite news|author=Prafulla Marapakwar|title=Next President should be apolitical: Pawar|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-23/india/31386583_1_consensus-candidate-sharad-pawar-parties|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=dead}}</ref><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|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|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=23 April 2012|author=NDTV Correspondent|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 number of people supporting his candidature.<ref>{{cite news|last=Azeez|first=Parwin|title=Kalam for President clicks on social networks|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-08/chennai/31625398_1_p-j-abdul-kalam-social-media-social-networking|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=dead}}</ref><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> The BJP potentially backed his nomination{{failed verification|date=June 2022|reason=The given references say the BJP didnt back arnab and other, they dont never mention that the BJP backed Kalam}}, saying that the party would lend their support if the [[Trinamool Congress]], Samajwadi Party and Indian National Congress proposed him for the [[2012 Indian presidential election|2012 presidential election]].<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=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-30/india/31505985_1_pranab-mukherjee-presidential-polls-sushma-swaraj|access-date=30 April 2012|date=30 April 2012|author=[[Press Trust of India]] (PTI)|place=New Delhi|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=dead}}</ref> A month ahead of the election, [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]] and [[Mamata Banerjee]] also expressed their support for Kalam.<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> Indian National Congress opposed the nomination of Kalam in 2012.<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}}</ref> Days afterwards, Mulayam Singh Yadav backed out, leaving Mamata Banerjee as the solitary supporter.<ref name="TOI 16 June 2012">{{cite news|title=Mamata turns to Facebook, seeks support for Kalam|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-16/social-media/32268498_1_mamata-banerjee-apj-abdul-kalam-missile-man|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=dead}}</ref> On 18 June 2012, Kalam declined to contest the 2012 presidential poll. He said of his decision not to do so:

{{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=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-18/india/32298401_1_apj-abdul-kalam-bjp-leader-contest | title=Abdul Kalam not to contest presidential poll 2012 | newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date=18 June 2012 | access-date=18 June 2012 | author=Karthick 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=dead }}</ref>}}[[File:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam addresses the 14th Convocation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.jpg|thumb|455x455px|Kalam addresses the 14th Convocation ceremony at the [[IIT Guwahati|Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati]]]]
== Post-presidency ==
After leaving office, Kalam became a visiting professor at the [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong]], the [[Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad]], and the [[Indian Institute of Management Indore]]; an honorary fellow of [[Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/press_rel.htm |title=Honorary Fellowship of IISc |publisher=Iisc.ernet.in |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> [[University Chancellor|chancellor]] of the [[Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram]]; professor of Aerospace Engineering at [[Anna University]]; and an adjunct at many other academic and research institutions across India. He taught information technology at the [[International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad]], and technology at [[Banaras Hindu University]] and Anna University.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|last1 = Kalam|first1 = A. P. J. Abdul|title = Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges|publisher = HarperCollins Publishers|isbn = 978-9350295434|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 2011, Kalam was criticised by civil groups over his stand on the [[Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant]]; he supported the establishment of the nuclear power plant and was accused of not speaking with the local people.<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> The protesters were hostile to his visit as they saw him as a pro-nuclear scientist and were unimpressed by the assurances he provided regarding the safety features of the plant.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 November 2011|title=Kalam bats for Kudankulam but protesters unimpressed|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-07/india/30369212_1_kudankulam-plant-kudankulam-nuclear-power-project-kasinath-balaji|url-status=dead|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 for the youth of India called the ''What Can I Give Movement'', 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=dead |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 | location=Chennai, India }}</ref>

== Death ==
{{see also|Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial}}
On 27 July 2015, Kalam travelled to [[Shillong]] to deliver a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth" at the [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong]]. While climbing a flight of stairs, he experienced some discomfort, but was able to enter the auditorium after a brief rest.<ref name="property">{{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> At around 6:35&nbsp;p.m. [[Indian Standard Time|IST]], only five minutes into his lecture, he collapsed.<ref name="IBN" /><ref>{{cite web|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|work=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; upon arrival, he lacked a pulse or any other signs of life.<ref name="IBN" /> Despite being placed in the [[intensive care unit]], Kalam was confirmed dead of a sudden [[cardiac arrest]] at 7:45{{nbsp}}p.m. [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref name="IBN">{{cite web|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|author=PTI|date=28 July 2015|publisher=IBN Live.com|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 name="AS">{{cite web|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><ref>{{cite web|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|author=Anindita 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 last words, to his aide [[Srijan Pal Singh]], were reportedly: "Funny guy! Are you doing well?"<ref>{{cite web|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>

Following his death, Kalam's body was airlifted in an [[Indian Air Force]] helicopter from Shillong to Guwahati, from where it was flown to New Delhi on the morning of 28 July in an air force C-130J Hercules. The flight landed at Palam Air Base that afternoon and was received by the then President [[Pranab Mukherjee]], the then Vice-President [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari|Hamid Ansari]], the Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], Chief Minister of Delhi [[Arvind Kejriwal]], and the three service chiefs of the [[Indian Armed Forces]], who laid wreaths on Kalam's body.<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|author=Guwahati|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=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 then placed on a gun carriage draped with the Indian flag and taken to his Delhi residence at 10 Rajaji Marg; there, the public and numerous dignitaries paid homage, including former prime minister [[Manmohan Singh]], Congress President [[Sonia Gandhi]] and Vice-president [[Rahul Gandhi]], and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister [[Akhilesh Yadav]].<ref>{{cite magazine|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|magazine=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 the morning of 29 July, Kalam's body, wrapped in the Indian flag, was taken to Palam Air Base and flown to [[Madurai]] in an air force C-130J aircraft, arriving at [[Madurai Airport]] that afternoon. His body was received at the airport by the three service chiefs and national and state dignitaries, including cabinet ministers [[Manohar Parrikar]], [[Venkaiah Naidu]], [[Pon Radhakrishnan]] and the governors of Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, [[K Rosaiah]] and [[V. Shanmuganathan]]. After a brief ceremony, Kalam's body was flown by air force helicopter to the town of [[Mandapam]], from where it was taken in an army truck to his hometown of Rameswaram. Upon arriving at Rameswaram, his body was displayed in an open area in front of the local bus station 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>

