His journey as one of India’s tallest leaders began at ISRO, where he led a team of young scientists to achieve path breaking success in space technology, leading up to the launch of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) which successfully put the Rohini satellite in orbit in 1980.

After a two decade stint with the ISRO, he took up the challenge of defending our nation by heading the Indigenous Guided Missile Programme at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Under his guidance, his team was successful in arming India with cutting edge missile systems. The people of India lovingly called him – ‘Missile Man’.

As the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and Secretary, DRDO, he led India’s charge to becoming a Nuclear Weapon State with Pokhran II the successful nuclear tests conducted in May 1998. His role with the government changed when he was invited to serve as its Principal Scientific Advisor with the rank of Cabinet Minister.

And on 25th July 2002, the boatman’s son took over as the 11th President of India. In the five years that followed, he dedicated his time in inspiring the youth of India to believe in a prosperous nation through ‘India Vision 2020’ and to bring about rural prosperity through PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas).When he demitted office, the people of India said goodbye to a man who had truly made a difference and they then called him – ‘People’s President’.

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