Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘missile man’ who came to be known as ‘People’s President’ was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This day is also commemorated as World Students’ Day in his honour.
He was one of India’s most renowned scientists, having received honorary doctorates from 30 institutions and colleges. His contribution to nation-building as well as to the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) remains unparalleled to this day. He also worked under eminent scientist Vikram Sarabhai.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has received the prestigious civilian awards Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990), as well as the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). He was also honoured with numerous other titles and was a Fellow of numerous prestigious organisations. Here is a list of his achievements and awards.
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Honorary professor, Beijing University, China in 2014
Doctor of Science, Edinburgh University, UK in 2014
Von Braun Award, National Space Society in 2013
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), Simon Fraser University, in 2012
IEEE Honorary Membership, IEEE, in 2011
Doctor of Engineering, University of Waterloo, in 2011
Honorary Doctorate, Oakland University, in 2009
Hoover Medal, ASME Foundation, USA in 2009
International von Karman Wings Award, California Institute of Technology, USA, in 2009
Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2008
Honorary Doctorate of Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, in 2007
King Charles II Medal, Royal Society, UK, in 2007
Honorary Doctorate of Science, University of Wolverhampton, UK, 2007
Ramanujan Award, Alwars Research Centre, Chennai, in 2000
Veer Savarkar Award, Government of India, 1998
Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, Indian National Congress, in 1997
Bharat Ratna, Government of India, in 1997
Honorary Fellow, National Academy of Medical Sciences, in 1995
Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Directors (India), in 1994
Padma Vibhushan, Government of India, in 1990
Padma Bhushan, Government of India, 1981