On 30 July 2015, the former president was laid to rest at [[Rameswaram]]'s Pei Karumbu Ground with full state honours. Over 350,000 people attended the last rites, including the Prime Minister, the governor of Tamil Nadu and the chief ministers of Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.<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>

=== Reactions ===

India reacted to Kalam's death with an outpouring of grief; numerous tributes were paid to the former president across the nation and on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685083|title=People's president: India mourns Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|publisher=BBC|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> President [[Pranab Mukherjee]], Vice-president [[Hamid Ansari]], Home Minister [[Rajnath Singh]], and other leaders condoled the former President's demise.<ref name="AS" /> Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] said "Kalam's death is a great loss to the scientific community. He took India to great heights. He showed the way."<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> Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who had served as prime minister under Kalam, said, "our country has lost a great human being who made phenomenal contributions to the promotion of self-reliance in defence technologies. I worked very closely with Dr. Kalam as prime minister and I greatly benefited from his advice as president of our country. His life and work will be remembered for generations to come."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-was-great-human-being-manmohan-singh/articleshow/48243977.cms|title=A.P.J Abdul Kalam was great human being: Manmohan Singh|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731001941/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-was-great-human-being-manmohan-singh/articleshow/48243977.cms|archive-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> [[ISRO]] chairman [[A. S. Kiran Kumar]] called his former colleague "a great personality and a gentleman", while former chairman [[G. Madhavan Nair]] described Kalam as "a global leader" for whom "the downtrodden and poor people were his priority. He always had a passion to convey what is in his mind to the young generation", adding that his death left a vacuum which none could fill.<ref>{{cite web|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|publisher=NDTV.com|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/news-ani/karmayogi-kalam-s-death-a-great-loss-for-humanity-says-ex-isro-chief-115072900491_1.html|title='Karmayogi' Kalam's death a 'great loss for humanity', says ex-ISRO chief|date=29 July 2015|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121146/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/karmayogi-kalam-s-death-a-great-loss-for-humanity-says-ex-isro-chief-115072900491_1.html|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

