Modi to attend Kalam funeral in Rameswaram

New Delhi: After the capital poured in to pay homage to late former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the mortal remains have been flown out of Delhi to Madurai in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday morning in an IAF aircraft, which will be further taken to Rameshwaram by helicopter, where the last rites will be performed.

Union ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Manohar Parrikar are on board the aircraft that is carrying Abdul Kalam’s body.

The funeral will be held in Rameswaram on Thursday at 11 am, where the former President was born.

 

Modi to attend funeral

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the funeral of former President.

“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,” PM Modi said on Tuesday.

 

Kalam’s biography in school curriculum

Condoling his demise, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said Kalam’s biography will be included in the state’s school curriculum.

“He was fond of Chhattisgarh. We have decided to include his biography in the textbooks so that the coming generations know about such a humble personality,” said Singh.

 

Putin’s condolences

Russian President Vladimir Putin condoled Kalam’s death, describing him as an outstanding scientist and a wise statesman.

Putin said, “It is difficult to overestimate his personal contribution to social, economic, scientific and technical progress of India and in ensuring its national security.” He added that, Dr. Kalam will be remembered as a “consistent exponent of closer friendly relations between our nations who has done a lot for cementing mutually beneficial Russian-Indian cooperation.”

 

‘Felt like crying’

Describing him as a humble person who achieved a lot in life, boxer L Sarita Devi said she felt like crying when she heard about his death.

“I am very sad. He was such a humble person and achieved so much. He inspired and motivated so many people. When I was going through this news, I felt like crying. I pray that his soul rests in peace,” Sarita Devi said.

 

(with inputs from ANI)