APJ Abdul Kalam Birthday: The 11th President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931. Today India and people across the globe are remembering the former President of the country on his the 87th birth anniversary. Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He came to be known for his contribution to the world of science and humanity. He is also fondly known as the 'Missile Man of India' for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.


In 2002, Kalam became the 11th President of India and one of the most amiable personalities in India, he is also recognized as the 'People's President'. He was honoured with prestigious awards such as Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, and Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.

Kalam died on 27 July 2015 at IIM Shillong while delivering a lecture to students. Kalam passed away minutes after delivering a lecture at the institute. Several celebrities and politicians took to Twitter to recognise his contributions to the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Nodi described him as a "wonderful motivator" and a great president. "An exceptional teacher, a wonderful motivator, an outstanding scientist and a great President, Dr Kalam lives in the hearts and minds of every Indian. Remembering him on his jayanti," Modi tweeted.

 Photo caption: Former Indian president Abdul Kalam addresses the "Energy Challenges in the Knowledge Based Economy" energy forum in Colombo on June 26, 2015. (AFP PHOTO)




On the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, here we remember his legacy through his wise quotes which inspired and encouraged millions of minds, from students to businessmen across the world, and they still do even three years after his untimely demise.

* 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 the perseverance to realise the great life. - APJ Abdul Kalam

 Photo caption: Then PM of India Atal Behari Vajpayee (R) accompanies scientist Abdul Kalam, father of India's missile programme, after a meeting at his residence 14 May. (AFP PHOTO)




* We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us! - APJ Abdul Kalam

* You have to dream before your dreams can come true - APJ Abdul Kalam

 Photo caption: APJ Abdul Kalam (L) talks to schoolchildren during his visit to the riot-torn city of Ahmedabad, 12 August 2002 as then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi (R) looks on. (AFP PHOTO)




* If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun - APJ Abdul Kalam

* Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident - APJ Abdul Kalam

 Photo caption: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (L) is congratulated by former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during the celebration of his 74th birthday in New Delhi on July 6, 2009. (AFP PHOTO)




* Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person! - APJ Abdul Kalam

* Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work - APJ Abdul Kalam

 Photo caption: India's top Nuclear scientist and scientific advisor to the Prime Minister Vajpayee, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (R) receives the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration from Sonia Gandhi, the opposition leader and Congress president in New Delhi. (AFP PHOTO)




* If four things are followed - having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance - then anything can be achieved - APJ Abdul Kalam

* You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear! - APJ Abdul Kalam

 Photo caption: An Indian school boy looks around as the children gather to make a portrait of the late former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam to mark the 86th anniversary of his birth in Chennai on October 13, 2017. - India's former president and top scientist Kalam, who played a lead role in the country's nuclear weapons tests, died in 2015. (AFP PHOTO)




* One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions - APJ Abdul Kalam