APJ Abdul Kalam: Missile Man’s Legacy Ignites Inspiration in 2025

 

Why This is Trending

On July 27, 2025, India marked the 10th death anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, reigniting global admiration for the Missile Man and People’s President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes, calling him an “inspiring visionary” on X, while new initiatives like the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Therapy Bay at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre and a biopic backed by his foundation fueled discussions. Viral posts on X celebrated his humility, with Salman Khan revealing his Tere Naam hairstyle was inspired by Kalam. Yet, polarized sentiments emerged, with some questioning his India-Israel ties during his tenure. His books, like Wings of Fire, continue to inspire millions, cementing his legacy.

Summary: APJ Abdul Kalam trends in 2025 for his death anniversary, new projects, and polarizing yet inspiring legacy.

Image Source: x. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Man.

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Recent Developments

On July 27, 2025, India commemorated Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s 10th death anniversary, with PM Modi paying tribute via X, stating, “Kalam’s contributions to science and nation-building remain unparalleled”. The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Tamil Nadu inaugurated the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Therapy Bay on July 22, 2025, honoring his contributions to healthcare innovation, including the Kalam-Raju Stent. The APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation announced support for a biopic, collaborating with Space Zone India on the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2, completed in 2024.

Salman Khan, on The Great Indian Kapil Show (June 21, 2025), revealed his iconic Tere Naam hairstyle drew inspiration from Kalam’s distinctive look, calling him “a true role model”. Meanwhile, October 15, 2024, marked World Students’ Day, celebrating Kalam’s birth anniversary and his passion for education, with X posts sharing his quotes like, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep”. However, controversy stirred on X, with some users debating Kalam’s role in strengthening India-Israel relations during his tenure as Scientific Adviser.

The Kalam Centre for Science and Technology (KCST) at Central University of Jammu saw its foundation stone laid in 2024, focusing on computational system security and sensors, reflecting Kalam’s vision for technological advancement. His books, including Ignited Minds and India 2020, remain bestsellers, with Penguin Books reporting a surge in sales in 2025.

Background & Biography

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (born October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu–died July 27, 2015, Shillong) was India’s 11th President (2002–2007), a revered scientist, and a cultural icon dubbed the Missile Man for his work on ballistic missiles and India’s space program. Born to a modest fishing family, Kalam overcame poverty to earn a degree in aeronautical engineering from Madras Institute of Technology (1960). He joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and later the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, where he led the SLV-III project, successfully launching the Rohini satellite in 1980.

Kalam spearheaded the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, developing Agni and Prithvi missiles, and played a pivotal role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, cementing India’s status as a nuclear power. As President, he championed Technology Vision 2020, a roadmap for India’s development through technology, agriculture, and education. Honored with the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and Bharat Ratna (1997), Kalam earned the title People’s President for his humility, often engaging with students and sharing stories at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He collapsed from a cardiac arrest while lecturing at IIM Shillong in 2015, leaving a legacy of inspiration.

Social Media Reaction

X erupted with tributes on July 27, 2025, for Kalam’s death anniversary. @AkashvaniAIR shared an archival feature, “The saga of a man who dared to dream!” with clips of Kalam inspiring students. @IndianExpress highlighted PM Modi’s tribute, garnering thousands of retweets. Fans posted quotes like, “If a country is to be corruption-free, three societal members can make a difference: father, mother, and teacher”. However, polarized views surfaced, with @fleurflakes claiming Kalam faced criticism for deepening India-Israel ties, while others lauded his apolitical stance. @Mr_Chhinra accused detractors of targeting Kalam’s Muslim identity, sparking heated debates.

The Tere Naam revelation by Salman Khan trended, with fans sharing memes of Kalam’s hairstyle alongside Khan’s iconic look. World Students’ Day posts on October 15, 2024, saw users sharing Kalam’s advice: “Excellence is a continuous process, not an accident.” His Rameswaram roots and veena-playing stories resonated, with X users celebrating his blend of science and spirituality.

Public Sentiment

Kalam remains a beloved figure in India, with his death anniversary uniting leaders and citizens. Sachin Tendulkar tweeted on October 15, 2024, “Kalam’s humble beginnings show us that dreaming big builds Wings of Fire,” reflecting widespread admiration. Students at IIM Shillong held a memorial lecture, sharing stories of Kalam’s visits, where he’d spend hours answering questions. In Rameswaram, his memorial at Pei Karumbu draws thousands, with visitors moved by displays of his missiles and personal artifacts.

However, X debates revealed tensions. Some criticized Kalam’s role in nuclear weaponization, arguing it fueled global concerns, while others praised his Pokhran-II contributions as vital for India’s defense. His Muslim identity and India-Israel ties during his 1992–1999 tenure as Scientific Adviser sparked polarized views, with supporters calling him a patriot who transcended religion. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu noted in 2025, “Kalam’s life showed science and spirituality can coexist,” capturing his universal appeal.

What Experts Are Saying

Harsha Bhogle, cricket commentator and analyst, called Kalam “a teacher who ignited minds,” emphasizing his role in inspiring youth. Patricia Mukhim, editor of Shillong Times, reflected on Kalam’s final moments at IIM Shillong, noting his dedication to students till his last breath. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO chairman, highlighted the KCST’s focus on cybersecurity, saying, “Kalam’s vision for technology-driven growth lives on”.

Biographer Arun Tiwari, co-author of Wings of Fire, told India Today, “Kalam’s simplicity masked his genius; he saw education as India’s greatest asset”. Sanjay Manjrekar praised Kalam’s Technology Vision 2020, noting its influence on India’s space startups like Skyroot. Critics, however, like Osman Samiuddin of Cricinfo, cautioned against romanticizing Kalam’s legacy, citing nuclear proliferation concerns, but acknowledged his role in inspiring rural India.

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FAQs: People Also Ask

1. Why is APJ Abdul Kalam called the Missile Man?
   Kalam earned the title for leading India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, developing Agni and Prithvi missiles at DRDO.

2. What was APJ Abdul Kalam’s role in Pokhran-II?
   He was a chief coordinator of the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, solidifying India’s nuclear power status.

3. What is World Students’ Day?
   Celebrated on October 15, Kalam’s birth anniversary, it honors his dedication to education and youth.

4. What are APJ Abdul Kalam’s famous books?
   Wings of Fire, India 2020, Ignited Minds, and My Journey are among his bestsellers, inspiring millions.

5. Where is APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial located?
   At Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, less than 1 km from Ramanathaswamy Temple.

6. What is the Kalam-Raju Stent?
   A low-cost coronary stent developed by Kalam and Dr. Soma Raju to make healthcare accessible.

7. Why did Salman Khan mention APJ Abdul Kalam in 2025?
   Khan revealed on The Great Indian Kapil Show that Kalam’s hairstyle inspired his Tere Naam look.

8. What new projects honor APJ Abdul Kalam in 2025?
   The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Therapy Bay and a biopic by his foundation were announced.

Closing: What to Watch Next

APJ Abdul Kalam’s 10th death anniversary in 2025 reaffirmed his status as India’s People’s President, with tributes, new projects like the Therapy Bay, and a biopic fueling interest. His Wings of Fire continues to inspire, while debates over his nuclear and diplomatic legacy persist. Watch for the biopic’s release and Kalam’s influence on India’s space startups as his vision for a developed nation endures.