Gurgaon mourns Kalam’s death

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have expressed deep shock at the sudden demise of former president A P J Abdul Kalam.

Recalling some memories of his association with the late president, Nair said Dr. Kalam had requested him to come to his house quite often, and he had tried to visit the former president twice, but couldn’t.

Crowds gathered on the road in many places, as the vehicle inched its way to Rameswaram, pleading with the driver to go slow so they could have a clearer view of the man, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a “jewel” the nation lost. Singh said that Kalam, who had sworn-in him as Prime Minister, was aware of the developments in the Congress party and the UPA in the run-up to the government formation then.

The body of Kalam, also a distinguished scientist and a teacher and popularly known as “People’s President’ and “Missile Man”, reached this Hindu pilgrim town, around 600 km from Chennai, in the evening. He refused to be defeated by circumstances”, he said. His mission of igniting minds has been impressive and inspirational for all.

“Afzal Guru had already read the news and seemed to be moved by the unprecedented gesture shown by Dr Kalam to his family”. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and India’s highest civilian honour – the Bharat Ratna-for his achievements.

A number of ministers namely Mahadev Naik, Ramesh Tawadkar, Ramakrishna Dhavalikar, Alina Saldanha and Pandurang Dhavalikar spoke about Dr Kalam and presented different facets of his life. “After the meeting with President Abdul Kalam, both Guru’s wife and mother met and gave him the details, as to how they were given a patient hearing”. “I did not have the privilege of seeing our mahatma Gandhiji, Kamaraj or poet Barathiyaar but was blessed enough to live admist Mahatma Kalamji”.

Kalam’s mortal remains were flown to Delhi from Guwahati earlier today. His positive attitude, hard work, modesty and sincerity left great marks on everyone’s hearts. “However, due to my health condition I am unable to undertake a journey”, she said.