Abul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kallam usually known as Dr. APJ Abdul kalam was the eleventh President of India ( from 2002 to 2007 ) . APJ Abdul Kalam was born on 15 th October 1931 at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu Although he was born in a poor family he was an exceptionally brilliant child. His father Jainulabdeen was a boat owner who ferried Hindu pilgrims at the Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu. His father was also an imam at the local mosque and his mother Ashiamma was a housewife. Je started working at a young age. He sold tamarind seeds and newspapers to support his family. After completing his schooling at the Rameshwaram Elementary school kalam went to attend saint Joseph college in Tiruchirappalli. The college was affiliates to the University of Madras from where he graduated in physics in 1954. He specialised in aero Engineering from Madras institute of technology ( MIT). Dr. Abdul kalam was a great scientist. He was made the chancellor of the Institute of space science and technology. He worked in Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) in 1958 and then joined Indian space research organisation ( ISRO) in 1963. He made significant contribution to Indian sayellits and also in the missile programme of DRDO as a Project director of SLV-III , he contributed to the development and management of India first indigenous sayellits launch vehicle .