New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to former President Late APJ Abdul Kalam on his 88th birth anniversary and remembered his contributions to the country.

Taking to Twitter, along with a short video highlighting the key achievements of the former President, PM Modi said, "My heartfelt tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalamji on his anniversary. He dreamt of the India of 21st century, which was capable and then went on to give his exceptional contribution to the goal. His ideal life will keep on inspiring the people of the country. India salutes Dr APJ Abdul Kalamji on his Jayanti."

 

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh too remembered the former President and asserted that he continues to live on in the hearts and minds of the people of the country.

"Remembering former President of India and a phenomenal scientist, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. He was a people's President who would continue to live in the hearts and minds of the people of India. I bow to him on his Jayanti," Singh's tweet read.

 

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, better known as the "Missile Man of India", for his contributions towards the development of the country's missile projects was born on October 15, 1931, at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu.

In 2002, Dr Kalam became the 11th President of India and famously became the "People's President" for his friendly nature to one and all.

Dr Kalam was very dedicated towards teaching, and he always referred to himself as a teacher first.

The former President suffered a cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015 and passed away while giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.