Kerala to observe one week mourning over APJ Abdul Kalam’s demise

Microsoft’s India-born CEO Satya Nadella and other members of corporate America have expressed their condolences on the sudden death of former president APJ Abdul Kalam, saying the “missile man” will continue to inspire the world with his courage, tenacity and vision. Abdul Kalam, who collapsed during the lecture at IIM Shillong and reportedly was brought dead at Bethany Hospital there.

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for Dr. Kalam, who played a stellar role in advancing India’s nuclear programme.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam rose from humble origins to become the President in the most unexpected manner during the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee after an all party consensus minus the left parties that saw him through in an election which he won handsomely.

As tributes continue, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will be attending the last rites of Kalam whose demise he described as a loss of “Ratna (gem) of Bharat”.

“As the people’s President, he worked tirelessly to better the lives of all Indians.

The number of remarks will also be shared with the former president’s family”, Mohammad Shahid Alam, second secretary at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News.

Several community leaders in the capital paid rich tribute to the departed former India President Dr. A.P.J.

The mortal remains of late Indian president Abdul Kalam reached his home town of Rameshwaram in the southernmost tip of India where he will be laid to rest tomorrow. At our last meeting, we discussed using SAARC as a vehicle for peace and economic prosperity.

In a series of tweets, Salman also condoled Kalam’s death and called him a “true inspiration”. “His contributions to the nation as a man of technology, a teacher and a leader will be deeply cherished by a grateful nation”, he said. Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar accompanied the body and were joined by their ministerial colleague Pon Radhakrishnan here.

It said Kalam was responsible for evolving policies, strategies and missions for many development applications and piloted India Millennium Mission 2020.