Former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s Body Brought to Delhi

GUWAHATI: The body of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who died on Monday in Meghalaya, has been brought to Delhi from Guwahati in Assam. The three service chiefs were present at the airport, where a guard of honour was held.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to arrive.

Dr Kalam, 83, collapsed after a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong last evening.

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for the man known and loved across the country as the “People’s President”.

Dr Kalam’s funeral will be held tomorrow in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where he was born.

Both houses of Parliament adjourned today as a mark of respect for the popular president. The government has said that people can pay tribute at Dr Kalam’s residence in Delhi this afternoon.

Paying tribute to Dr Kalam last night, PM Modi had said, “My mind is filled with so many memories, so many interactions with him. Always marvelled at his intellect, learnt so much from him.”
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation.”
Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna for his achievements.

While in his 70s, he was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award in 2003 and 2006.