In Indian science and technology history, who is popularly known as the father of Indian missile technology?

Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge question asks about an important title in Indian defence and space history. Several scientists have played key roles in India's nuclear, space and missile programmes. The phrase father of Indian missile technology is widely used in media and textbooks to refer to a particular scientist whose leadership in missile development projects was especially notable.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked to identify the scientist popularly known as the father of Indian missile technology.
• Options include Dr. U.R. Rao, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Chidambaram and Dr. Homi Bhabha.
• We assume standard GK usage as found in competitive exam books.

Concept / Approach:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is universally recognised in popular and academic sources as the father of Indian missile technology. He was deeply involved in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and contributed to the development of missiles such as Agni and Prithvi. The other scientists listed have major achievements in related fields but different titles: for example, Dr. Homi Bhabha is called the father of the Indian nuclear programme, not of missile technology.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Consider option B, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He worked with ISRO and later with DRDO, leading missile projects and becoming a key figure in ballistic missile development. His work earned him the popular title father of Indian missile technology. Option A, Dr. U.R. Rao, was an eminent space scientist and former chairman of ISRO, known for satellite and space research rather than missile systems. Option C, Dr. Chidambaram, is associated with India's nuclear tests and atomic energy programmes. Option D, Dr. Homi Bhabha, is widely called the father of the Indian nuclear programme, with a focus on atomic research rather than missiles. Therefore, among the options, only Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam matches the given title.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify from standard general knowledge compilations that contain lists of fathers of various Indian scientific fields. These typically state: Homi Bhabha – father of Indian nuclear programme; Vikram Sarabhai – father of Indian space programme; A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – father of Indian missile technology. This clear categorisation confirms that Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is the correct answer to the question being asked.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because Dr. U.R. Rao is linked with satellite and space technology, not specifically with guided missiles. Option C is wrong because Dr. Chidambaram's main recognition is in nuclear science and atomic energy policy, not missile development. Option D is wrong because Dr. Homi Bhabha is associated with nuclear research and atomic energy institutions, not missile technology. Thus, these scientists, though highly respected, do not fit the specific title given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to confuse various titles, such as father of Indian space programme, missile technology and nuclear programme. Because all these scientists often appear together in exam preparation materials, it is easy to misassign titles. To avoid confusion, remember three key names: Homi Bhabha for nuclear, Vikram Sarabhai for space, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for missiles.

Final Answer:
The scientist popularly known as the father of Indian missile technology is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, so option B is correct.