Union ministers and chief ministers on Thursday, 15 October paid tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, honouring his enduring contributions to India's scientific advancement, defence capabilities, and national development. The day is also observed as World Students' Day, reflecting Kalam's lifelong association with education and the aspirations of young Indians.

Amit Shah and Jaishankar Lead Tributes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Kalam as the 'People's President' in a post on X, writing: 'Tributes to the People's President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ji, on his Jayanti. Kalam Ji dedicated his rare scientific genius to making India a significant strategic power and upheld the highest democratic values as the President of India. The Missile Man of India will remain an ideal who will continue to inspire the younger generation to put their heart and soul into serving the nation.'

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, 'Pay my tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary today. His vision, commitment and dedication for the nation continue to inspire.'

Chief Ministers and Union Ministers Join the Homage

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy described Kalam as 'a pioneering scientist, visionary leader and revered People's President' who dedicated his life to advancing India's scientific capabilities and nurturing youth aspirations. He added that Kalam's 'unwavering faith in the power of knowledge, innovation and education continues to inspire generations to dream big and contribute towards a strong, progressive and self-reliant Bharat.'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recalled Kalam's role in bolstering the country's strategic strength and defence preparedness, writing in Hindi on X: 'With your extraordinary knowledge, you bestowed new heights upon India's strategic strength and made a vital contribution to rendering the nation's defence system impregnable.'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis honoured Kalam's legacy by highlighting the importance of reading and education, noting that Maharashtra observes the day as Vachan Prerna Divas to encourage the habit of gaining knowledge.

The Life and Legacy of Dr Kalam

Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam rose from a modest background to become one of India's most celebrated scientists and public figures. He began his career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1960 before joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, where he led the Satellite Launch Vehicle-III (SLV-III) project — a milestone in India's indigenous space launch capability.

He subsequently steered the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, overseeing the development of missile systems including Agni and Prithvi, which earned him the enduring title 'Missile Man of India'. He also played a pivotal scientific and organisational role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, serving at the time as scientific adviser to the Defence Minister.

Kalam served as India's 11th President from 2002 to 2007, earning widespread affection for his simple lifestyle and deep engagement with students. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — in 1997.

World Students' Day: Kalam's Enduring Connection with Youth

Kalam's birth anniversary is recognised globally as World Students' Day, a designation that underscores his lifelong mission to cultivate scientific temper and independent thinking among young Indians. His presidential tenure was marked by a rare accessibility — he regularly met students, visited schools, and articulated a vision of an empowered, self-reliant India driven by knowledge and innovation. That legacy, leaders across the political spectrum affirmed on Thursday, remains as relevant today as ever.