APJ Abdul Kalam was truly a People’s President, inspiring millions with his indomitable spirit and a true example of Active Ageing. Till the last day of his life, he was travelling, speaking to the youth and living the life he preached. A man with deep rooted values, he always emphasized on the importance of the joint family. On Oct. 1st 2003, speaking at a HelpAge function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said, “On the International Day of Older Persons, it is only appropriate that we continue to remember and show our gratitude to our elders, whose debt we can never repay.” He died after a massive cardiac arrest on July 27th, 2015, while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He was 83. Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor, for his achievements.
