The passing away of former President, Bharat Ratna Dr Kalam is a deep personal loss for me. As President, he was immensely popular and greatly admired. His warmth, humility and simple ways endeared him to one and all. He had a special love for children and sought to constantly inspire the youth through motivational speeches and personal interaction. He will be long remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contributions as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationist and writer.
Read: Dr Kalam set up DRDO in Hyderabad: Satish Reddy
President Pranab Mukherjee: His achievements as leader of our defence research establishment vastly enhanced the safety and security of our nation. For his tireless services to the nation, he was honoured with numerous prestigious awards. In his passing away, we have lost a great son of India who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the motherland and its people.
A.R. Rahman: Dr Kalam, when you became the President, you gave the word ‘hope’ a new meaning for Indians... Today, we have lost a great leader who inspired our young minds to feel that we live in the greatest nation on earth and that each one of them can achieve great things... May the creator lead you to heaven.
Read: A huge loss: Dr Avinash Chander
M.K. Stalin: Dr. Abdul Kalam was a man of unparalleled sincerity, simplicity and intelligence. India has lost one of its greatest icons. #RIPDrAPJAbdulKalam
Suriya Sivakumar: You proved that birth doesn't define a person but vision and true spirit does. Paper boy, missile man to President. RIP Abdul Kalam Sir.
Read: He was a true patriot: Jayalalithaa
Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal Global Education Services: He has orbited the earth many times and now, he has gone on his final journey to the end of the universise. He will live in the hearts of Indians for a hundred years, for he brought happiness into our lives.
Dr Kalam had personally interacted with about 15 million children. He understood that while the past of this great country could not be remedied, the future will be brighter if we were to inspire the children. He visited the Akshaya Patra Foundation in 2003, where he made a very moving speech. We learned he was a man of very simple tastes, because when it was time for lunch, he said, koncho rice, koncho rasam and one sabzi.
