JOIN USChief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed shock over the sudden demise of former president A P J Abdul Kalam.
“Kalam, who was known as the people’s president, was loved by children and was an inspiration to young India. His popularity was so immense that Switzerland declared May 26 as Science Day.
Kalam’s Vision-2020 document stands testimony for the dream he nurtured for the country’s growth. His death has brought sorrow to the entire nation,” he has said in his condolence message.
BJP State president Prahlad Joshi said that Kalam’s death has created a big vacuum. “His wisdom will not be available to us anymore. Till his last breath he was working and exchanging views with students whom he had special love for. His simple living and visionary outlook was a role model to all. He was regarded as one of the finest presidents the nation had produced,” Joshi has said.
JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda, who was staging hunger strike in New Delhi, cancelled the same, following Kalam’s death. His son and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said that Kalam earned a special status for the country in the international community. “ We cannot think of another Kalamji - a great scientist, a visionary and a great administrator. Moreover, he was a great human being. Kalamji has left a vacuum in highest pedestal of Indian leadership, which, I doubt can be filled in near future.”
Governor Vajubhai Vala, in his condolence message, has said that the gates of Rashtrapathi Bhavan were opened for one and all during his tenure. “He loved kids very much and at the same time believed in the youth of the country. We lost a genius and modest person.”
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has termed Kalam’s death as a great loss for the country.
Former Union minister and MP K Rahaman Khan, in his condolence message, has stated that Kalam was one of the rarest leaders who commanded love, respect and was adored by everyone irrespective of their age and caste.