Nation mourns death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam died on July 27. He was admitted to a hospital following sudden illness. Kalam (84) took ill at a function here and was rushed to the hospital, M Kharkrang. The former President collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management here at around 6.30pm and was taken to the hospital.
Born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam studied physics and aerospace engineering. He served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007 and was awarded the nation's top civilian awards, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna.
Kalam spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime and the Secretary of the DRDO from 1992 to 199. The Pokhran II nuclear tests were conducted during this period.
He also wrote 14 books on various topics including India 2020 and Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds.
Respects pour in on Twitter:
Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APAJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) July 27, 2015Not a Hindu. Not a Muslim. An Indian has died. Salute and RIP APJ Abdul Kalam for being a great science leader, President, and human being
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) July 27, 2015Dr @APJAbdulKalam passes away. Declared dead at 7.45PM in Shillong. #RIPKalam
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) July 27, 2015R.I.P APJ Abdul Kalam. The nation salutes you!
— latha (@latasrinivasan) July 27, 2015APJ Abdul Kalam was one of our most popular Presidents ever. He deserved the title of the People's President.
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) July 27, 2015The day begins with terrorism; ends with the sad news of demise of Dr Abdul Kalam. Such a terrible day for India.
— Vinita Deshmukh (@VinitaDeshmukh) July 27, 2015RIP Sir APJ Abdul Kalam.....India's biggest lost everrrr!!!!
— Nazriya Nazim (@iamNazriya) July 27, 2015Dr Kalam lived by the song 18 till I die.. Forever young in thought and action.. RIP.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 27, 2015APJ Abdul Kalam's demise is a huge loss! He epitomised sheer selfless dedication towards the betterment of this world! Deeply saddened.
— Dr. Subhash Chandra (@_SubhashChandra) July 27, 2015In deep shock & anguish after hearing about the demise of a dear friend & one of the noblest human beings, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. RIP. (1/2)
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) July 27, 2015Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. He indeed was an inspiration for every Indian. Undoubtedly a big loss.
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) July 27, 2015An unforgettable story about APJ Abdul Kalam: Despite the President being allowed a multi-course meal, he'd prefer Sambhar-Rice in a tiffin.
— Sachin Kalbag (@SachinKalbag) July 27, 2015Sad to hear about the loss of our only peoples president - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Big loss to not just our nation but the whole world.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 27, 2015Fondly recall accompanying APJ Abdul Kalam on an official tour of Russia in 2005, where he was heralded as the Scientist's President. RIP
— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) July 27, 2015Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam was people's President. My homage to the great soul.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 27, 2015He brought a human touch to Rashtrapati Bhavan. APJ Abdul Kalam will be remembered for that in addition to his role in building our missiles
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) July 27, 2015India lost it's Missile Man today. RIP Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam. You will always be an inspiration for millions of ignited minds.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 27, 2015An eminent scientist, a visionary & an inspiration - Shri APJ Abdul Kalam will be missed by one and all. May his soul rest in peace!
— Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) July 27, 2015One of our finest Presidents.. RIP APJ Abdul Kalam ..
— Tisca Chopra (@tiscatime) July 27, 2015My heartfelt condolences for the demise of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam; undoubtedly we lost one of the greatest sons of India
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 27, 2015V sad to hear that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. Nation has lost a real bharat ratna.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 27, 2015We lost an Indian hero today. RIP APJ Abdul Kalam. You will always be an inspiration.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) July 27, 2015RIP Pres Abdul Kalam! Forever rmbrd as Missile Man who brought knowledge, dignity and Pride to the Presidency of India!
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@rajeev_mp) July 27, 2015Very sad to hear about President APJ Abdul Kalam. Unbelievable. Shocked. May he rest in peace.
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) July 27, 2015The nation mourns the loss of a great person (1/2)
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 27, 2015Former President of India, a renowned scientist, an inspiration to all, a terrific human being...RIP Dr. Abdul Kalam (2/2)
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 27, 2015A role model for so many, a visionary leader and a person with an indomitable spirit, RIP APJ Abdul Kalam Sir.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 27, 2015With deep sorrow & great grief I learned of the death of our former President @APJAbdulKalam - the people’s President & a proud Indian.
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 27, 2015His genius & love for kids will forever live in memories of generations to follow. My deepest sympathy to the family RIP #MissileManofIndia
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 27, 2015Sh @APJAbdulKalam passed awy doing wat he loved best-Teaching students.He'll live on thru his work,ideas,books & the generation he inspired.
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 27, 2015'People's President' @APJAbdulKalam was an inspiration, intellectual & incredible human being. We have lost a great Indian today. RIP.
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 27, 2015