Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, known as “People’s President,” passed away on July 27, Monday, leaving the entire nation to mourn.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, aged 83, was wheeled into the Bethany Hospital’s ICU in a critical condition, after he collapsed due to a massive cardiac arrest, during a lecture to the students at the IIM in India’s northeastern city of Shillong, The Time reported.
The Government of India has declared a seven-day national mourning until Aug. 2, with both the Houses of Parliament adjourned after paying tribute, as a mark of respect.
On July 28, Tuesday, by afternoon, his body was carried from Guwahati to New Delhi by a special aircraft, to be received by the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the chiefs of all three military branches.
“Dr Kalam was a national treasure first and a President later. Dr Kalam’s personality was special, his life inspires us, it inspires the youth,” NDTV quoted PM Modi as saying.
Leaders from all over the world like Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak, former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also added their condolences via social media.
First as a scientist and aeronautical engineer from Madras Institute of Technology for more than four decades, who played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, and then as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007, Dr Kalam was one of the most beloved and iconic leaders in India. He was the first occupant of India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan to connect with the people, specifically with the younger generation through the means of internet.
Even after his presidential term, Dr Kalam received hundreds of emails from young people seeking his advice. He has been travelling to remote schools and colleges to inspire students to follow their dreams. The author of several books such as Wings of Fire, India 2020 and Ignited Minds, used the phrase “Made in India,” to describe himself, as he never trained abroad.
Dr Kalam, during his visit to the IIM Shillong, had planned a surprise assignment for the students to find out innovative ways to end disruption in Indian Parliament.
“He had told me to prepare a surprise assignment question for the students which would be given to them at the end of the lecture,” Srijan Pal Singh, who was with Dr Kalam on his last day said.
The former President has decided to add the topic of disruptions in Parliament in the next book “Advantage India” which is to be released between September and October.
Last rites for the People’s President will be performed in his hometown Rameswaram, after the public tribute at his residence in Delhi at 10 Rajaji Marg.
When asked about his last wish, Singh said Dr Kalam wanted a billion smiles on a billion faces in India. Though he is no more with the people of India, his inspirational sayings will be with them forever and inspire them to get to great heights.
“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work,” Dr Kalam once said.