I landed Sukhoi-30: Kalam

Hyderabad, June 10 (UNI) President A P J Kalam, who created history and fulfilled his childhood dream of going supersonic by flying in Indian Air Force's (IAF) advanced multi-role Sukhoi-30 MKI combat aircraft at the Lohegaon base on June 8, today said that the Wing Commander Ajay Rathore was ''my teacher''.

Addressing industrialists at a programme organised by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) here, Dr Kalam said ''I landed the aircraft with the assistance of Mr Ajay through aircraft systemic aparture radar signals after climbing required altitude in the sky''.

I travelled on Arjun Tank along with the then Army Chief in Rajastan deserts under scorching 52 degree Celsius temperature in 1994 and spent five hours in submarine under the sea water '', the Missile Man said.

Calling upon the youth to join Defence Services and serve the nation, Dr Kalam said the parents should encourage their children to join the Force.

UNI AP JJ LS BD2004