The nation on Monday, 27 July paid tribute to former President and celebrated scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary, honouring his transformative contributions to India's defence, space, and missile programmes. Dr. Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 while addressing students at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong — a fitting final moment for a man who dedicated his life to inspiring the young.

Amit Shah Leads Tributes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was among the first to pay homage, posting on X: 'Tributes to a visionary and architect of India's space & missile programmes Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ji on his Punyatithi. Dr Kalam Ji's excellence in the field of science lit India's path to becoming a formidable strategic power, and his wisdom illuminated millions of lives by inspiring them to achieve greatness. The People's President Dr Kalam Ji will always remain a role model for the patriots.'

Lok Sabha Speaker and UP CM Remember the Missile Man

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also marked the occasion, writing on X that Dr. Kalam was 'a visionary dreamer for a developed, self-reliant, and strong India.' Birla noted that his contribution in taking indigenous missile and space programmes to new heights 'is etched in golden letters in the history of Indian science.' He also invoked one of Kalam's most celebrated quotes: 'Dreams are not those that come while sleeping; dreams are those that do not let you sleep.'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered his own tribute on X, describing Dr. Kalam's role in giving India 'a new global identity in the field of defence and space science, along with making the nation a nuclear power' as unprecedented. 'His vision, simplicity, and dedication to national service are an inspiration for the youth,' Adityanath wrote.

The Legacy of the Missile Man of India

Fondly known as the 'Missile Man of India', Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 and was awarded the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1997. He was the principal architect of India's integrated guided missile development programme and played a central role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Kalam was celebrated for his extraordinary connect with students and ordinary citizens — a quality that earned him the affectionate sobriquet of the 'People's President.' He authored several widely read books, including Wings of Fire, which remains a staple of inspirational reading across India.

A Vision That Endures

Dr. Kalam's dream of a developed, self-reliant India — articulated in his Vision 2020 framework — continues to resonate in national policy discourse. His emphasis on science education, innovation, and youth empowerment has influenced generations of students, engineers, and policymakers. As India advances its space and defence ambitions through missions such as Chandrayaan and Agni missile systems, his foundational work remains deeply relevant.

On his 10th death anniversary, tributes from across the political spectrum reflect a rare consensus on Dr. Kalam's stature as a national icon who transcended partisan divides.