Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, saying that his thoughts continue to motivate the youth to contribute towards building a developed and strong India.
Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, Kalam earned widespread admiration for his simple lifestyle and non-partisan conduct, winning the respect of people and political leaders across the spectrum.
Paying rich tributes, PM Modi described Kalam as an “inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, mentor, and a great patriot.”
“On his death anniversary, paying homage to our beloved former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He is remembered as an inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, mentor, and a great patriot. His dedication to our nation was exemplary. His thoughts motivate the youth of India to contribute towards building a developed and strong India,” the Prime Minister said on his X handle.
PM Modi has long held Dr. Kalam in high esteem. On his birth anniversary last year, the Prime Minister praised Kalam’s unique accomplishments, noting how rare it is for someone to be regarded as a “Rashtra Ratna” (Jewel of the Nation) even before becoming the President of India.
Dr. Kalam remains one of India’s most respected scientists and national figures, remembered for his humility, commitment, and excellence. He played a key role in advancing India’s missile and defence capabilities, particularly through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which led to the development of the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
He also played a pivotal role in giving India its nuclear capabilities. In 1998, Kalam was one of the chief coordinators of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, during which five nuclear devices were successfully detonated at a test site in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Popularly known as the ‘People’s President,’ Kalam was passionate about inspiring youth and children. On July 27, 2015, he collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and was later pronounced dead from cardiac arrest.
BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda also paid tribute, calling Kalam’s life a remarkable story of struggle and success, and praising his unparalleled contribution to making India a nuclear-powered nation.
“I pay my heartfelt respects to the former President of India, great scientist, Bharat Ratna, and ‘Missile Man’ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary. Dr. Kalam’s life is a remarkable saga of struggle and success. He faced numerous obstacles but overcame them with unwavering determination and diligence to reach the highest office of the country. His unmatched contribution to making India a nuclear-powered nation is unforgettable. His thoughts and actions for national upliftment will always inspire us in our service to the nation,” Nadda wrote on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage, saying that Kalam’s life of simplicity, dedication, and patriotism continues to inspire the entire nation.
“Humble tribute to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, ‘Missile Man’, and Bharat Ratna, on his death anniversary. His life, full of simplicity, dedication, and patriotism, is a divine inspiration for the entire nation. His illuminating thoughts in the fields of science, education, and innovation will continue to enlighten us all,” CM Yogi wrote on X.
—IANS