He studied Aeronautical Engineering at the MIT, Madras during 1954-57.
After passing out as a graduate aeronautical engineer, Kalam joined
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore as a trainee andlater joined
as a technical assistant in the Directorate of Technical Development
andProduction of the Ministry of Defence.
In the 1960's Kalam joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thumba in
Kerala.
He contributed for development of the country's first indigenous
satellite-launch vehicle
He contributed for the development of India’s first Satellite launch
vehicle SLV-3 and the missiles like the Trishul, Agni, Pritvi etc.
During 1963-82, he served the ISRO in various capacities.
In 1982, he rejoined DRDO as Director
He conceived the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
for five indigenous missiles.
He established an Advanced Technology Research Centre, called 'Research
Centre Imarat' to undertake development in futuristic missile technology
areas.
He also served as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Defence minister
and later the Government of India.
He was elected unanimously & became President of India in 2002
He has been awarded Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and
India's Highest civilian Award 'The Bharat Ratna' in 1997.
Other prestigious awards include Dr.Biren Roy Space Award, Om Prakash Basin
Award for Science and Technology, National Nehru Award, Arya Bhatta Award
etc
Dr. Kalam was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.
Honoris-causa) by forty universities.
Coming to his personal life
Born on 15th October,1931, at Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram district,
Tamilnadu. Father was a Fisherman and very poor.
During his childhood, he worked as Paper Boy.
He is a bachelor & is a connoisseur of classical Carnatic music.
He played veena in his leisure.
Daily he read the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita with equal devotion.
His Simplicity : Being a Director of DRDO, he was offered to stay in a
Bunglaw, but refused & used only two rooms in guest house. He never
showed interest in Posts or Power.
His Dream for India
To transform India into a developed nation by the year 2020 through hard
work and perseverance.