About the author

Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO's launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration and for the development and operationalisation of AGNI and PRITHVI missiles and for building indigenous capability in critical technologies through networking of multiple institutions. In his literary pursuit, four of Dr. Kalam's books - "Wings of Fire", "India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium", "My Journey" and "Ignited Minds - Unleashing the power within India" have become household names in India and among the Indian nationals abroad. Dr. Kalam received honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions. He was awarded the coveted civilian awards - Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). Dr. Kalam became the 11th President of India on 25th July 2002.

GLOSSARY
erstwhile (adj) : former
undistinguished (adj) : not very interesting, successful or attractive
ancestral (adj) : of grandparents /forefathers
austere (adj) : simple and plain
orthodox (adj) : following closely the traditional beliefs and practices of a religion
summon (v) : to order somebody to come to you
conviction (n) : the act of finding somebody guilty of crime
segregation (n) : the policy / act of separating people

About the author

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