Union ministers and chief ministers on Thursday paid tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, remembering his contributions to India’s scientific advancement, defence capabilities and national development.
The leaders highlighted Kalam’s vision, dedication to public service and commitment to education and innovation, saying his legacy continues to inspire younger generations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Kalam as the “People’s President” and praised his role in strengthening India’s strategic capabilities while upholding democratic values.
In a post on X, Shah said, “Tributes to the People’s President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ji, on his Jayanti. Kalam Ji dedicated his rare scientific genius to making India a significant strategic power and upheld the highest democratic values as the President of India. The Missile Man of India will remain an ideal who will continue to inspire the younger generation to put their heart and soul into serving the nation.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Kalam, recalling his contributions to strengthening India’s self-reliance in the defence sector and promoting scientific thinking, self-confidence and a spirit of nation-building among young people.
“On the birth anniversary of former President of India and renowned scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, I pay my humble respects to him. His contribution to strengthening India’s self-reliance in the defense sector is unforgettable,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also remembered Kalam’s simplicity and close association with children and young people, saying his ideals and dedication to the nation would continue to inspire generations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also paid tribute to the former President, highlighting his enduring contribution to the country.
“Pay my tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary today. His vision, commitment & dedication for the nation continue to inspire,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy described Kalam as a pioneering scientist, visionary leader and widely respected President who devoted his life to advancing India’s scientific capabilities and inspiring young people.
“Paying heartfelt tributes to former President and Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Ji on his Janma Jayanti. A pioneering scientist, visionary leader and revered People’s President, Dr. Kalam dedicated his life in advancing India’s scientific capabilities and nurturing the aspirations of its youth. His unwavering faith in the power of knowledge, innovation and education continues to inspire generations to dream big and contribute towards a strong, progressive and self-reliant Bharat,” Reddy said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remembered Kalam’s contribution to strengthening India’s strategic capabilities and defence preparedness.
In a Hindi post on X, Adityanath paid tribute to the former President, describing him as a visionary of a strong India whose scientific knowledge and leadership helped enhance the country’s defence capabilities.
He said Kalam’s exemplary life would continue to inspire people across the country.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to Kalam, highlighting his emphasis on education and the importance of developing reading habits among young people.
“Honouring the former President and ‘Missile Man of India’, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam ji, on his Birth Anniversary! Maharashtra celebrates this day as Vachan Prerna Divas to encourage the habit of reading and gaining knowledge,” Fadnavis wrote on X.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan also remembered Kalam as a visionary scientist whose journey from a modest family in Rameswaram to becoming India’s President demonstrated the importance of education, perseverance and dedication.
In a post on X, Kalyan highlighted Kalam’s contributions to India’s indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle-III (SLV-III), the Agni and Prithvi missile programmes, the Pokhran-II nuclear tests and his Technology Vision 2020 initiative.
“Remembering Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Ji on his birth anniversary, a visionary scientist who rose from a humble family in Rameswaram to become one of Bharat’s most respected scientific leaders and its beloved People’s President. His journey exemplifies the power of education, discipline, perseverance and dedication.
From working as a young newspaper distributor to leading the development of India’s indigenous SLV-III launch vehicle, advancing the Agni and Prithvi missile programmes, contributing to Pokhran-II and championing Technology Vision 2020, he devoted his life to strengthening Bharat’s scientific capabilities and advancing its aspirations for development,” Kalyan wrote.
He also urged citizens, particularly young people, to uphold Kalam’s ideals of scientific temper, self-reliance, lifelong learning and dedication to national progress.
“His vision of a developed Bharat remains a call to action for every citizen, especially its youth, to dream with purpose, work with determination and contribute to nation-building. On his birth anniversary, let us honour his legacy by upholding the values he embodied: scientific temper, self-reliance, lifelong learning and unwavering commitment to the progress of Bharat,” the post read.
Kalam’s birth anniversary is also marked by educational institutions through programmes celebrating his commitment to students, learning and scientific innovation. October 15 is widely referred to as World Students’ Day in his honour.
Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most prominent scientists and public figures.
He served as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and earned widespread admiration for his simplicity, accessibility and close engagement with students.
Kalam began his professional career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1960 before joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
At ISRO, he led the Satellite Launch Vehicle-III (SLV-III) project, which played a crucial role in establishing India’s capability to launch satellites using an indigenously developed launch vehicle.
He later made significant contributions to the country’s missile development programme, particularly through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which supported the development of missile systems such as Agni and Prithvi. His work earned him the title “Missile Man of India”.
Kalam also played a key scientific and organisational role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 while serving as scientific adviser to the Defence Minister.
In recognition of his contributions to science, technology and national development, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1997.
Beyond his achievements in science and public life, Kalam remains widely remembered for his advocacy of education, innovation and youth empowerment, encouraging students to pursue ambitious goals and contribute to India’s development.
(IANS Inputs)
