The Story of APJ Abdul Kalam, The First Indian Rocket Launch

India has long been a land of opportunity. From spices to telecom, the country has been filled with potential ever since Mohammadandapurwas born in 16th century Rajasthan. Today, the Air Force is India’s most powerful and efficient military force. But during the 19-year rule of King George III, air supremacy was challenged by countries like Russia, Britain, and France. In 1798, India declared its independence from Britain and joined the Indian Subcontinent Federation (ISF). The 1940s saw an exciting period for Indian space exploration as India developed a strong sense of Nationalism and national pride. Explorers like K Vanguard Star Soldier (APJ Kalam) rediscovered Asia’s secrets in spite of British assertion of sovereignty over what was then known as the subcontinent.

In June 1984, a group of 150 scientists, students, academics, and journalists arrived in New Delhi for a three-day conference on Space Policy Reform in India. Hosted by non-government bodies including IIFAI (Indian Institute of Aerospace Engineering), Dalhousie University (Canada), Tata Advanced Research Centre (India), universities across the country—and including All India Radio Television University (AIR University)—this day would haveif not been for the internet. Here we meet APJ Kalam: 15 years after his birth.

Though he is best known for being one of seven members of India’s first spacew explored moon landing team at Sriharikota.