APJ Abdul Kalam at 95: Leaders Remember the ‘Missile Man’ Who Inspired India to Dream Big

From helping build India’s space and missile capabilities to encouraging children to set their ambitions high, APJ Abdul Kalam left a legacy that extended far beyond the laboratories he worked in and the presidency he held.

On his 95th birth anniversary on Thursday, leaders across political parties remembered the scientist and former president for strengthening India’s technological self-reliance while remaining an accessible, reassuring presence for its young people.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were among those who paid tribute.

A SCIENTIST WHO STRENGTHENED INDIA

Shah recalled Kalam’s contribution to India’s strategic capabilities and his commitment to democratic values as president.

“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,” he wrote on X.

He said the “Missile Man of India” would continue to inspire younger generations to dedicate themselves to serving the country.

Rajnath Singh described Kalam’s contribution to defence self-reliance as “unforgettable”, while Jaishankar said his vision, commitment and dedication continued to inspire.

THE PRESIDENT WHO STAYED CLOSE TO CHILDREN

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the qualities that helped Kalam become known as the People’s President: his simplicity, warmth and willingness to spend time with children.

“Even after reaching the highest office of the President, Dr. Kalam’s simplicity and natural demeanor remained unchanged,” he said.

“Staying among children and youth, engaging with them, and encouraging them were such qualities of his personality that earned him a special place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.”

That connection was central to Kalam’s public life. Through school visits, conversations and books, he encouraged young people to pursue education, develop scientific curiosity and see themselves as participants in India’s future.

FROM RAMESWARAM TO RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

Pawan Kalyan recalled Kalam’s journey from a modest family in Rameswaram to the forefront of Indian science and, eventually, the presidency.

“His journey exemplifies the power of education, discipline, perseverance and dedication,” Kalyan wrote.

He highlighted Kalam’s early work distributing newspapers, his leadership in developing India’s indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle, his contributions to the Agni and Prithvi missile programmes and Pokhran-II, and his vision for national development.

“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,” Kalyan said.

Akhilesh Yadav also paid homage, remembering Kalam as a great scientist, former president and Bharat Ratna recipient.

A LEGACY OF SCIENCE AND POSSIBILITY

Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam served as India’s 11th president from 2002 to 2007.

As project director of SLV-III, he helped lead the development of the indigenous launch vehicle that placed the Rohini satellite into near-Earth orbit in July 1980. His subsequent work on missile development helped establish the reputation that earned him the name “Missile Man”.

His books, including Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds and India 2020, carried his ideas about ambition, perseverance and national development to generations of readers.

Kalam died on July 27, 2015. Thursday’s tributes returned to the example he left behind: a boy from modest circumstances who reached the country’s highest office and continued to urge children to imagine how far they, too, could go.

With inputs from ANI