On July 25, 2002, A P J Abdul Kalam took over as the 11th President of India. The humble, but outspoken scientist was not counted as one of the contenders for the top job. But internal dynamics of the ruling National Democratic Alliance saw Kalam pitchforked into the Presidential contest.

In this past year, Kalam has charmed everyone -- from kids to world leaders -- with his simplicity and direct approach. A high-octane energy level has seen the President travel to 23 states in the last 12 months. He hopes to travel to the remaining states by August. "It will be a record. No President has so far visited the entire country in just one year," a Rashtrapati Bhavan official says.

rediff.com revisits some significant Presidential moments.

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