APJ Abdul Kalam Death Anniversary: Today India marks the death anniversary of 11th President APJ Abdul Kalam also known as Abul Pakir Jainulabedin Abdul Kalam. A leader who wanted to 'build the earth worth living', and shared extraordinary camaraderie with children is being remembered for his contributions to the nation on his death anniversary.


Inspiration for kids


Known as the 'President of the common people', Kalam encouraged the youth of the country for research and innovation and made it a point to interact with students from various schools, colleges and seminars. In his programmes among the youth, Abdul Kalam used to say that 'people will remember us only when we can give a prosperous and secure India to the coming generation. The source of this prosperity will be economic prosperity and civilized heritage.


At the time of delivering a speech in Shillong from the stage, nobody had imagined it would be his last. In that speech, he not only expressed concern about humanity, but also expressed concern about the pollution concerns on the earth.


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Even as some consider Kalam as a successful scientist there is a section of people who praise his tenure as a President.


Kalam left an indelible mark


Kalam, who started his career as an aeronautical engineer, had such an indelible mark. He achieved great success while working in two big agencies of India, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).


Kalam played an important role in making India's first rocket SLV-3, while his role was also critical in the construction of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).


Kalam, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna, also made a significant contribution in making the first Indian-made missile Prithvi and then Agni. Kalam played a special role in India's nuclear test conducted in 1998.


Hailing from a poor family, Kalam used to distribute newspapers during school days to raise money for education. Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam belonged to a fisherman family. He was also given the name of 'Missile Man' for his role in the Indian missile program. He made a significant contribution to the development of indigenously made Agni and Prithvi missiles. Not only this, if the achievements of Kalam are written, then perhaps the time may fall short for the writers.


On 27 July 2015, President Kalam passed away leaving behind his incredible journey to inspire.


Here are APJ Abdul Kalam's inspirational quotes to follow:


You have to dream before your dreams can come true.


A dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.


You should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.


I was willing to accept what I couldn’t change.


Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.


Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.


If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.