CM Revanth Reddy pays tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on birth anniversary
Synopsis
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy honoured former President and Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, 15 October, praising his scientific contributions to India's defence and space programmes and his enduring message of dreaming and perseverance to the nation's youth.
Key Takeaways
Revanth Reddy posted a tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, 15 October 2026 .
Kalam was the 11th President of India (2002–2007) and a Bharat Ratna awardee (1997), central to India's missile and space programmes.
The tribute highlighted Kalam's contributions to India's defence, space research, and science-and-technology sectors .
Kalam's famous quote — 'Dream... and strive relentlessly to realise those dreams' — was cited as a guiding message for crores of young Indians .
Annual tributes on 15 October have become a national civic tradition, with student-focused programmes held across states.
On the birth anniversary of one of India's most beloved scientist-statesmen, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy offered heartfelt tribute to former President and Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday, 15 October 2026, honouring a legacy that continues to inspire millions of young Indians.
The Chief Minister's Office of Telangana posted the tribute in Telugu, describing Kalam as 'deshaam garvincha dagina goppa shastravettha' — a great scientist the nation is proud of — and celebrated him as a symbol of 'unparalleled intellectual power' and 'the embodiment of simplicity.' The post quoted Kalam's celebrated exhortation: 'Dream... and strive relentlessly to realise those dreams,' calling it a guiding light for crores of young people even today.
The scientist who became the 'People's President'
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, but his identity was always inseparable from science. As one of the principal architects of India's missile development programme — earning him the informal title 'Missile Man of India' — and a key figure in the country's space and nuclear research, Kalam occupied a rare place in public life where scientific achievement met genuine mass affection. The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, was conferred on him in 1997.
CM Revanth Reddy's tribute specifically highlighted Kalam's contributions to India's defence, space research, and science-and-technology sectors, calling them 'eternally memorable.' That framing reflects how the anniversary is observed nationally — not merely as a personal commemoration but as a moment to reaffirm the value of scientific ambition in public life.
October 15 and India's annual tribute to a youth icon
Every year on 15 October, Kalam's birth anniversary, state governments, educational institutions, and political leaders across the country organise student-focused programmes and issue public remembrances. The day has acquired its own civic rhythm in Indian public life — a moment for leaders to speak directly to youth constituencies through the prism of Kalam's story. For a Congress-led state government in Telangana, invoking Kalam — a figure who transcends party lines — carries universal resonance, particularly with students and young voters.
Kalam's message, simple and repeated across decades of public speaking and his widely-read books, remains his most durable legacy: dream boldly, work persistently, stay humble. It is a message the Chief Minister's Office chose to place at the centre of its tribute today.
Point of View
Offering a rare non-partisan moment where the Congress-led Telangana government can speak directly to youth and student constituencies without ideological friction. Revanth Reddy's choice to quote Kalam's 'dream and work' maxim — rather than dwell only on his scientific record — reflects a broader political instinct to tie governance to aspirational messaging. The fact that Kalam, a figure claimed affectionately by both the political left and right, continues to generate consistent official remembrance sixteen years after his death underlines how rare it is for a public servant to achieve that kind of post-mortem consensus. For the Telangana government, the tribute is also a low-cost, high-visibility signal to the state's large student population ahead of any future electoral cycle.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 15 October celebrated in India?
15 October is the birth anniversary of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam , born on this date in 1931. It is observed across India with student programmes and official tributes honouring his contributions to science and his role as a youth motivator.
What is APJ Abdul Kalam famous for?
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is famous for his pivotal role in India's missile development programme , earning him the title 'Missile Man of India,' and for his contributions to India's space and nuclear research. He also served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 .
What did CM Revanth Reddy say about APJ Abdul Kalam?
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy described Kalam as a great scientist India is proud of, a symbol of unparalleled intellect and simplicity, and a source of inspiration for youth. He highlighted Kalam's contributions to India's defence, space, and science-and-technology sectors as 'eternally memorable.'
Who is A. Revanth Reddy?
A. Revanth Reddy is the Chief Minister of Telangana, heading the state Congress government since December 2023 .
What is APJ Abdul Kalam's famous quote about dreams?
One of Kalam's most cited quotes is: 'Dream... and strive relentlessly to realise those dreams.' This message, repeated across his speeches and writings, is widely regarded as his defining call to India's youth.
