A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Sold newspapers as a boy in Rameswaram; led India's rocket programs and became its president.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's background is described as Tamil Muslim. Growing up, the family was working class — his father owned a ferry and served as imam of the local mosque; the family's means were modest. Sold newspapers as a boy in Rameswaram; led India's rocket programs and became its president.
- Born
- 1931 · Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Roots
- Tamil Muslim
- Family
- Working class
- His father owned a ferry and served as imam of the local mosque; the family's means were modest.
- Education
- Madras Institute of Technology (aerospace engineering)
- Started with
- A newspaper round
- Sold newspapers as a boy to supplement the family income.
- Affiliations & societies
- None documented.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1958 · age 26Joins DRDO
India's defence research organisation, as a scientist.
- 1969 · age 37Moves to ISRO
Project director for India's first satellite launch vehicle.
- 1980 · age 48SLV-III launch
Puts the Rohini satellite in orbit — India joins the space club.
- 1983 · age 51“Missile Man”
Leads the programme that develops the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
- 1998 · age 66Pokhran-II
Chief scientific coordinator of India's nuclear tests.
- 2002 · age 70President of India
Elected with cross-party support; called the People's President.
- 2015 · age 83Dies mid-lecture
Collapses while addressing students in Shillong.
Frequently asked questions
Where is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam from?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Their background is described as Tamil Muslim.
When was A.P.J. Abdul Kalam born?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's background or ethnicity?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's roots are described as Tamil Muslim. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam go to school?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's education: Madras Institute of Technology (aerospace engineering).
What was A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's family background growing up?
At birth the family was working class. His father owned a ferry and served as imam of the local mosque; the family's means were modest.
How did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam get started?
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam started with a newspaper round. Sold newspapers as a boy to supplement the family income.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.