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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'Inspiring Visionary': PM Modi Pays Tribute To Dr APJ Abdul Kalam On His Death Anniversary
Last Updated: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was widely respected and admired by people from all walks of life and across political lines for his humble lifestyle and impartial approach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary. The Prime Minister said Kalam's thoughts motivate the youth of the country to contribute towards building a developed and strong India. Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote, 'On his death anniversary, paying homage to our beloved former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He is remembered as an inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, mentor and a great patriot. His dedication to our nation was exemplary. His thoughts motivate the youth of India to contribute towards building a developed and strong India." APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India between 2002-07. He was elected the President of India in 2002 with support from both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition. His presidency was widely seen as non-partisan, focused on youth empowerment, education, and innovation. He was popularly known as the 'People's President." He was widely respected and admired by people from all walks of life and across political lines for his humble lifestyle and impartial approach. Dr Kalam was also a key figure in India's nuclear weapons programme and played a leading role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998, under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. Dr Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015, at the age of 83, after collapsing during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. He died doing what he loved most—interacting with students and teaching. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, great patriot: PM Modi's homage to Abdul Kalam
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to APJ Abdul Kalam, saying his thoughts motivate the youths to contribute towards building a developed and strong India. Kalam served as the 11th President of India between 2002 and 2007. Known as the 'Missile Man of India', Kalam earned the respect and admiration of people and political parties across the spectrum for his simple living and non-partisan conduct. Paying rich tributes to Kalam, PM Modi said that he is remembered as an inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist and a great patriot. 'On his death anniversary, paying homage to our beloved former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He is remembered as an inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, mentor and a great patriot. His dedication to our nation was exemplary. His thoughts motivate the youth of India to contribute towards building a developed and strong India,' PM Modi wrote on his X handle. On his death anniversary, paying homage to our beloved former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He is remembered as an inspiring visionary, outstanding scientist, mentor and a great patriot. His dedication to our nation was exemplary. His thoughts motivate the youth of India to… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2025 PM Modi has held Kalam in high esteem. Last year, while remembering him on his birth anniversary, the PM remarked on his unique achievements, noting how rare it was for someone to become a "Rashtra Ratna (Jewel of the Nation)" before assuming the role of President of the Nation. Dr Kalam was one of India's most respected scientists and leaders and is remembered for his extraordinary, simple life and high work. He played a key role in developing India's missile and defence systems. His major contribution came through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which led to successful missiles like Agni and Prithvi. Kalam played a key role in giving India nuclear capabilities. In 1998, he was one of the chief coordinators of the Pokhran-II series of nuclear tests, in which five bombs were detonated at a test range in the town of Pokhran, Rajasthan. Kalam was called a 'people's president, and he loved inspiring and encouraging the youth and children. On July 27, 2015, Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong and was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest soon afterwards. BJP national chief and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, while paying his tribute to Kalam, said his life is a remarkable saga of struggle and success and his unparalleled contribution to making India a nuclear-powered nation is unforgettable. 'I pay my heartfelt respects to the former President of India, great scientist, Bharat Ratna, 'Missile Man' Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary. Dr. Kalam's life is a remarkable saga of struggle and success. He faced numerous obstacles in his life, but with his unwavering determination and diligence, not only overcame them but also reached the highest office of the country. His unparalleled contribution to making India a nuclear-powered nation is unforgettable. His thoughts and actions for national upliftment will always continue to inspire us all for service to the nation,' wrote Nadda on X. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to Kalam and said his life was about simplicity, dedication, and patriotism, which is a divine inspiration for the entire nation. 'Humble tribute to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, 'Missile Man', and Bharat Ratna, on his death anniversary. His life, full of simplicity, dedication, and patriotism, is a divine inspiration for the entire nation. His illuminating thoughts in the fields of science, education, and innovation will continue to enlighten us all,' CM Yogi wrote on X.
India.com
18-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pokhran 1974: India's first nuclear test was delayed by 5 minutes due to...
