A sea of tributes have come pouring in after news of the tragic passing away of former President and Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam on Monday evening.
Dr. Kalam was one of India’s most respected visionaries along with being one of the world’s best nuclear scientists. Dr. Kalam was delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong before he collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest. He would have been 84 this October.
Dr. Kalam worked as a scientist and science administrator at Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). He was closely involved in various space programs and was termed as the ‘Missile Man of India’. He also played a key role as operational in-charge of the 1998 Pokharan-II Tests before serving the country as President during 2002 to 2007.
A lot of people remember him as the man who transformed the Indian presidency during his tenure by making the Rashtrapati Bhawan much more accessible.
Here is a collection of tweets from politicians, journalists, movie heroes and administrators alike as condolences came pouring in as soon as the tragic news came in this evening:
Dr. Kalam was a people’s President during his lifetime and will remain so even after his death #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) July 27, 2015
India mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful President & above all an inspiring individual. RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2015
Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam was people’s President. My homage to the great soul.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 27, 2015
Kalamji ws not merely the President but a role model & an ideal citizen to every Indian: Arun Jaitley on Abdul Kalam pic.twitter.com/syEiaf9Dam
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2015
Science Wizard,Brilliant academician & a Human Being par excellence,India’s MissileMan,Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s sad demise has ended an era. RIP
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) July 27, 2015
I guess this is what passes for an official announcement. https://t.co/hOecFUBl2b
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 27, 2015
I had the opportunity to interact with PresidentKalam on many ocasion.He was like an innocent young boy full of curiosity&love for knowledge
— shahid siddiqui (@shahid_siddiqui) July 27, 2015
I worked very closely with Dr. Kalam as PM and I greatly benefitted from his advice as Pres of our country: Former PM Manmohan Singh
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2015
Former 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, 2015
A man who ‘ignited minds’, gladdened hearts & steered our Nation to glory. With profound grief my shraddhanjali to Dr. Kalam.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 27, 2015
Always my hero @APJAbdulKalam #RIP He was more than Special. Salutations.
— sangeeth sivan (@sangeethsivan) July 27, 2015
So sad to know about d passing away of Dr. Abdul Kalam. It is a loss not only for India but for d entire world. Such greatness is a rarity.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 27, 2015
House where Dr. APJ Kalam was Born in 1931 in Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram .He came from a Modest Background #RIP pic.twitter.com/e7po3QbtA4
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) July 27, 2015
So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack & now the news of Dr. Kalam’s demise. May Allah bring peace upon all.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 27, 2015
Very, very sad news. I had a special bond with Kalam ji. He was one of India’s favorite sons and one of my favorite people. A very sad day
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 27, 2015
Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
#RIP pic.twitter.com/syrcReEUMN
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 27, 2015
सपने वो नहीं होते जो आप सोने के बाद देखते हैं, सपने वो होते हैं जो आपको सोने नहीं देते – डॉ अब्दुल कलाम
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 27, 2015
Dr Kalam was a learner all his life. He breathed his last learning..and inspiring. A rare life who served in a rare way from a rare place
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) July 27, 2015
RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Sir..!! You will always be an inspiration for millions of ignited minds. :’( pic.twitter.com/JkSSBu0Fj7
— GarbageBin (@GarbageBinGags) July 27, 2015
“We are all born with a divine fire in us.” – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam #RIPDrAbdulKalam pic.twitter.com/qyjoGMwvKt
— Malwinder ਸਿੰਘ✒ (@malwinder25) July 27, 2015
Deeply saddened at the passing away of DrAPJ Abdul Kalam.A man of many parts-he won over the hearts&minds of a nation with his warmth&wisdom
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 27, 2015