On Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to former President and distinguished scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his 94th birth anniversary. Dhami praised Kalam’s monumental role in transforming India into a nuclear-powered nation. In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, “On the birth anniversary of former President and great scientist, ‘Missile Man’ and ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Ji, who made an unforgettable contribution in making India a nuclear-powered nation, we offer our heartfelt tributes.” Dhami described Kalam’s life as a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and patriotism, emphasizing that his journey continues to inspire the nation. “Your life stands as an extraordinary symbol of struggle, commitment, and patriotism, motivating us to move ahead in the path of nation-building,” the post read.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered Dr. Kalam on his birth anniversary, calling him a visionary who encouraged the youth to dream big. In his post on X, PM Modi reflected on Kalam’s legacy, saying, “Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Ji on his birth anniversary. He is remembered as a visionary who ignited young minds and inspired our nation to dream big. His life reminds us that humility and hard work are vital for success. May we continue building the India he envisioned — one that is strong, self-reliant, and compassionate.”

Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931–2015), fondly known as the “Missile Man of India,” served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a modest family, he rose to prominence through determination and hard work. As Project Director, Kalam led the development of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite into near-Earth orbit in July 1980, placing India among the world’s elite spacefaring nations. He also played a pivotal role in advancing ISRO’s launch vehicle programme, especially the PSLV design, and spearheaded the development of the AGNI and PRITHVI missile systems, strengthening India’s self-reliance in strategic technologies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.