IIT-Mandi bids farewell to ‘Missile Man’

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 28

The IIT today paid tributes to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a great scientist and former President, at Kamand near here. Prof TA Gonsalves, Director, IIT-Mandi, said they lost the Missile Man, the nation's simple-heart with beautiful mind and soul, who was an inspiration to an entire generation.

Dr Kalam was born in Rameshwaram on October 15, 1931. A bright student, his interest in flying led to a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and eventually to supervising the development of India’s guided missile programme. He was also the author of 10 books. His autobiography, “Wings of Fire”, written in 1999, had been among the best seller.

Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. One of the most loved Presidents, he was also known as the people’s President.