Sonia pays tribute to Kalam on first death anniversary

New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday paid homage to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his first death anniversary, terming him a true humanist and "an ardent believer in unleashing India`s true potential".

"Dr. Kalam was a true humanist, a pioneering scientist, an ideal teacher and an ardent believer in unleashing India`s true potential," said Gandhi.

She also emphasized that Kalam will be remembered as the President who "established a rare bond between his office and common citizens".

"He will always be fondly remembered for his simplicity and as a person who established a rare bond between the Office of President and common citizens," she added.

While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died due to cardiac arrest on this day last year.