We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.
'I still remember back in 1971, the night they both got the news that Dr Vikram Sarabhai had died at his hotel in Kovalam, and rushing off with tears in their eyes.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists over the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, capable of deploying multiple warheads.
A P J Abdul Kalam, 83, was a daring President who undertook a submarine sortie, flew Sukhoi jet, visited Siachen glacier.
Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar visits the site for former President Kalam's memorial.
Throughout its 155 minutes, every scene is doused in blaring background music and melodrama. Disappointment alone won't do, it must feel like a full blown catastrophe, observes Sukanya Verma.
A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities
The last Bharat Ratna award was conferred upon Pranab Mukherjee in 2019 and was posthumously awarded to Bhupendra Kumar Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh. The award was not given to anyone between 2020 and 2023.
Rediff readers wrote emotionally about the passing of Dr Abdul Kalam while others sent in pictures of chance meetings with this humble physicist who was always available with an easy smile and some gentle words.
'One thing about ISRO is that all the people who work there are passionate about their work.' 'They did not mind spending day and night over there.' 'Even today it is like that.'
'We will teach them about our idol Mohammad Sahab and all the great men of other religions as well -- about Shri Ram, Krishna, Yeshu, Bhagwan Mahavir.' 'We want children from the madrasas to become doctors, engineers, scientists, soldiers and walk in the footsteps of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.' 'That is why we have named the modern madrasas after Dr Kalam.'
The two ministers were lodged in a police bus as officials asked protesters at the ITO intersection, which is near the AAP and BJP offices, to disperse in view of prohibitory orders under section 144 imposed in the area.
The President, who is on a five-day visit to France and Greece, had earlier met the students of the International Space University in Strasbourg and also visited the European Parliament.
Till now, the maximum Bharat Ratnas were awarded in 1999 when four recipients were given the coveted award.
Former President A P J Abdul Kalam has become the latest personality to make foray into social networking site, Facebook, where he will share his thoughts on issues concerning the country's development and his interaction with various sections of people.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday came out in support of the candidature of A P J Abdul Kalam in the Presidential poll, saying he is apolitical and that it will be good if he is elected.
At President Kalam's Rameswaram home, his family hold a prayer ceremony of the eve of his first death anniversary.
President Pranab Mukherjee pays an emotional tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam
Abdul Kalam, probably India's most popular president yet, turns 72.
The Odisha government on Friday renamed the WheelerIsland in Bhadrak district as Abdul Kalam Island.
In Rameswaram, virtually every building and wall has a banner dedicated to him.
Former President A P J Abdul Kalam had congratulated a constable for remaining alert throughout the day, minutes before he collapsed at the Indian Institute of Management and died in Shillong on Monday night.
President Kalam was loved by the youth of India. Something evidenced by the mass of student volunteers who have arrived in Rameswaram to mourn and to help out other mourners who have arrived in the island town to pay their last homage to India's 'Missile Man.'
'The benchmark was set by Dr Sarabhai.' 'If there is a problem, everybody would be encouraged to come up with a solution.' 'The final solution will be the result of all the inputs.' 'This is passed on through time.' 'Even today, you see that nobody wants to take particular credit on a success.'
During the 35-minute meeting between the two, Kalam suggested the launch of an India-UN partnership for Afro-Asian development for providing urban amenities in rural areas.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kalam had left an irreplaceable void, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the Centre has decided to include Rameswaram in AMRUT by relaxing norms as a tribute to the former president.
'For showing us a shining vision of how even a ceremonial role can be infused with life by a patriot, a scientist and a humble man of the people, representing the best of India's pluralist ethos, we will remember Dr Kalam.'
'We were not protesting for a wage hike or provident fund. We were protesting for the safety of the larger population. There is no personal gain.'
Hailing the achievement of Indian Space Research Organisation scientists, Kalam told media-persons in Chandigarh that "they (ISRO scientists) have two major characteristics that is excellence in technology and creative leadership."
The agency may also inform the court about its requirement to confront Kejriwal with other arrested accused and witnesses including Bharat Rashtra Samiti leader K Kavitha, arrested last week, once they get his custody.
Late former President A P J Abdul Kalam may not have left behind any will and had asked his elder brother to take care of a small piece of property he owned.
'It is important to understand that the disability is not in the person.' 'The problem lies in societal attitude and the discriminatory treatment given to disabled people in our country.'
To share your Father's Day story (Father's Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16), just mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Father's Day) along with your name, the place where you live, your father's name and picture and your message about him.
Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam has proposed creation of "World Space Council" for global cooperation in the planning and implementation of space exploration and security missions.
'The more educated a young person is, the higher the chances of him or her remaining unemployed.'
Kalam, the first Asian to receive the honor that has been given annually since 1930 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers was feted at the Columbia University, the venue for the award ceremony that was attended by students and faculty members of the university, including two Nobel Laureates, as well as top Indian diplomats and members of the Indian American community.
Sports Ministry confirms Satwik, Chirag for Khel Ratna, Shami and 25 others for Arjuna award
'When you can use Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar's names why can't you use Dr Kalam's name?' 'The idea is to take Dr Kalam's vision to the people. Elections will come and go, but the vision will stand.'
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