Abdul Kalam death anniversary: Andhra Governor, CM honour 'People's President'
Synopsis
On the death anniversary of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Andhra Pradesh's Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and former Chief Minister united in tribute — a rare cross-party moment of reverence for the scientist-president whose vision of a developed Bharat still frames political rhetoric a decade after his passing.
Key Takeaways
Andhra Pradesh Governor S.
Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu paid tributes to Dr A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary, 27 July .
CM Naidu described Kalam as distinguished by 'simplicity, integrity, and humanitarian outlook' in a social media post.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan honoured Kalam as the scientist who strengthened India through ISRO and DRDO and as the 11th President of India .
Jagan Mohan Reddy also posted tributes, calling Kalam's contributions to nation-building and science timeless.
Dr Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 in Shillong while addressing students — ten years ago.
Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday, 27 July paid solemn tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, on his death anniversary. The state's top constitutional and elected leaders joined the nation in remembering the scientist-statesman widely celebrated as the 'People's President' and the 'Missile Man of India'.
Governor Nazeer's Tribute
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer recalled that Dr Kalam had dedicated his entire life to national progress through science, innovation, and education. The Governor said Kalam's vision and ideals would continue to inspire generations of Indians to come.
Chief Minister Naidu Remembers a Visionary
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu honoured Dr Kalam's immense scientific and technological contributions to the country. In a social media post, Naidu wrote: 'Distinguished by his simplicity, integrity, and humanitarian outlook, he was affectionately known as the People's President. I offer my respectful homage to this great visionary on this day.'
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's Homage
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, also the Jana Sena leader, offered an extensive tribute, describing Dr Kalam as an eminent scientist who strengthened India's space and defence capabilities through ISRO and DRDO, the 11th President of India, an inspiring teacher, and one of the greatest nation-builders of modern India.
Pawan Kalyan quoted Dr Kalam's celebrated words: 'Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.' He called on citizens to honour Kalam's legacy by nurturing young minds, embracing innovation, and serving the nation with integrity — efforts he described as the finest tribute to a man who dedicated every moment of his life to India's progress.
Opposition Leader Jagan Also Pays Respects
Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also posted a tribute, stating: 'His remarkable contributions to nation-building, science and technology continue to inspire generations. His vision and values guide us forever.'
Legacy That Endures
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as India's 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and was a key architect of India's missile and space programmes before entering the highest constitutional office. He passed away on 27 July 2015 in Shillong while addressing students — a setting that encapsulated his lifelong commitment to youth and education. A decade on, his legacy continues to shape how India imagines its scientific ambitions and the character of public service.
Point of View
Uncontested space in Indian public life, largely insulated from political polarisation. Yet the annual ritual of tribute also risks reducing a substantive scientific legacy to ceremonial rhetoric. A decade after his passing, the more meaningful question is whether the institutions he championed — ISRO, DRDO, and India's technical education ecosystem — are resourced and reformed in ways that honour his vision, not just his memory.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and why is he remembered as the 'People's President'?
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was India's 11th President, serving from 2002 to 2007, and a pioneering aerospace scientist who led India's missile and space programmes at DRDO and ISRO. He earned the title 'People's President' for his accessibility, simplicity, and deep connection with students and ordinary citizens throughout his life.
When did Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam pass away?
Dr Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 in Shillong, Meghalaya, while delivering a lecture to students at IIM Shillong. He was 83 years old at the time of his death.
What tributes did Andhra Pradesh leaders pay on his death anniversary?
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy all paid tributes on 27 July. Naidu and Pawan Kalyan posted their homages on social media, with Pawan Kalyan quoting Kalam's celebrated line: 'Dream, dream, dream.'
What was Dr Kalam's contribution to India's science and defence?
Dr Kalam was a key architect of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) at DRDO and played a central role in the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. He also contributed significantly to ISRO's satellite launch vehicle programme, earning him the sobriquet 'Missile Man of India.'
What award did Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam receive?
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1997 — recognising his exceptional contributions to science, technology, and national development.
