New Delhi: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday paid tributes to former president A P J Abdul Kalam on his 90th birth anniversary, saying he will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to strengthening India’s defence and space capabilities.
Born on October 15, 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Kalam served as president between July 25, 2002 and July 25, 2007.
“Popularly known as ‘People’s President’, the eminent scientist will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to strengthening India’s defence and space capabilities.
“His visionary leadership, exemplary life and tireless service for the development of the nation will continue to inspire every Indian,” the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to former president A P J Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, saying he dedicated his life in making India strong, prosperous and capable, and will always remain a source of inspiration for the people of the country.
“Tributes to former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ji, known as the ‘Missile Man’, on his birth anniversary. He dedicated his life in making India strong, prosperous and capable. He will always remain a source of inspiration for the people of the country,” Modi said in a tweet in Hindi.
Kalam served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007 and earned the respect and admiration of people and political parties across the spectrum for his simple living and non-partisan conduct.
He is also credited with opening the doors of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the masses and came to be affectionately called the “People’s President”.
Kalam, who passed away in 2015, also earned the sobriquet “Missile Man of India” for his role in the development of the country’s missile programmes.
