New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary on Saturday.

The Prime Minister recalled the contributions of Dr Kalam as a scientist and as a President who struck a chord with every section of the society.

Tributes to our former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He is greatly admired for his contribution to our nation as a scientist and as a President who struck a chord with every section of society. pic.twitter.com/vPwICWxA3u

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2022

From being the people's President to spearheading the development of the most significant Indian missiles, late President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam contributed to the development of the country in different spheres.

As an aerospace scientist, Kalam worked with India's two major space research organisations - Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

While, his work in the development and operationalisation of Indigenous guided missiles - AGNI and PRITHVI - earned him the title of the 'Missile Man of India.

Serving as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the then Prime Minister, Kalam played a major role in heading the Pokhran-II nuclear testing leading to him being known as the best nuclear scientist of the country at that time.

The nuclear testing under the supervision of Kalam during the period of July 1992 to December 1999 made India a nuclear-armed state.

Working jointly with cardiologist Soma Raju, the late President developed a cost-effective coronary stent 'Kalam-Raju Stent' which helped in making healthcare accessible to all.

For his work in the stream of science and politics, the 11th President was also awarded with India's highest civilian honour or the Bharat Ratna.

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Kalam breathed his last on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong when he collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest.