“We have not invaded anyone. We have not conquered anyone. We have not grabbed their land, their culture, their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them.”

Indian aerospace engineer and science administrator

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace engineer and science administrator who served as president of India from 2002 to 2007. He is remembered for his role in public life and for his work in science and defence technology. In 1997, he received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for his contribution to scientific research and the modernisation of defence technology in India. His public voice often reflected his work in science, service, and national development.