Khattar pays tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam on birth anniversary
Synopsis
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on October 15, 2026, paid tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, hailing the Bharat Ratna scientist and 11th President as an eternal inspiration for building an educated, empowered India.
Key Takeaways
Manohar Lal Khattar , Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, paid tribute to Dr.
APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, October 15, 2026 .
Kalam, born October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu , was a pioneering aerospace scientist known as the 'Missile Man of India.' He served as India's 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1997 .
October 15 is observed as World Students' Day since 2010 , marking Kalam's lifelong commitment to education and youth empowerment.
Khattar invoked Kalam's legacy as an inspiration for building 'an educated, empowered, capable, and glorious India.'
On the birth anniversary of one of India's most beloved public figures, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar offered his tribute to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Thursday, October 15, 2026, honouring the scientist-president whose life remains a guiding light for millions of Indians.
In his post, Khattar wrote — 'महान वैज्ञानिक, मिसाइल मैन, पूर्व राष्ट्रपति, भारत रत्न आदरणीय डॉ. ए.पी.जे. अब्दुल कलाम जी की जयंती पर कोटिशः नमन अर्पित करता हूँ!' — translating broadly as: 'On the birth anniversary of the great scientist, Missile Man, former President, Bharat Ratna, the revered Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, I offer my deepest salutations.' He added that Kalam's life, dedicated to the nation's upliftment, 'will always inspire all of us to contribute in every way possible to building an educated, empowered, capable, and glorious India.'The Missile Man who became the People's President
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. A pioneering aerospace scientist at ISRO and DRDO, he played a central role in India's civilian space programme and the development of ballistic missile technology — earning him the enduring title 'Missile Man of India.' He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1997, and went on to serve as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Unlike most occupants of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kalam was elected with rare cross-party consensus and remained, in public memory, not a politician but a dreamer in high office.World Students' Day and Kalam's enduring legacy in education
Since 2010, October 15 has been observed as World Students' Day — a recognition of Kalam's profound commitment to youth and education. He famously believed that the destiny of a nation was shaped in its classrooms, and that message has kept his birth anniversary alive as a moment for institutional reflection, student events, and public discourse on learning. Every year, political leaders across the spectrum mark the occasion, a testament to how completely Kalam transcended partisan boundaries. Khattar's tribute fits into that broader annual pattern — and reflects a consistent BJP emphasis on Kalam as an embodiment of self-reliance, scientific ambition, and national pride, values the party has long sought to associate with its governance vision.Point of View
Reinforcing themes of scientific nationalism and youth aspiration. For the BJP, invoking Kalam aligns neatly with its broader 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' narrative, connecting indigenous defence and space achievements to a larger civilisational ambition. The annual World Students' Day observance also quietly keeps education policy on the national agenda, even when no new announcement is made.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is October 15 celebrated as World Students' Day in India?
October 15 is observed as World Students' Day since 2010 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, honouring his deep commitment to education and the empowerment of youth.
What is APJ Abdul Kalam's connection to India's missile programme?
Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in developing India's ballistic missile technology through DRDO and ISRO, earning him the title 'Missile Man of India.' He was central to projects that built India's strategic defence capabilities.
When was APJ Abdul Kalam awarded the Bharat Ratna?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1997, several years before he became President.
Who is Manohar Lal Khattar?
Manohar Lal Khattar is India's Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, a senior BJP leader, and a former Chief Minister of Haryana.
Which number President of India was APJ Abdul Kalam?
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
