As India marks Dr Kalam's fifth death anniversary, a glance at his inspiring journey
Humble beginnings
Dr Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His father was an imam of a local mosque and a boat owner and mother a housewife.
He also used to sell newspapers at a very young age to financially help his family.
Graduating as aeronautical engineer
After earning a degree in aeronautical engineering, Dr Kalam joined Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. He later moved to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he worked as a research director of India's first indigenously designed and produced satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III.
Becoming 'Missile Man'
Dr Kalam once again joined DRDO in 1982, where he helped in planning a number of successful missiles, thereby earning the nickname "Missile Man".
Pokhran-II tests
He played an iconic role in May 1998, when India successully carried out nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan. These tests bring a lot of fame for Kalam, who became a national hero.
President of India
In 2002, former prime minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ruling government put forward Dr Kalam's name as the candidate for the president of the country. Kalam's popularity ensured that even Opposition Congress party voted for him and he became president with a huge majority.
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