(15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015)

Born on 15 October 1931 to a Tamil Muslim family in Madras Presidency, now in the State of Tamil Nadu.

He attended Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli. He graduated in physics in 1954.

He was the project director of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) that successfully launched Rohini satellite in July 1980

He played a key role in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) including Agni and Prithvi

During Pokhran-II nuclear tests, Kalam served as the Chief Project Coordinator during the testing phase.

Kalam was the 11th President of India from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007

He was known as People's President. He signed Office of Profit Bill, the toughest decision taken during his tenure.

In May 2012, Kalam launched a programme for the youth of India called the What Can I Give Movement.

He died of sudden cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015 in Shillong.