[[South Asia]]n leaders expressed condolences and lauded the late statesman. The Bhutanese government ordered the country's flags to fly at half-staff to mourn Kalam's death and lit 1000 butter lamps in homage. Bhutanese Prime Minister [[Tshering Tobgay]] expressed deep sadness, saying Kalam "was a leader greatly admired by all people, especially the youth of India who have referred to him as the people's President".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam-passes-away/|title=Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam passes away|date=28 July 2015|publisher=Kuensel|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730124415/http://www.kuenselonline.com/former-indian-president-apj-abdul-kalam-passes-away/|archive-date=30 July 2015}}</ref> [[Bangladesh]] Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]] described Kalam as "a rare combination of a great statesman, acclaimed scientist, and a source of inspiration to the young generation of South Asia" and termed his death an "irreparable loss to India and beyond". [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] chief [[Khaleda Zia]] said "as a nuclear scientist, he engaged himself in the welfare of the people". [[Ashraf Ghani]], the [[President of Afghanistan]], called Kalam "an inspirational figure to millions of people," noting that "we have a lot to learn from his life". Nepalese Prime Minister [[Sushil Koirala]] recalled Kalam's scientific contributions to India: "Nepal has lost a good friend and I have lost an honoured and ideal personality." The [[President of Pakistan]], [[Mamnoon Hussain]], and [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]] [[Nawaz Sharif]] also expressed their grief and condolences on his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.president.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTMwOjkwODAvcG9wL05ld3NEZXRhaWwuYXNweD9pZD0xODc%3D |title=President condoles demise of former Indian President |access-date=29 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912085138/http://www.president.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTMwOjkwODAvcG9wL05ld3NEZXRhaWwuYXNweD9pZD0xODc%3D |archive-date=12 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/149875 |title=Dawn.com |publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |date=19 February 2012 |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305144016/https://twitter.com/@pmln_org |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</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|author=PTI|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=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> The [[President of Sri Lanka]], [[Maithripala Sirisena]], also expressed his condolences. "Dr. Kalam was a man of firm conviction and indomitable spirit, and I saw him as an outstanding statesman of the world. His death is an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/87537|title=Sri Lankan President Condoles the Death of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=Asian Tribune|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729131137/http://www.asiantribune.com/node/87537|archive-date=29 July 2015}}</ref> Maldivian President [[Abdulla Yameen]] and Vice-president [[Ahmed Adeeb]] condoled Kalam's death, with Yameen naming him as a close friend of the Maldives who would continue to be an inspiration to Indians and generations of South Asians. Former President [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]], who had made an official visit to India during Kalam's presidency, termed his demise as a great loss to all of humankind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/maldivian-leaders-condole-apj-abdul-kalam-death-25725.html|title=Maldivian leaders condole Kalam's death|date=31 July 2015|publisher=IndiaTV News.com|access-date=1 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801173137/http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/maldivian-leaders-condole-apj-abdul-kalam-death-25725.html|archive-date=1 August 2015}}</ref> The Commander-in-Chief of the [[Myanmar Armed Forces]], Senior General [[Min Aung Hlaing]], expressed condolences on behalf of the Myanmar government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/sr-gen-u-min-aung-hliang-commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-115072900759_1.html|title=Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services calls on PM|date=29 July 2015|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409063429/https://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/sr-gen-u-min-aung-hliang-commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-115072900759_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Dalai Lama]] expressed his sadness and offered condolences and prayers, calling Kalam's death "an irreparable loss".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/international/4662-hh-the-dalai-lama-expresses-sadness-over-abdul-kalams-demise|title=HH the Dalai Lama expresses sadness over Abdul Kalam's demise|author=Choesang, Yeshe|date=28 July 2015|publisher=Tibet Post International|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801001548/http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/international/4662-hh-the-dalai-lama-expresses-sadness-over-abdul-kalams-demise|archive-date=1 August 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Vladimir Putin with Abdul Kalam 26 January 2007.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kalam along with [[Vladimir Putin]] and [[Manmohan Singh]] during his presidency]] [[Kathleen Wynne]], the [[Premier of Ontario]], which Kalam had visited on numerous occasions, expressed "deepest condolences ... as a respected scientist, he played a critical role in the development of the Indian space programme. As a committed educator, he inspired millions of young people to achieve their very best. And as a devoted leader, he gained support both at home and abroad, becoming known as 'the people's President'. I join our Indo{{ndash}}Canadian families, friends, and neighbours in mourning the passing of this respected leader."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2015/07/premiers-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-indian-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam.html|title=Statement:Premier's Statement on the Passing of Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|publisher=Government of Ontario|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811132755/http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2015/07/premiers-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-indian-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam.html|archive-date=11 August 2015}}</ref> United States President [[Barack Obama]] extended "deepest condolences to the people of India on the passing of former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam", and highlighted his achievements as a scientist and as a statesman, notably his role in strengthening [[US–India relations]] and increasing space co-operation between the two nations. "Suitably named 'the People's President', Dr. Kalam's humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/28/statement-president-death-former-indian-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam|title=Statement by the President on the Death of Former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam|date=28 July 2015|publisher=The White House: Office of the Press Secretary|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211024352/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/28/statement-president-death-former-indian-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam|archive-date=11 February 2017}}</ref>
Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] expressed sincere condolences and conveyed his sympathy and support "to the near and dear ones of the deceased leader, to the government, and entire people of India". He remarked on Kalam's outstanding "personal contribution to the social, economic, scientific, and technical progress of India and in ensuring its national security," adding that Kalam would be remembered as a "consistent exponent of closer friendly relations between our nations, who has done a lot for cementing mutually beneficial Russian{{ndash}}Indian cooperation."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/putin-condoles-passing-away-of-dr-kalam-115072801471_1.html|title=Putin condoles passing away of Dr. Kalam|author=ANI|date=28 July 2015|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121243/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/putin-condoles-passing-away-of-dr-kalam-115072801471_1.html|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> Other international leaders—including former Indonesian president [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]], Malaysian Prime Minister [[Najib Razak]], Singaporean Prime Minister [[Lee Hsien Loong]], President of the [[United Arab Emirates]] [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], and vice-president and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and [[emir]] of [[Dubai]] [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]—also paid tribute to Kalam.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://time.com/3974357/apj-abdul-kalam-death-tributes-condolences/|title=India Pays Tribute to 'People's President' A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|author=Rishi Iyengar|date=28 July 2015|magazine=Time|access-date=28 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728100208/http://time.com/3974357/apj-abdul-kalam-death-tributes-condolences/|archive-date=28 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emirates247.com/news/uae-rulers-offer-condolences-on-death-of-former-indian-president-2015-07-27-1.598219 |title=UAE Rulers offer condolences on death of former Indian president – Emirates 24&#124;7 |website=Emirates247.com |date=27 July 2015 |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620230123/http://www.emirates247.com/news/uae-rulers-offer-condolences-on-death-of-former-indian-president-2015-07-27-1.598219 |archive-date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> In a special gesture, [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] visited the [[Diplomatic mission|Permanent Mission of India to the UN]] and signed a condolence book. "The outpouring of grief around the world is a testament of the respect and inspiration he has garnered during and after his presidency. The UN joins the people of India in sending our deepest condolences for this great statesman. May he rest in peace and eternity", Ban wrote in his message.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalam-a-great-statesman-UN-secretary-general-Ban-Ki-moon/articleshow/48306130.cms |title=Kalam a 'great statesman': UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon – Times of India |website=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=1 August 2015 |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813115129/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalam-a-great-statesman-UN-secretary-general-Ban-Ki-moon/articleshow/48306130.cms |archive-date=13 August 2015 }}</ref>
[[File:APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameswaram.jpg|thumb|APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial, Rameswaram]]

=== Memorial ===
The [[Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial|Dr. A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Defence|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> was built in memory of Kalam by the DRDO in Pei Karumbu, in the island town of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Images of the Inauguration function published at the website of Defence Research & 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> On display are the replicas of rockets and missiles which Kalam had worked with. Acrylic paintings about his life are also displayed along with hundreds of portraits depicting the life of the mass leader. There is a statue of Kalam in the entrance showing him playing the [[Veena]]. There are two other smaller statues of the leader in sitting and standing posture.<ref>{{cite news |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 ==
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 Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar (5 November 1916 – 7 March 2021),<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 March 2021|title=Kalam's elder brother dies at 104|language=en-IN|work=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|newspaper=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="nephew">{{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|newspaper=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 extremely close to his elder siblings and their extended families throughout his life, and would regularly send small sums of money to his older relations, himself remaining a lifelong bachelor.<ref name="nephew" /><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>
[[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 New Delhi]]
Kalam was noted for his integrity and his simple lifestyle.<ref name="integrity" /><ref name="HTNov2016">{{cite news|last1=Scott|first1=D. j Walter|date=4 November 2016|title=Kalam's brother turns 100, says takes life as it comes|language=en-IN|work=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 and when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akilesh Yadav offered the perfumes, he accepted saying his brother was fond of perfumes and he would gift the box on his 100th birthday. Kalam paid a token sum before accepting the gift from Mr. Yadav}}</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|publisher=NDTV.com|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 few personal possessions included his books, his [[veena]], some articles of clothing, a CD player and a laptop; at his death, he left no will, and his possessions went to his eldest brother, who survived him.<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|newspaper=OneIndia.com|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>

