HOMAGE  TO  ABDUL KALAM  Former President of  India - By  Staff of AUAUPS  Nelliikkunnu

NELLIKKUNNU—Former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of India’s most distinguished scientists and an architect of the country’s missile program, died on Monday. He was 83 years old.

Dr. Kalam served as India’s president, a largely ceremonial but prestigious position, from 2002 to 2007.

The appointment of an aeronautical and defense technology expert—known fondly as “Missile Man—rather than a politician to one of India’s highest political offices was seen at the time as unconventional.

His encouragement of students and promotion of a rapidly developing India made him a popular public figure during his tenure.

“The country has lost a man who served his country