As India gets ready to bid adieu to one of its most popular president, often called the “People’s President” political bigwigs from all parties came together on Tuesday in a show of solidarity to pay homage to the “missile man” of India, APJ Abdul Kalam.
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After his presidential term ended, Kalam traveled to remote schools and colleges, speaking to students and inspiring them to follow their dreams. Abdul Kalam delivering key note address on “Strength Respects Strength”, at the 5th Admiral A.K. Chatterji Memorial Lecture, in Kolkata on April 11, 2015. “Suitably named “the People’s President”, Dr. Kalam’s humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world”, Obama said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also expressed deep condolences on the demise of the former Indian President.
His contribution to science, humanity and technology can not be elucidated ever.
Kalam, 83, died after suffering a heart attack while giving a lecture Monday.
“Dr. Kalam was a man of firm conviction and indomitable spirit and I saw him as an outstanding statesman of the world”. Since 2007, Kalam had been working towards the goal for an “economically developed India by 2020”. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India will observe seven days of state mourning. After that his body will be taken to his house. Abdul Kalam will be held in his hometown Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu following his family’s wish. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be among those attending it.
Modi, who addressed a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary party yesterday, paid glowing tributes to Kalam and said India had lost a “ratna (jewel)”. The author of several books such as Wings of Fire, India 2020 and Ignited Minds, used the phrase “Made in India”, to describe himself, as he never trained overseas. He was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, India. His character, commitment and inspirational vision shine through his life.
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Noting that Kalam was a unique personality who embodied rare intellectual brilliance and an undying scientific zeal, Ms. Mahajan said he worked his way to become the driving force behind India’s space and missile programmes.