Representational Image/AI-generated Pokhran nuclear test: On May 18, 1974, exactly 51 years ago, India shook the world by conducting its first nuclear test at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range, deep inside the barren Thar desert in Rajasthan. Under Pokhran-I, codenamed the 'Smiling Buddha', India successfully detonated a nuclear fission bomb, joining a select group of elite nations with nuclear weapons capability. Why India's first nuclear test was delayed? A little known incident from the historic day of May 18, 1974 is that India's first nuclear test faced a delay of around five minutes. Let us find out why. According to details, while all preparations for the nuclear test were complete, and a scaffold was set up five kilometers away where top military officials and scientists were to witness the detonation. As the scheduled time started winding down, scientist Virendra Sethi was asked to inspect the test site for one final time. However, after completing the inspection, Sethi's jeep broke down, forcing him walk two kilometers on foot to reach the control room, due to which the test was conducted at 8:05 AM, a five-minute delay from its scheduled time of 8 AM. How India's nuclear dream became a reality? India becoming a nuclear power as early as 1974, less than three decades after independence, was a remarkable achievement by a country which was still marred by economic and food insecurity, fought multiple wars with its hostile neighbors, defied the US hegemony, and yet showed the resilience and fortitude to become a strong military power. Apart from the iron-willed leadership of Indira Gandhi– India's then Prime Minister– the Pokhran nuclear test was the fruit of seven long years of hard work by a team of brilliant nuclear scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, who worked tirelessly on developing India's nuclear capabilities. The 75-member team, which also included India's rocket pioneer Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, led by then BARC director Dr. Raja Ramanna, worked laboriously from 1967 to 1974 on India's top secret nuclear project, which culminated with the country's first nuclear test on May 18, 1974. Dr Kalam would later go on to lead India's second series of nuclear test under Pokhran-II in 1998. India's Iron Lady Indira Gandhi and the Pokhran nuclear test During a 1972 visit to BARC, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had reported given verbal permission to scientists to build a plant for nuclear testing. The whole operation was highly classified, and no country, not even the United States, was kept in the loop, till the day of test. India's surprise nuclear test infuriated the US who imposed a wave of sanctions on the country, including halting the export of nuclear material and fuel to India. But during this crucial hour, India found support from the Soviet Union (USSR), a staunch adversary of the US during the Cold War days. Indira Gandhi's stance on nukes differed from Shastri, Nehru Notably, India's top political leadership differed in their opinion about whether India should weaponize nuclear capabilities. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru maintained an ambivalent stance on the development of nuclear weapons, despite growing security concerns in wake of the 1962 India-China war, and Beijing's nuclear test at Lop Nur in 1964. Lal Bahadur Shastri, who succeeded Nehru as Prime Minister, also resisted domestic pressure for India to develop nuclear weapons, and instead attempted to secure security guarantees from nuclear powers during his 1964 UK visit. However, Indira Gandhi's stance on nuclear weapons are completely opposite to her predecessors, including her late father. After coming to power in 1966, Indira Gandhi essentially gave a green signal to BARC scientist to develop nuclear weapons capabilities, and ensured that the project was kept top secret, away from prying eyes of New Delhi's rivals, who could've attempted to sabotage the operation by any means possible. Ultimately, owning to Indira Gandhi's resolve, and the tireless hard work of our nuclear scientists, India conducted its first nuclear test on May 18, 1974, at the Pokhran Test Range in the remote Thar desert in Rajasthan.
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Mallikarjun Kharge extends greetings on 51 years of India's first nuclear test
New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday extended congratulatory greetings on the 51st anniversary of India's first nuclear test codenamed 'Smiling Buddha' near Pokhran in Rajasthan. He credited the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for the success of the operation despite many adversities. '51 years ago, India conducted its first Nuclear Test, code named 'Smiling Buddha' and became the 6th nation in the world to carry out such tests. Our scientists and researchers achieved this extraordinary feat through their ingenuity and dedication. We are deeply grateful to them,' Kharge posted on X. 'Indira Gandhi demonstrated exemplary and dynamic leadership, displaying remarkable courage even in the face of adversity, a legacy that endures,' the Congress leader said. On May 18, 1974, India became the sixth country to carry out its first nuclear test, shocking the entire world. A nuclear device was detonated in Rajasthan, near Pokhran, and the operation was code-named Smiling Buddha. The work for the nuclear test was approved by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1972, after which a team of scientists and other experts began working on the same at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The Pokhran-I test was conducted underground in the remote Rajasthan desert, earning it the name of 'peaceful explosion' since it was carried out for non-military purposes. India became the first nation to conduct a nuclear test and the sixth country in line to do so, apart from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). A team of 75 people, including scientists and engineers, worked on designing and developing the nuclear bomb. Follow this, India conducted its second nuclear test, known as Pokhran-II or Operation Shakti, in 1998 under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Recently, the tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian army in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has rekindled debates about nuclear weapons, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the nation would no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and will respond to any terrorist attack with strict and decisive action. (ANI)
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Nuclear Dawn: 51 Years Since 'Smiling Buddha' Changed India's Global Standing
Fifty-one years ago, on May 18, 1974, India silently yet dramatically altered the global power balance when it successfully detonated its first nuclear device beneath the sun-scorched sands of Rajasthan's Pokhran. This historic achievement made India the first nation outside the five permanent UN Security Council members to demonstrate nuclear capability. Codenamed "Smiling Buddha," the operation firmly established India's technological prowess, strategic independence, and national determination on the international stage. The Pokhran-I test was executed under extraordinary secrecy during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership. Just one day before the test, she authorized the final step with the simple directive to Dr. Ramanna: "Please go ahead. It will be good for the nation." This followed her initial approval of the project during a BARC visit in September 1972. A dedicated team of 75 scientists and engineers, under the guidance of Raja Ramanna, PK Iyengar, and Rajagopala Chidambaram, had worked meticulously on the project from 1967 to 1974. Their efforts culminated in success when scientist Pranab Rebatiranjan Dastidar pressed the firing button at 8:05 am on that fateful morning. The operation's codename drew inspiration from Gautama Buddha, with the test coincidentally occurring on Buddha Jayanti. Following the successful detonation, Raja Ramanna sent a cryptic message to the Prime Minister stating, "The Buddha has finally smiled." While India officially described the test as a "peaceful nuclear explosion," Raja Ramanna later clarified in a 1997 interview: "The Pokhran test was a bomb, I can tell you now... An explosion is an explosion, a gun is a gun, whether you shoot at someone or shoot at the ground." The international community responded swiftly by establishing the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a coalition of 48 nuclear supplier countries formed to regulate nuclear technology exports. India maintained nuclear restraint for 24 years before conducting five additional tests in May 1998 during Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These tests, which included a thermonuclear device, firmly positioned India as the world's sixth declared nuclear power. The 1974 test's legacy remains profound—it demonstrated India's scientific capabilities, established its strategic autonomy, and forever altered the nation's position in global affairs, effects that continue to resonate fifty-one years later.
