President A P J Abdul Kalam on Friday spent his 73rd birthday with a packed schedule in Mysore, Pahalgaon and Ahmedabad.

The President began his day attending a national youth conference at the Suttur Mutt near Mysore attended by thousands of youths. Later, he addressed students of an orphanage.

Born in 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Bharat Ratna Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam assumed office of the President on July 25, 2002.

From a humble beginning, Kalam has had an unparalleled career as an aerospace and defence expert.

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As an eminent aeronautical engineer, he contributed to the development of India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV III and became the architect of the country's guided missile development programme that led to the nation testing nuclear weapons.

Friday's day's engagements include addressing functions organised by the Lions' Club and DRDO in Pahalgaon (in Karnataka). He will meet a group of 315 physically handicapped children.

Later in the day, he will travel to Ahmedabad, Gujarat where he will address an international energy conference and an international tourism seminar before returning to the capital in the night.

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