From the archive record
As per the convention, the 21 gun salute is one of the highest honours presented by the army to any dignitary. Dr.Kalam receives this honor on being chosen as the President of our country. From the boy who sold newspapers in Rameshwaram, to the man building satellites and eventually making nuclear bombs for the defence of India. Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, an aerospace scientist won the President of India's election in 2002 and swore as the 11th President of India, by beating his nearest rival Capt. Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal. An impressive ceremony was convened in the Central Hall of the Parliament on 25th July 2002. The oath of office was administered by the then Chief Justice of India, Justice B.N. Kirpal Dr. Kalam envisioned India to be a 'Developed' nation from the present day '