Dear Aspirant,

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the former president of India and was is also known as the "Missile Man".

In his school years, Kalam had average grades but was described as a bright and hardworking student who had a strong desire to learn. He spent hours on his studies, especially mathematics. After completing his education at the Schwartz Higher Secondary School, Ramanathapuram, Kalam went on to attend At. Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli affiliated with the  University of Madras. There he graduated with Physics. Then he moved to Madras to study aerospace engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.

The dean of the university threatened Kalam for his lack of progress but Kalam managed to get the 9th position and couldn't join IAF because only top 8 were selected. So, he had to give up on his dream of becoming a fighter pilot.

After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology in 1960, Kalam joined the Aeronautical Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (by Press Information Bureau, Government of India) as a scientist after becoming a member of the DRDS. In 1969, Kalam was transferred to ISRO.

After that, we have all known his legacy of failures and ultimate successes. He became one of the best teachers the world has even seen and also his birthday is also celebrated as Teacher's Day. He has also written his autobiography 'Wings of Fire' which is a symbol of hope like Kalam's life which strived to tell all learners that their dreams can always come true. He had constantly moved forward in his struggle to come out of poverty but he did not for once dwell in the riches he got. Till the end of his life, he lived in a small room with his books and said it was sufficient for him and that he needed nothing more. His humbleness warms our Indian heart.

Hope this helps. All the best!