== Religious and spiritual views ==
Religion and spirituality were very important to Kalam throughout his life.<ref>{{cite web|title = News {{!}} 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 made his own spiritual journey the subject of his final book, ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]''.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite web|title = Transcending boundaries with Swamiji – Ahmedabad Mirror -|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}}</ref>

=== Islam ===
Daily [[namaz]] and fasting during [[Ramadan]] were integral to the life of Kalam, a  practising [[Sunni Muslim]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> His father, the [[imam]] of a [[mosque]] in his hometown of Rameswaram, had strictly instilled these Islamic customs in his children.<ref name=":3" /> 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=":7">{{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 – The Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ramzan-Rameswaram-His-ties-with-the-island/articleshow/48274023.cms|website = 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=":2" /> Moreover, since Kalam believed that "respect for other faiths" was one of the key cornerstones of [[Islam]], he was fond of saying: "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>

=== Syncretism ===
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=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5">{{cite web|title = Remembering Kalam: Greatly beloved, but he maybe missed being truly great – Firstpost|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}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web|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}}</ref> In addition to his faith in the [[Quran]] and Islamic practice, Kalam was well-versed in Hindu traditions; he 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|website=[[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}}</ref> read the [[Bhagavad Gita]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/11spec.htm|title=rediff.com Special: Muslims react to A P J Abdul Kalam's candidature for President|website=www.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 – Firstpost|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}}</ref> and he was a vegetarian.<ref>{{cite web|title = Of Rasam and Rice: The Humble Lifestyle of Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – NDTV Food|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-former-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-1201369|archive-date = 30 July 2015}}</ref> Kalam also 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=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-33685041|title=Abdul Kalam: People's president, extraordinary Indian|newspaper=BBC|date=28 June 2015|access-date=28 June 2015|author=Shashi 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> In 2002, in one of his early speeches to Parliament after becoming 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=":5" /> Describing Kalam as a unifier of diverse traditions, [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leader [[Shashi Tharoor]] stated, "Kalam was a complete Indian, an embodiment of the eclecticism of India's heritage of diversity".<ref name=":1" /> [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] leader [[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. This was most strikingly evident in the second-to-last book he published, presciently titled ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji|Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swami]]''".<ref name=":6" />

=== Pramukh Swami as Guru ===
Kalam's desire to meet spiritual leaders to help create a more prosperous, spiritual, and unified India was what initially led him to meet [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj|Pramukh Swami]], the Hindu guru of the [[Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha|BAPS Swaminarayan Sampradaya]], who Kalam would come to consider his ultimate spiritual teacher and guru.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":2" /> The first of eight meetings between Kalam and Pramukh Swami over a fourteen-year period took place on 30 June 2001, in New Delhi, during which Kalam described being immediately drawn to Pramukh Swami's simplicity and spiritual purity.<ref name=":8" /> Kalam stated that he was inspired by Pramukh Swami throughout their numerous interactions. One such incident occurred the day following the [[Akshardham Temple attack|terrorist attack on BAPS]]' [[Akshardham (Gandhinagar)|Akshardham, Gandhinagar]] complex in September 2002; Pramukh Swami prayed for, and sprinkled holy water upon, the sites of all of the deceased, including the terrorists, demonstrating the view that all human life is sacred. Kalam recalled being moved by Pramukh Swami's equanimity and compassion, citing this incident as one of his motivations for writing ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]''.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji|last1 = Kalam|first1 = APJ Abdul|publisher = HarperCollins India|date = 2015|isbn = 978-93-5177-405-1|location = Noida|pages = 14–18|last2 = Tiwari|first2 = Arun}}</ref> 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=":2" /><ref>{{Cite book|title = Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji|last1 = Kalam|first1 = APJ Abdul|publisher = HarperCollins India|date = 2015|isbn = 978-93-5177-405-1|location = Noida|page = 50|last2 = Tiwari|first2 = Arun}}</ref> Following Kalam's death a month after his final book was released, co-author Arun Tiwari pointed to this passage as potentially prophetic and premonitory of Kalam's death.<ref>{{Cite news|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|newspaper = 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 ==
[[File:A.P.J Abdul Kalam.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam delivering a speech]]

In his book ''[[India 2020]]'', Kalam 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 describes a "transformative moment" in his life when he asked [[Pramukh Swami]], the guru of the [[Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha|BAPS Swaminarayan Sampradaya]], how India might realise this five-pronged vision of development. &nbsp;Pramukh Swami's answer—to add a sixth area developing faith in God and spirituality to overcome the current climate of crime and corruption—became the spiritual vision for the next 15 years Kalam's life, which he describes in his final book, ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]],'' published just a month before his death.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|title = Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji|last1 = Kalam|first1 = A.P.J. Abdul|publisher = HarperCollins India|date = 2015|isbn = 978-93-5177-405-1|location = Noida, India|pages = 3–6|last2 = Tiwari|first2 = Arun}}</ref>

It was reported that there was considerable demand in South Korea for translated versions of books authored by him.<ref name="Southkorea1">{{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 magazine]] | 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>

Kalam took an active interest in other developments in the field of science and technology, including a research programme for 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|website=[[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>

