New Delhi: As the nation mourns the death of India's eleventh president APJ Abdul Kalam, the incumbent President of the country Pranab Mukherjee on Monday paid homage to him, stating he he will be admired long after his death.
Addressing the nation, Mukherjee said, “Dr Kalam was a Bharat Ratna and people's president. He was greatly admired and will remain so even after his death. We have lost a great son of India.”
"His warmth, humility and simple ways endeared him to one and all. He had a special love for children and sought to constantly inspire the youth of our country through motivational speeches and personal interaction," Mukherjee added.
Further, hailing Kalam's contribution to India, Mukherjee said, “Dr Kalam will be long remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contribution as a scientist, administrator, educationalist and writer. His achievements as the leader of India's defence research vastly enhanced the safety and security of of the nation. I pay my respectful homage to my departed friend.”
Kalam passed away on Monday evening after he suddenly fell ill during an event in Shillong.
The 84-year-old president breathed his last at 6:40 PM following a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong.
(With PTI inputs)
