Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi paid tributes to the 11th President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Saturday, October 15, on the latter’s birth anniversary. October 15 is celebrated as World Students’ Day across the world, honouring Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who is also known widely as the Missile Man of India.

“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,” the Indian Prime Minister wrote on Twitter commemorating the former President’s 91st birth anniversary.

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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Pamban Island, Rameswaram, Madras Presidency, the modern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He went on to become one of India’s brightest-ever minds and wrote many inspiring books. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015, while he was delivering a speech at IIM Shillong, Meghalaya.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam became India’s 11th President between 2002-07 and was often referred to as the People’s President.

PM Modi was joined by Union Minister of Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju, who also paid tribute to the former President on Twitter. “Tributes to Bharat Ratna, the Missile Man of India, Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. His contributions to the field of atomic energy have strengthened our national security & his thoughts continue to be the beacon of inspiration for all Indians,” Rijiju wrote.

Union Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar also paid tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as he recalled their interactions and the latter’s humility and commitment. The minister posted a photo of himself with Kalam on Twitter and mentioned that the former President’s vision and foresight are guiding the current generation to move toward the India of his dreams.

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“Humble tributes Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. Fondly remember his disarming humility and unwavering commitment in our many interactions. His vision and foresight guide us in moving forwards towards an India of his dreams,” he tweeted.

Other Union Ministers, Rajnath Singh (defence), Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (health), Piyush Goyal (commerce, textile) and others also paid their tributes to the Indian great on Saturday.