Final farewell to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): The funeral of the “Missile Man” was attended by a galaxy of leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who placed a wreath, offered his final salute and stood in silence in front of Kalam’s body that was draped in national flag. He also went around the casket with folded hands. The PM later went up to Kalam’s eldest brother 99-year-old Mohammed Muthu Meeran Lebbai Maraicker, who was seated nearby, and offered his condolences.

Congres vice-president Rahul Gandhi also paid his last respects to Kalam, who died of cardiac arrest in Shillong on July 27. Besides some foreign dignitaries, several leaders, including Tamil Nadu governor K. Rosaiah, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, his Cabinet colleague M. Venkaiah Naidu and state finance minister O. Panneerselvam, were present.

Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad and chief ministers of Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh Siddaramaiah Oommen Chandy and Chandrababu Naidu and CPM veteran V.S. Achuthanandan were also among those who paid their homage.

The three services chief also paid their respects to Kalam their former supreme commander.

Earlier, a large number of teary-eyed mourners swarmed the carriage carrying his mortal remains and briskly moved with it on the last journey of the 83-year old scientist. Condolences poured in from the country and across the world, paying respects to the affable man who endeared himself to the masses with his simplicity.

Tight security, including deployment of Naval, Coast Guard and Marine police personnel in the sea around the town, was put in place in view of the convergence of several dignitaries. A large number of mourners were seen perched on roof-tops and trees both near his house and the burial ground to catch a glimpse of the late leader, who rose from humble beginnings. Kalam had his initial schooling here.

Municipal authorities had laid a special approach road to the place of burial for facilitating movement of the carriage and VIPs. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had expressed her inability to attend the funeral citing health reasons. Mr Modi, who arrived by a special helicopter at nearby Mandapam, drove to this island town in his bullet-proof car amidst tight security.

Earlier, as part of the last rites for the departed soul, a ‘Namaz-e-Janaza’ was held here with the ‘Aalin’ or chief priest reading out prayers, which was later repeated at the burial site.

The state government was represented by senior ministers, including Mr Panneerselvam.

TN government had announced a public holiday on Thursday, with state-run liquor outlets and bars closed as a ‘mark of respect’ for Kalam, who served as the president of the country from 2002-07. Kalam had received several prestigious awards including Bharat Ratna, and played a crucial role when India tested its nuclear weapons at Pokhran in 1998. People swarmed the town to see-off their favourite ‘Kalam Sir’ on his final journey.