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.<ref name="visit" /> 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">{{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>
[[File:APJ Abdul Kalam 2015 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|2015 stamp of APJ Abdul Kalam ]]

== Awards and honours ==
{{Main|List of honors and awards received by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}
Kalam received 7 [[Doctor (title)#Honorary doctorates|honorary doctorates]] from 40 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 web|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|publisher=[[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> The Government of India honoured him with the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1981 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 1990 for his work with ISRO and DRDO and his role as a scientific advisor to the Government.<ref>{{cite web|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|publisher=[[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> In 1997, Kalam received India's highest civilian honour, the [[Bharat Ratna]], for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.<ref>{{cite web|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> In 2008 Kalam 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 |website=[[American Society of Mechanical Engineers]] |access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref> And in 2013, he was the recipient of the [[National Space Society#Awards|Von Braun Award]] from the [[National Space Society]] "to recognize excellence in the management and leadership of a space-related project".<ref>National Space Society, [http://www.nss.org/awards/vonbraun_award.html NSS Von Braun Award] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202034637/http://www.nss.org/awards/vonbraun_award.html |date=2 February 2015 }}. retrieved 10 February 2015</ref>

In 2012, Kalam was ranked number 2 in [[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook India's]] poll of ''[[the Greatest Indian]]''.<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|website=outlookindia.com/|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>

Following his death, Kalam received numerous tributes. The [[Tamil Nadu]] state government announced that his birthday, 15 October, would be observed across the state as "Youth Renaissance Day;" the state government further instituted the "[[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award|Dr. A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam Award]]", constituting an 8-gram gold medal, a certificate and {{INRConvert|500|k}}. The award will be awarded annually on Independence Day, beginning in 2015, 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=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]] set topics on his name in 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|publisher = CBSE|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>

Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] ceremonially released postage stamps commemorating Kalam at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on 15 October 2015, the 84th anniversary of Kalam's birth.

Researchers at the NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) had discovered a new bacterium on the filters of the International Space Station (ISS) and named it ''[[Solibacillus kalamii]]'' to honour the late president Dr. A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam.<ref>{{cite web|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|website = 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>

Several educational and scientific institutions and other locations were renamed or named in honour of Kalam following his death.

* [[Kerala Technological University]], headquartered at [[Thiruvananthapuram]] where Kalam lived for years, was renamed to [[A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University]] after his death.
* An agricultural college at Kishanganj, Bihar, was renamed the "Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kishanganj" by the Bihar state government on the day of Kalam's funeral. The state government also announced it would name a proposed science city after 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>
* India's First Medical Tech Institute named as [[Kalam Institute of Health Technology]] located at [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=103359&sid=1|title=India's first medical tech institute|website=pharmabiz.com|date=26 July 2017|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032009/http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=103359&sid=1|archive-date=16 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Uttar Pradesh Technical University]] (UPTU) was renamed A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam Technical University by the Uttar Pradesh state government.<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=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>
* A.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Travancore Institute of Digestive Diseases, a new research institute in [[Kollam]] city, [[Kerala]] attached to the [[Travancore Medical College Hospital]].<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>
* A new academic complex at Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala.<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>
* Construction of [[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science City]] started in Patna in February 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rumi |first1=Faryal |title=Work on APJ Abdul Kalam Science City to begin this month {{!}} Patna News – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/work-on-science-city-to-begin-this-month/articleshow/68141661.cms |access-date=31 October 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=24 February 2019 |language=en |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>
* A new science centre and planetarium in Lawspet, Puducherry.<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>
* India and the US have launched the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship in September 2014. The first call for applicants was announced on Friday, 12 March 2016, for the fellowship which will enable up to 6 Indian PhD students and post-doctoral researchers to work with US host institutions for a period of 6–12 months. The fellowship will be operated by the binational US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) under the Fulbright programme.<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 |website=Ndtv.com |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>
*Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Planetarium in Burla, [[Sambalpur]], [[Odisha]] was named after him.
* Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Lecture Theatre Complex at [[Netaji Subhas University of Technology]].<ref>{{cite web |title=A UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY EMBRACES 'AV SCIENCE' FOR TECHNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION |url=https://issuu.com/spinworkz/docs/sia_may_2021/s/12236317 |website=issuu |language=en}}</ref>

=== Island ===
Wheeler Island, a national missile test site in Odisha, was renamed [[Abdul Kalam Island]] in September 2015.<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=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>

=== Road ===
A prominent road in [[New Delhi]] was renamed from [[Aurangzeb]] Road to [[Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road]]<ref>{{cite web |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 }}</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> in August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |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 }}</ref>

=== Plant species ===
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>

==Fish species==
In 2022 a newly discovered species of [[footballfish]], ''[[Himantolophus kalami]]'' was named in Kalam's honour.<ref name = ETYFish>{{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 |author=Christopher Scharpf |date=3 June 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database |publisher=Christopher Scharpf |version=v. 3.0}}</ref>

