New Delhi: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to Missile Man of India, former President and renowned scientist Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. This day holds special significance for all those who admire his contributions to India.
Furthermore, he called the late President’s life an enduring source of inspiration for all Indians.
The Prime Minister posted in Hindi on X:
“सुप्रसिद्ध वैज्ञानिक और पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डॉ. एपीजे अब्दुल कलाम जी को उनकी जयंती पर आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। उनका विजन और चिंतन विकसित भारत के संकल्प की सिद्धि में देश के बहुत काम आने वाला है।”
(“Respectful tributes to the renowned scientist and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ji on his birth anniversary. His vision and thoughts will greatly contribute to achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat,”)
In the post, PM Modi also shared a video showcasing various photos of both leaders together, in which he praised Dr. Kalam for embracing challenges.
“Two things came naturally to Abdul Kalam — ease and simplicity. There are two types of people in this world: those who look for opportunities and those who look for challenges. Abdul Kalam always sought challenges,” the Prime Minister said, emphasising how this characteristic defined Kalam’s life.
PM Modi further remarked on Dr Kalam’s unique achievements, noting how rare it was for someone to become a “Rashtra Ratna” (Jewel of the Nation) before assuming the role of Rashtrapati (President).
“This distinction speaks volumes about the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Abdul Kalam,” the Prime Minister added.
Reflecting on a personal memory, PM Modi recalled a moment when Dr Kalam was asked how he would like to be remembered.
“He simply replied, ‘I would like to be remembered as a teacher.’ This response not only showed his deep respect for teachers but also highlighted his unwavering convictions and lifelong commitments,” the Prime Minister noted.
PM Modi concluded by affirming the nation’s dedication to upholding the values imparted by Dr Kalam. “With Abdul Kalam’s blessings, we will strive to achieve the goals set by his teachings. This will be the greatest tribute to him,” he said.
A life well lived
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to a Muslim family.
An Indian aerospace scientist and statesman, he served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007.
He dedicated 40 years of his life to science and science administration, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Space Research Organisation. He was closely involved in India’s civilian space programme and military missile development efforts, and he became famous as the Missile Man of India for his work on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology.
He also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
Fondly called the “People’s President”, he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. In his lifetime, he received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83.
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–IANS & Mediaeye Inputs
