Image
Abdul Kalam was 'Rashtra-Ratna' before a 'Rashtrapati: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 15 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as one who was a 'Rashtra-Ratna' before a 'Rashtrapati.'
He was speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Kalam, at DRDO Bhavan in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister said that a memorial for Kalam would be built at Rameswaram, to inspire future generations.
He said, "While most people look for opportunities in life, Dr. Kalam always sought fresh challenges to overcome."
Modi recalled how he worked closely with Kalam during the post-earthquake reconstruction work in Kutch.
Recalling that Kalam wished to be remembered as a teacher, the Prime Minister said that, "The former President was well-aware of the importance of nurturing future generations."
He said that on the birth anniversary for Kalam, "we must explore how we can encourage innovation in India."
The Prime Minister mentioned several vital sectors where innovation was essential, including cyber-security, housing for all, river-linking, enhancing agricultural productivity, blue economy, and zero-defect, zero-effect manufacturing.
He said that Kalam had not only risen himself, from humble beginnings to the highest office in India, but had also built great institutions, virtually from scratch. He said all of us should draw inspiration from his example.
Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a statue of APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDO Bhavan. He opened and witnessed a photo exhibition titled – “A Celebration of Dr. Kalam’s Life.”
PM Modi also released a commemorative postal stamp on Kalam.
Union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Harsh Vardhan were present on the occasion.
Top Headlines
-
News
Operation Trashi: Encounter breaks out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, terrorists trapped
May 22, 2025
-
News
Panic grips passengers as Srinagar-bound IndiGo flight faces hailstorm turbulence, lands safely but with broken nose
May 22, 2025
-
News
India expels another Pak High Commission official, asks him to leave country within 24 hours
May 22, 2025
-
News
India rejects Pakistan's allegations on New Delhi's involvement in Balochistan school bus blast
May 21, 2025
-
News
Trump reveals plan to create USD 175 billion 'Golden Dome' system
May 21, 2025
-
News
Russia must end war it started: Zelenskyy writes on X after speaking with Trump, European leaders
May 19, 2025
-
News
'Russia, Ukraine will immediately start negotiations for ceasefire': Donald Trump after call with Putin
May 19, 2025
-
News
Pakistani nationals protest outside Indian Embassy in Portugal, diplomats give strong message
May 19, 2025
-
News
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for 'espionage', travelled to Pakistan ahead of Pahalgam attack
May 19, 2025
-
News
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admits India's missile launch on Nur Khan airbase
May 17, 2025
