Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam belonged to a modest background. In his early childhood. In his early youth, he even sold newspapers. Driven by a passion for aerospace, he pursued aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Overcoming challenges, he became a luminary in rocket and missile technology, inspiring millions with his life story.

He also wished to fly to handle a rocket and also mentioned in his memoire, My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions – “Over the years I had nurtured the hope to be able to fly to handle a machine as it rose higher and higher in the stratosphere was my dearest dream.”

But it remained a dream with the late president coming in ninth out of 25 candidates. Unfortunately, there had only been eight slots available.

From being called as the missile man of India for his work as aerospace scientist to the dedication for his students as a teacher, Kalam wore many hats.

Recognising his contributions, taking to X, PM Modi said, Heartfelt tribute to former President Dr. Apj Abdul Kalam, who was loved by the people for his humble behavior and exceptional scientific talent, on his birth anniversary. His incomparable contribution in nation building will always be remembered with reverence.