Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was our extremely beloved President. He was a person genuinely loved and admired across India. Dr. Kalam is fondly remembered as a scientist and a teacher and for his contributions towards education.

Dr. Kalam ignited several young minds to think, innovate and serve. Recalling the former President on his birth anniversary in October 2015, PM Modi had said that Dr. Kalam wished to be remembered as a teacher and was well-aware of the importance of nurturing future generations.

Dr. Kalam was blessed with an extraordinary personality. He rose from humble beginnings to the highest office. Shri Narendra Modi has respected Dr. Kalam for years. Prime Minister Modi, paying rich tributes to him has said that Dr. Kalam was first a ‘Rashtra Ratna’ and then a ‘Rashtrapati.’

PM Modi quotes, “Dr. Kalam always wanted India to be one of the powerful nations, but not with only the prowess of weapons. He was of the opinion that a country’s image is not formed with its boundaries but how capable are it’s citizens.”

As the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi has had numerous opportunities to meet, interact and seek Dr. Kalam’s assistance at several occasions. Dr. Kalam also released Shri Modi’s book ‘Convenient Action’ in December 2010. PM Modi recalls, “Dr. Kalam’s guidance post Kutch earthquake is invaluable. He took note of the minutest situations and carved out ways of using technology and science to speed up rehabilitation and reconstruction processes.”

Here is the Prime Minister’s speech from birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in October 2015 where he sheds light on how the former President’s life can be an inspiration for all of us.