Rijiju pays tribute to Dr. Kalam on his death anniversary
Synopsis
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on July 27, 2026, paid tribute to former President and Bharat Ratna Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary, honouring his legacy as a visionary scientist and inspiration to generations of Indians.
Key Takeaways
Kiren Rijiju , Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, posted a tribute to Dr.
Abdul Kalam on July 27, 2026 , the former President's Punyatithi .
Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015 , while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong .
He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 .
Rijiju described Kalam as 'a visionary, an exceptional scientist and a true son of Bharat.' Kalam's birth anniversary, October 15 , is observed as World Students' Day globally.
Annual tributes reflect a consistent, cross-party pattern of honouring former presidents and national scientists in India.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday, July 27, 2026, paid tribute to former President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on his Punyatithi (death anniversary), calling him 'a visionary, an exceptional scientist and a true son of Bharat' whose ideals continue to inspire generations.
Context
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong. Each year, July 27 is observed as his Punyatithi, drawing tributes from political leaders, scientists, educators, and citizens across the country. Rijiju's post on X reflects this annual national tradition of honouring Kalam's memory.
In his post, Rijiju wrote: 'His life and ideals continue to inspire generations to dream big and serve the nation with dedication. His legacy will forever live on.' The tribute underscores Kalam's enduring resonance across party lines and generations.
Policy Backdrop
Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, having been elected by the electoral college. Before his presidency, he was a leading aerospace scientist who played a pivotal role in India's missile development and nuclear programmes. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 — India's highest civilian honour — in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to science and technology.
Popularly known as the 'Missile Man of India,' Kalam championed a vision of a developed, self-reliant India powered by science, education, and youth empowerment. His book Wings of Fire and his concept of Vision 2020 — a roadmap for India to become a developed nation — remain widely cited in policy and educational discourse.
Stakeholders and Impact
Kalam's legacy holds particular significance for India's scientific community, students, and young professionals, who regard him as a symbol of meritocracy and public service. His life story — from a modest background in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to the highest constitutional office — continues to be taught in school curricula and referenced in policy speeches as a model of aspiration and dedication.
Annual tributes from senior ministers such as Rijiju also serve to reinforce the government's messaging around science-led national development and youth inspiration, themes that find resonance in ongoing education and innovation policy discussions in Parliament.
What's Next
The next major milestone in the Kalam calendar is his birth anniversary on October 15, observed globally as World Students' Day — a designation that reflects his lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds. Educational institutions, government bodies, and civil society organisations typically mark the occasion with lectures, competitions, and outreach programmes.
Parliamentary sessions in the months ahead may see references to Kalam-inspired education or innovation initiatives, as legislators across the spectrum draw on his vision to frame arguments for investment in science, technology, and youth development.
Point of View
Reflecting Kalam's rare status as a figure who commands reverence across ideological divides. For the BJP-led government, invoking Kalam's legacy of science-driven nationalism and self-reliance aligns naturally with its own policy messaging around Atmanirbhar Bharat and technology-led development. The tribute also signals the continued political salience of Kalam's story — particularly his emphasis on youth empowerment — as the government navigates education and innovation policy ahead of parliamentary sessions. Such commemorations, while ceremonial in form, quietly reinforce the government's preferred narrative of India's scientific and civilisational ambition.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did APJ Abdul Kalam pass away?
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015 , while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong .
What is APJ Abdul Kalam's Punyatithi?
Punyatithi refers to the death anniversary in Indian tradition. Dr. Kalam's Punyatithi falls on July 27 each year and is marked by tributes from leaders, institutions, and citizens across India.
What awards did APJ Abdul Kalam receive?
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 — India's highest civilian honour — for his outstanding contributions to science and technology, particularly in aerospace and defence.
Which post did APJ Abdul Kalam hold as President?
Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 , having been elected by the electoral college. He is widely regarded as one of India's most beloved presidents.
Why is October 15 celebrated as World Students' Day?
October 15 , the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam , is observed as World Students' Day in recognition of his lifelong dedication to education, science, and inspiring young people across India and the world.