=== Other awards and honours ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year of award or honour !! Name of award or honour !! Awarding organisation
|-
| 2014
| Honorary professor
| [[Beijing University]], China<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oir.pku.edu.cn/info/1105/3024.htm |title=印度前总统卡拉姆博士接受北京大学名誉教授称号，入选"大学堂"顶尖学者讲学计划 |publisher=University of Beijing |access-date=27 March 2019 |date=14 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327142331/http://www.oir.pku.edu.cn/info/1105/3024.htm |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2014
| [[Doctor of Science]]
| [[Edinburgh University]], UK<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/informatics/news-events/recentnews/abdul-kalam-visit |title=Ex-President of India Abdul Kalam visits the Forum |publisher=University of Edinburgh |access-date=27 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528022039/http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/informatics/news-events/recentnews/abdul-kalam-visit |archive-date=28 May 2014 }}</ref>
|-
| 2013
| [[National Space Society#NSS Von Braun Award|Von Braun Award]]
| [[National Space Society]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NSS Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award |date=3 August 2017 |url=https://space.nss.org/nss-wernher-von-braun-memorial-award/ |publisher=[[National Space Society]] |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805142002/https://space.nss.org/nss-wernher-von-braun-memorial-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2012
| Doctor of Laws ([[Honoris Causa]])
| [[Simon Fraser University]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sfu.ca/convocation/honorary-degrees.html |title=Honorary Degrees – Convocation |publisher=Simon Fraser University |access-date=31 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617114214/http://www.sfu.ca/convocation/honorary-degrees.html |archive-date=17 June 2012 }}</ref>
|-
| 2011
| [[IEEE Honorary Membership]]
| [[IEEE]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ieee.org/documents/hon_mem_rl.pdf |title=IEEE Honorary Membership Recipients |publisher=IEEE |page=1 |access-date=28 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629021316/http://www.ieee.org/documents/hon_mem_rl.pdf |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| 2010
| [[Doctor of Engineering]]
| [[University of Waterloo]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Yet another honorary doctorate for Kalam|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/06/yet-another-honorary-doctorate-for-kalam.htm|date=6 October 2010|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=13 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107001319/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/06/yet-another-honorary-doctorate-for-kalam.htm|archive-date=7 January 2012}}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| [[Honorary Doctorate]]
| [[Oakland University]]<ref>{{cite web| title=A.P.J Abdul Kalam – Honorary Degree, 2009| url=http://www.oakland.edu/?id=15918| publisher=Oakland University| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107110300/http://www.oakland.edu/?id=15918| archive-date=7 January 2013}}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| International von Kármán Wings Award
| [[California Institute of Technology]], USA<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.galcit.caltech.edu/ahs/recipients/2009Kalam.html |title=Caltech GALCIT International von Kármán Wings Award |publisher=galcit.caltech.edu |access-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330193211/http://www.galcit.caltech.edu/ahs/recipients/2009Kalam.html |archive-date=30 March 2012 }}</ref>

|-
| 2008
| [[Doctor of Science]]
| [[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]<ref>{{cite web| title=A.P.J Abdul Kalam – Honorary Degree, 2008| url=https://www.usm.my/images/pdf/konvo53.pdf| publisher=Universiti Sains Malaysia| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017131751/https://www.usm.my/images/pdf/konvo53.pdf| archive-date=17 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|2008
| [[Hoover Medal]]
| ASME Foundation, USA<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-27/india/28029908_1_president-kalam-rural-areas-eminent-scientist|title=Former President Kalam chosen for Hoover Medal|date=27 March 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 October 2010|location=New York|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113185338/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-27/india/28029908_1_president-kalam-rural-areas-eminent-scientist|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 2008
| Doctor of Engineering ([[Honoris Causa]])
| [[Nanyang Technological University]], Singapore<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.ntu.edu.sg/pages/newsdetail.aspx?URL=http://news.ntu.edu.sg/news/Pages/NR2008_Aug26.aspx&Guid=3728913b-4ced-4d53-b9c3-f17ed2bdaa78&Category=&MonthGroup=808 |title=Dr Abdul Kalam, former President of India, receives NTU Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering |publisher=Nanyang Technological University |date=26 August 2008 |access-date=28 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823054102/http://news.ntu.edu.sg/pages/newsdetail.aspx?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.ntu.edu.sg%2Fnews%2FPages%2FNR2008_Aug26.aspx&Guid=3728913b-4ced-4d53-b9c3-f17ed2bdaa78&Category=&MonthGroup=808 |archive-date=23 August 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| 2008
| Doctor of Science ([[Honoris Causa]])
| [[Aligarh Muslim University]], Aligarh<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amu.ac.in/pro.jsp?did=10065&lid=Important%20Landmarks |title=AMU to honour Kalam with doctorate |work=The Economics Times|access-date=28 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801132050/http://www.amu.ac.in/pro.jsp?did=10065&lid=Important%20Landmarks |archive-date=1 August 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-06-05/news/27702555_1_doctorate-amu-kalam |title=AMU to honour Kalam with doctorate |website=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=5 June 2008 |access-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305121129/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-06-05/news/27702555_1_doctorate-amu-kalam |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2007
| Honorary Doctorate of Science and Technology
| [[Carnegie Mellon University]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Carnegie Mellon University Awards Honorary Doctorate To Former India President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|url=https://www.cmu.edu/news/archive/2007/October/oct26_kalam.shtml|website=cmu.edu|publisher=[[Carnegie Mellon University]]|access-date=28 July 2015|date=26 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506150619/http://www.cmu.edu/news/archive/2007/October/oct26_kalam.shtml|archive-date=6 May 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2007
| King Charles II Medal
| [[Royal Society]], UK<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/12/stories/2007071253391300.htm |title=King Charles II Medal for President |date=12 July 2007 |access-date=1 March 2012 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113191656/http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/12/stories/2007071253391300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-07-11/news/27675690_1_president-kalam-p-j-abdul-kalam-road-map |title=King Charles II Medal for Kalam |work=The Economic Times |location=India |date=11 July 2007 |access-date=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021340/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-07-11/news/27675690_1_president-kalam-p-j-abdul-kalam-road-map |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Royal-Society-King-Charles-II-Medal>{{cite web|title=Royal Society King Charles II Medal|url=http://royalsociety.org/awards/king-charles-medal/|publisher=[[Royal Society]]|access-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003082554/http://royalsociety.org/awards/king-charles-medal/|archive-date=3 October 2012}}</ref>
|-
| 2007
| Honorary Doctorate of Science
| [[University of Wolverhampton]], UK<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-23/uk/27960584_1_p-j-abdul-kalam-wolverhampton-creative-leadership |title=Kalam conferred Honorary Doctorate of Science |location=India |date=23 October 2007 |access-date=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113185701/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-23/uk/27960584_1_p-j-abdul-kalam-wolverhampton-creative-leadership |archive-date=13 November 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| 2000
| Ramanujan Award
| Alwars Research Centre, Chennai<ref name="iitm">{{cite web|title=Dr. Abdul Kalam's Diverse Interests: Prizes/Awards|url=http://www.techmotivator.iitm.ac.in/TGTech%20APJ.htm#1|publisher=[[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]]|access-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528081946/http://www.techmotivator.iitm.ac.in/TGTech%20APJ.htm#1|archive-date=28 May 2012}}</ref>
|-
| 1998
| Veer Savarkar Award
| [[Government of India]]<ref name="PIB01march12" />
|-
| 1997
| [[Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration]]
| Indian National Congress<ref name="PIB01march12" /><ref name="iitm" />
|-
| 1997
| [[Bharat Ratna]]
| President of India<ref name="iitm" /><ref name="mha.nic.in">{{cite web|title=List of recipients of Bharat Ratna |publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], Government of India |url=http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/Recipients-BR.pdf |access-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131100950/http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/Recipients-BR.pdf |archive-date=31 January 2012 }}</ref>
|-
| 1995
| Honorary Fellow
| [[National Academy of Medical Sciences]],<ref name="List of Fellows – NAMS">{{cite web | url=http://www.nams-india.in/downloads/fellowsmembers/ZZ.pdf | title=List of Fellows – NAMS | publisher=National Academy of Medical Sciences | date=2016 | access-date=19 March 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055036/http://nams-india.in/downloads/fellowsmembers/ZZ.pdf | archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
|-
| 1994
| Distinguished Fellow
| [[Institute of Directors (India)]]<ref name="iodonline.com">{{cite web|title=List of Distinguished Fellows|publisher=[[Institute of Directors (India)|Institute of Directors]]|url=http://iodonline.com/about-iod/distinguished-fellows.html|access-date=9 November 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110005724/http://iodonline.com/about-iod/distinguished-fellows.html|archive-date=10 November 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 1990
| [[Padma Vibhushan]]
| Government of India<ref name="iitm" /><ref name="Rediff26Nov">{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/nov/26kal.htm |title=Bharat Ratna conferred on Dr Abdul Kalam |work=[[Rediff.com]] |date=26 November 1997 |access-date=1 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>
|-
| 1981
| [[Padma Bhushan]]
| Government of India<ref name="iitm" /><ref name="Rediff26Nov" />
|}

