The union cabinet met in the morning to formally pay tributes to Kalam who rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s leading scientists and later a popular president. Though, none has been finalized, as it is yet to be consulted with the elder broth of Dr. Kalam, APJ M. Maraikayar.
MR NARENDRA MODI, Indian Prime Minister, on former president A.P.J. “His invaluable contribution to India’s rise in the sphere of science and technology would be remembered forever by all”, she said.
Kalam died of cardiac arrest on Monday, aged 83, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management-Shillong.
Microsoft’s India-born CEO Satya Nadella and other members of corporate America too expressed their condolences on the sudden death of the former president, saying the “missile man” will continue to inspire the world with his courage, tenacity and vision.
The body of the “missile man” is expected to arrive here Wednesday afternoon and his remains will be buried at Pakarambu near Mandapam, about 12 km from here. Barely a month after assuming office, President Kalam visited riot-ravaged Gujarat over the objections of the government of the day. Since 2007, Kalam had been working towards the goal for an “economically developed India by 2020″.
A host of VIPs, led by the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister, also went to his Rajaji Marg residence and paid floral tributes to him.
Kalam received several prestigious awards, including Bharat Ratna, India’s top civil honor conferred by the government.
Abdul Kalam will take place with full military honours in his hometown Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on Thursday following his family’s wish, it was announced on Tuesday.
It was during the Beijing Forum at China in 2012 that Kalam, author of books like “Wings of Fire“, “India 2020″ and “Ignited Minds“, had first proposed the thought of how important is a livable planet earth.
Meanwhile, the US media highlighted his role in advancing India’s nuclear, space and missile programmes.
“Suitably named athe People’s President, his humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world”.
