Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Here's a time line of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's life:

• 1931 - Born in Rameswaram, Tamilnadu, India
• 1954 - Graduated in Physics from St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, affiliated with the University of Madras
• 1960 - Joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a scientist.
• 1980 - Becomes the project director of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) project.
• 1981 - Receives the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India's one of the highest civilian awards, for his contributions to Indian defense technology.
• 1990 - Receives the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, for his outstanding contributions to the country's defense and space programs.
• 1992 - Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, serving a term from 1992 July - 1999 December.
• 1995 - Receives an honorary fellowship from the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India.
• 1997 - Receives the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, for his outstanding contributions to scientific research and the development of India's defense and space programs.
• 1997 - Becomes the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
• 1998 - Appointed as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and the Secretary of the Defense Research and Development Organization.
• 2002 - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam elected as the 11th President of India, serving a term from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007.
• 2009 - Receives the prestigious Hoover Medal from the ASME Foundation, USA, for his outstanding contributions to public service.
• 2013 - Receives Von Braun Award from National Space Society, USA.
• 2015 - Passess away while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, on 27 July 2015 at the age of 83

"Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, The Missile Man of India has dedicated his life to making India strong, prosperous, capable and always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen."

-- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi