Science

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

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 26
Joins DRDO
India's defence research organisation, as a scientist.
1969 · age 37
Moves to ISRO
Project director for India's first satellite launch vehicle.
1980 · age 48
SLV-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 66
Pokhran-II
Chief scientific coordinator of India's nuclear tests.
2002 · age 70
President of India
Elected with cross-party support; called the People's President.
2015 · age 83
Dies mid-lecture
Collapses while addressing students in Shillong.

Sources

Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.