Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, highlighting his life as an example of hard work and perseverance. He described Kalam as a “Rashtra Ratna” before he became “Rashtrapati” and said his legacy will continue to inspire the nation.
Kalam, born in a poor family in Rameswaram, sold newspapers to support his family. He later became a leading aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India. Known as the “Missile Man of India,” he contributed significantly to India’s missile and nuclear programs, including the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
PM Modi shared a video tribute on X, calling Kalam a visionary who inspired young minds to dream big. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised his contributions to science, defence, and technological innovations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described him as a true patriot and an inspirational leader who empowered the youth and strengthened India’s self-reliance.
Other leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also paid homage. They remembered Kalam’s simplicity, integrity, and dedication to nation-building, emphasizing his vision of a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous India.
