Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work - APJ Abdul Kalam

While in school, we were often fascinated with India reaching newer heights in space research and tactical warfare techniques in the armed forces. It was new and interesting and we looked up to all the scientists and engineers that worked hard behind these achievements. I remember on one of the annual functions held in my school, I was going to receive an award by the chief guest who'd make an appearance. And at that particular annual day, our chief guest was none other than Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the 'Missile Man' of India. Now when I look back, I am grateful to have been a part of a generation where I witnessed great feats by a man who was the best suited president for our nation.

© Economic Times

On his birthday today, which is also known as 'Student's Day', we want to remember all his contributions and achievements in the field of technology, results of which are still being reaped by thousands of engineers, scientists and a million Indians, every day, even after he's long gone. A man of great stature and vision, Dr. Kalam will live as an inspiration for thousands of students who aspire to contribute towards aeronautical and spatial technology, or even technology used in the armed forces.

Here are some remarkable contributions the former president has made in the field of technology in India.

Dr. Kalam began his career at DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), right after he graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960. He joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO as a scientist. He started with designing a small hovercraft at DRDO. In 1965 he started an independent project on an expandable rocket, at the institution and in 1969, he received the government's approval for the same and made the team bigger by hiring more engineers to help him out.

© BCCL

During his tenure with DRDO, he was in charge of two major projects, Project Devil and Project Valiant, which were aimed at developing ballistic missiles and he played a major role in developing missiles like Agni and Prithvi under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Kalam is also remembered for his contribution in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which were carried out while he was the Chief Scientific Advisor to the then Prime Minister, and Secretary of the Defense Research and Development Organisation from July 1992 to December 1999. He even ended up receiving a Bharat Ratna for his contribution towards scientific research and modernisation of defense technology in the country.

© Financial Express

While the Pokhran-II tests took place, Kalam firmly made a statement for the international community stating that such arms were only being tested to deter other nations from trying to subjugate India and they were only meant to be used as 'weapons of peace'.

While working with ISRO (The Indian Space Research Organisation), Kalam made a significant contribution as a project director  to develop India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, which successfully deployed the Rohini in near-earth orbit. He has also contributed towards the development of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The man was also part of the National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was set up by Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space programme. The team of engineers under this programme set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) that is used by ISRO to launch sounding rockets even today.

© Indian Defence News

© Indian Defence News

· As we all know, the man served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007, after he won the presidential elections, beating freedom fighter Lakshmi Saigal to the position. In fact, in a rare show of unity, all political parties voted for Kalam as the 11th president of India. He was the first vegetarian bachelor to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

© BCCL

· After he completed his term as President, Kalam became a visiting professor, wrote extensively and started many initiatives on youth development. He wrote Wings of Fire (autobiography) and India 2020, books which have motivated a million people in the country and even outside. The books envisioned his dream of India being a superpower one day, with Indians urging towards being innovative and unique in their own way.

© Universities Press

· He received several prestigious awards because of his contributions and achievements in the field of technology. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna in 1997.

© BCCL

Dr. Kalam's legacy will live on till time immemorial and his achievements and contributions toward science and technology will take India where it needs to be in due time. Today, let's remember one of the greatest scientists India's ever had while being grateful we've witnessed his reign during the time we were alive.