Abdul Kalam, the people’s president’s demise disturbed the entire country or in that sense, the entire world.
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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several other leaders will also attend Kalam’s last rites on Thursday. “That was my chance, where I might have met him and I think it’s my loss”, she said.
His sister pawned jewellery with a moneylender so that the studious Kalam could have Rs. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had sent word that she is unwell and can not attend.
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has called Kalam another Mahatma as he feels “blessed enough” to have lived during a time that had a “mahatma” like former president A P J Abdul Kalam.
The three services chief also paid their respects to their former Supreme Commander.
A profound moment of grief rent the air as the body was brought out from the “House of Kalam” after family members gave a wash to the body and offered prayers, before it was taken to the nearby mosque for the final prayers.
Tributes have been pouring in from home and overseas to pay respects to the country’s “missile man” whose life inspires countless Indians. The Lead India team will continue its efforts to make his dreams into a reality, Mr. Eppanapally said, who worked very closely on the Lead India 2020 Movement with His Excellency Dr. Kalam.
Modi, who arrived by a special helicopter at nearby Mandapam, drove to this island town in his bullet-proof auto amidst tight security. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and scores of other senior government officials were present at the funeral.
Mr Kalam – who was India’s 11th Head of State from 2002 and 2007 – died suddenly while giving a university lecture.
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Kalam received several prestigious awards, including Bharat Ratna, India’s top civil honor conferred by the government. Saleem said Kalam’s body would be kept near the town’s main bus stand to enable people to pay their last respects. “May his soul RIP”, she had posted on Twitter while paying tribute to the former Indian President.
