“Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? Is it a legacy of our colonial years? We want foreign television sets. We want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology. Why this obsession with everything imported?”

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.