Eulogies for the Missile man

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday saluted the achievements of India's Missile Man and called his guidance a driving force behind India's leap in defence technology.

Marking the 84th birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Parrikar highlighted the contributions of the Missile Man at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

"His sustain guidance has been the driving force behind Indians' leap in the defence technology. Dr. Kalam during his tenure as the scientific advisor to Raksha Mantri played an organisational and intensive technological role in conducting the Pokhran-II nuclear test. Dr. Kalam who served in ISRO had a successful stint as a project director of India's first satellite launch vehicle. One of the most luminous star in the history of president of India," said Parrikar.

"Dr. Kalam was a man of vision was always full of ideas aimed at development of the country. His perspective on important topics have been articulated by him in his book 'India 2020' which highlights the action plans that will help to develop India into knowledge, superpower by 2020. For Dr. Kalam India's true and biggest assets is its youth and its continuous stride to motivate them," he added.

The Defence Minister marked the journey of former president from a newspaper boy to a scientist, saying it has inspired every Indian to dream big and work hard.

Parrikar further added that, "It is pertinent to recall that Dr. Kalam was a great writer, had ignited millions of young minds trough his thought and influential writing. The true tribute to him is to fulfill his dream."

Bharat Ratna awardee Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015. He was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

Before becoming the President, Kalam had spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the DRDO and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).