== Legacy ==
{{Main|List of things named after A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}

== Books, documentaries and popular culture ==
;Kalam's writings
*<!--[proposed to be deleted: this "book" is a commemorative collection of papers with Kalam and Narasimha as editors. Given URL clearly mentions this]-->''Developments in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and [[Roddam Narasimha]]; [[Indian Academy of Sciences]], 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>
* ''[[India 2020]]: A Vision for the New Millennium'' by A P J Abdul Kalam, [[Y. S. Rajan]]; New York, 1998.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kalam|first1=A.P.J. Abdul|last2=Y.S.|first2=Rajan|title=India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium|publisher=New York|date=1998|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pCN7NwAACAAJ&q=vision+2020+abdul+kalam|isbn=978-0-670-88271-7|access-date=8 November 2020|archive-date=25 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725113053/https://books.google.com/books?id=pCN7NwAACAAJ&q=vision+2020+abdul+kalam|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Wings of Fire (autobiography)|Wings of Fire]]: An Autobiography'' by A P J Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari; Universities Press, 1999.<ref name="KalamTiwari1999" />
* ''[[Ignited Minds]]: Unleashing the Power Within India'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; Viking, 2002.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kalam|first1=A.P.J. Abdul|title=Ignited minds: unleashing the power within India|publisher=Viking|date=2002|isbn=978-0-670-04928-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kypuAAAAMAAJ&q=ignited+minds|access-date=8 June 2020|archive-date=25 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725113550/https://books.google.com/books?id=kypuAAAAMAAJ&q=ignited+minds|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''The Luminous Sparks'' by A P J Abdul Kalam, by; Punya Publishing Pvt Ltd., 2004.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kalam|first=A.P.J. Abdul|title=The luminous sparks : a biography in verse and colours|date=2004|publisher=Punya Pub.|location=Bangalore|isbn=978-81-901897-8-1}}</ref>
* ''Mission India'' by A P J Abdul Kalam, Paintings by [[Manav Gupta]]; [[Penguin Books]], 2005<ref>{{cite book|last=Rajan|first=A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Y.S.|title=Mission India : a vision for Indian youth|date=2005|publisher=Puffin Books|location=New Delhi, India|isbn=978-0-14-333499-6}}</ref>
* ''Inspiring Thoughts'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; [[Rajpal & Sons]], 2007<ref>{{cite book|last=Kalam|first=A.P.J. Abdul|title=Inspiring thoughts|date=2007|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|location=Delhi|isbn=978-81-7028-684-4}}</ref>
* ''[[Indomitable Spirit]]'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; [[Rajpal & Sons]] Publishing<ref>{{cite book|last=Kalam|first=A.P.J. Abdul|title=Indomitable Spirit|date=2006|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|location=Delhi|isbn=978-81-7028-654-7}}</ref>
* ''Envisioning an Empowered Nation'' by A P J Abdul Kalam with A Sivathanu Pillai; Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kalam |first1=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul |last2=Pillai |first2=A. Sivathanu |title=Envisioning an Empowered Nation: Technology for Societal Transformation |date=2004 |publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-07-053154-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HCXbAAAAMAAJ |access-date=24 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725113624/https://books.google.com/books?id=HCXbAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''You Are Born To Blossom: Take My Journey Beyond'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari; Ocean Books, 2011.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DXQ8KM-03HAC&pg=PP1 |title=You Are Born To Blossom : Take My Journey Beyond |date=January 2010 |publisher=Ocean Books |isbn=978-81-8430-037-6 |location=New Delhi, India}}</ref>
* ''Turning Points: A journey through challenges'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; HarperCollins India, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flipkart.com/turning-points-9350293471/p/itmda654mcrqdgfh |title=Turning Points:A journey through challenges |publisher=HarperCollins India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001024222/http://www.flipkart.com/turning-points-9350293471/p/itmda654mcrqdgfh |archive-date=1 October 2012 }}</ref>
* ''[[Target 3 Billion]]'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh; December 2011 (Publisher: [[Penguin Books]]).
* ''My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; 2014 by the Rupa Publication.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kalam |first1=Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul |title=My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Actions |date=2014 |publisher=Rupa Publications India |isbn=978-81-291-2491-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=96XCAgAAQBAJ |access-date=24 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725113554/https://books.google.com/books?id=96XCAgAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''A Manifesto for Change: A Sequel to India 2020'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and V Ponraj; July 2014 by [[HarperCollins]].<ref>{{cite web|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/|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|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>
* ''Forge your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring'' by A P J Abdul Kalam; by [[Rajpal & Sons]], 29 October 2014.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Abdul Kalam|first1=A P J|title=Forge Your Future: Candid, Forthright, Inspiring|date=29 October 2014|publisher=[[Rajpal & Sons]]|isbn=978-93-5064-279-5|id= {{ASIN|9350642794|country=in}}}}</ref>
* ''Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh; by Penguin India, 14 May 2015.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Abdul Kalam|first1=A P J|last2=Pal Singh|first2=Srijan|title=Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future|date=14 May 2015|publisher=Penguin India|isbn=978-0-14-333354-8|id= {{ASIN|0143333542|country=in}}}}</ref>
* ''[[Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji]]'' by A P J Abdul Kalam with Arun Tiwari; HarperCollins Publishers, June 2015<ref>{{Cite book|title=Dr. Abdul Kalam's new Book Transcendence My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji to release on 15 June |publisher=HarperCollins India Publication|id= {{ASIN|9351774058|country=in}}}}</ref>
* ''Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity'' by A P J Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh; HarperCollins Publishers,15 October 2015.<ref>{{cite book|last1=A P J|first1=Abdul Kalam|last2=Srijan|first2=Pal Singh|title=Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity|isbn=978-9351776451|date=20 October 2015|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers India }}</ref>

;Biographies
* ''Eternal Quest: Life and Times of Dr Kalam'' by S Chandra; Pentagon Publishers, 2002.<ref name="NYTimes2002">{{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 name="Pruthi2003">{{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 name="BhushanKatyal2002">{{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>
* ''[[A Little Dream]]'' (documentary film) by P. Dhanapal; Minveli Media Works Private Limited, 2008.<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|location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511012413/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/25/stories/2008012550520200.htm| archive-date= 11 May 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]]| url-status= dead}}</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>

;Popular culture
* In the 2011 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 name="I Am Kalam: Movie Review">{{cite news|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|newspaper=[[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> ''My Hero Kalam'' is a 2018 Indian [[Kannada]]-language biographical film by Shivu Hiremath which portrays his life from childhood to the Pokhran tests.<ref>{{cite web |title=My Hero Kalam (2018) |url=https://indiancine.ma/CFYH/info |website=Indiancine.ma |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>
* ''People's President'' is a 2016 Indian [[Documentary film|documentary]] [[feature film]] directed by Pankaj Vyas which covers the life of Kalam. It was produced by the [[Government of India]]'s [[Films Division of India|Films Division]].<ref>{{Cite web|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|website=filmsdivision.org|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>
* ''Mega Icons'' (2018–2020), a documentary television series about prominent personalities of India which aired on [[National Geographic India|National Geographic]], based the third episode – "APJ Abdul Kalam" – on Kalam's life and his ascendancy to India's presidency.<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|website=[[Disney+ Hotstar]]|language=en|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>
* ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'', a 2020 film about the [[Aviation in India|Indian aviation industry]] had a look-alike of Kalam, Sheik Maideen, portraying him.<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 |language=en |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>
*''Rocket Boys''<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>'','' an Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Biography|Biographical]] [[streaming television]] series on [[SonyLIV]]. The character of Kalam was played by Arjun Radhakrishnan.
*''[[Rocketry: The Nambi Effect]]'', a 2022 film about [[ISRO espionage case]], Abdul Kalam's character is portrayed by actor 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 ==
* [[2002 Indian presidential election]]
* [[List of presidents of India]]
* [[Pokhran-II]]
* [[The Greatest Indian]]

== References ==
;Footnotes
{{reflist|group=fn}}

;Citations
{{Reflist|colwidth=32em}}

== 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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{{s-ttl|title=[[President of India]]|years=2002 - 2007}}
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{{s-ttl|title=[[Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India]]|years = 1999 - 2002}}
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{{A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}
{{Navboxes|list1={{A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}
{{Presidents of India}}
{{Bharat Ratna}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1980–1989}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation}}
{{Indian Department of Space}}|title=Articles related to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kalam, Abdul}}
[[Category:A. P. J. Abdul Kalam| ]]
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