New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered noted scientist and former president A P J Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary and paid tributes to him, saying his incomparable contribution to nation-building will always be remembered respectfully.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi state that the former president was loved by people due to his humble behaviour and special scientific talent.
अपने विनम्र व्यवहार और विशिष्ट वैज्ञानिक प्रतिभा को लेकर जन-जन के चहेते रहे पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डॉ. एपीजे अब्दुल कलाम जी को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। राष्ट्र निर्माण में उनके अतुलनीय योगदान को सदैव श्रद्धापूर्वक स्मरण किया जाएगा।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2023
President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
“President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” President Murmu wrote on X.
President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan pic.twitter.com/FQ4z7ZN7Wa
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 15, 2023
APJ Abdul Kalam: History
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram. He belonged to a modest background. In his early youth, Kalam did small works and even sold newspapers. Having passion for aerospace, he pursued aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Bypassing all the hurdles, he became a luminary in rocket and missile technology, inspiring millions across the world with his life story.
APJ Abdul Kalam: An Unfulfilled Wish
He also expressed his wish to pilot a rocket and mentioned in his memoir, ‘My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions,’ ‘Over the years, I had nurtured the hope to be able to fly and handle a machine as it rose higher and higher in the stratosphere. It was my dearest dream’.
But it remained a dream that haven’t fulfilled as the late president came in ninth out of 25 candidates. Unfortunately, there had only been eight slots available.
APJ Abdul Kalam: He Wore Many Hats
From aerospace scientist to the teacher to being called as the missile man of India, Kalam wore many hats.
APJ Abdul Kalam: The President of India
He was India’s President between 2002 and 2007 and was respected by all even opposition parties and termed as the “People’s President”. Even at a top position the zeal to meet with common people, especially, students, a habit he maintained after his tenure was over.
APJ Abdul Kalam: World Students’ Day
World Students’ Day is observed on October 15 to honor the academic and research contributions of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. While there have been claims of United Nations involvement, the day is mainly celebrated in India.