Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was elected as 11th President of India in 2002. The NDA government initially proposed Dr. Kalam’s name for the presidential post. However, he received support from both the ruling, and the opposition parties. The polling for the Presidential election began on 15th July 2002 in Parliament and the state assemblies. He won the election, getting 922,884 votes, thus defeating Lakshmi Sehgal, who got 107,366 votes.
Dr. Kalam succeeded K.R. Narayanan as the 11th President of India. He was the first bachelor and scientist to reside in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dr. Kalam was affectionately called the People’s President.
The nation honoured Dr. Kalam with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, in 1997 for his contributions to the field of scientific research, development and modernization of technology in the defence sector of India.
Kalam served as the President of India for five years, from 25th July 2002 to 25th July 2007.
Dr. Kalam never contested for a second term even though many Indians wanted him to do so.
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