Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the 11th president of our country. But the nation remembers him as a scientist; “The Missile Man”. Precisely the way, he wanted to be remembered. He is remembered as a man, who spent years serving his country, first at ISRO and then being responsible for the success of AGNI and PRITHVI missiles. When he served as the President, he came to be known as the “People’s President.” As the President, he once hosted 6000 famers, and later invited 250 policemen to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. But most of all, he enjoyed speaking to the young and talented; the students who would admire him in awe when he spoke about his “Vision 2020”, the year, he believed India would finally become a developed nation. He would never let go of an occasion, where he could spread his message of development across. This was evident on the day of his customary farewell speach as the President, when he turned turned a routine goodbye into a “I have a dream” address, laying down his vision of India by 2020. Though his election as the President was greated by many, the Left opposed citing him as politically naive. This could be seen when he wanted to run for a second term, even when he did not enjoy the support of the then UPA regime. Though politics was not his forte, it turned into his greatest advantage. His managed to restore the dignity of the House of the President, which was slightly brought down due to the political inclination of the previous residents.

Respects have flown in from all over the country on the anniversary of his death. The Defence ministry unveiled a life-size statue of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at Peikarumbu, his burial site in Rameswaram Island on Wednesday. Abdul Kalam memorial is to be opened at Dilli Haat today, which shall grant the general public an insight on the life of this great man.

Tweets have been flowing in from all over the country on this occasion. National leaders, offices, including the PMO have expressed their views through twitter.

WATCH: APJ Abdul Kalam death anniversary: Govt lays down memorial for ‘Missile Man’

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen “A. P. J.” Abdul Kalam remains to be the most loved President, India has had till date. And the country feels honoured to have let this man be its first citizen.