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New Delhi: While the Union government has announced a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect to former president APJ Abdul Kalam, it has also been clarified that all
government offices will remain open on Friday.
"Government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India at Bethany Hospital, Shillong at 1945 hours, today. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from July 27 to August 2, both days inclusive," an official statement said.
During the period of the mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all the buildings throughout the country where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
The date, time and venue of the state funeral will be intimated later, the statement said.
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Indian-Americans mourn death of former president APJ Abdul Kalam | Zee News
Washington: Indian-American community in the US joined the people of India in mourning the death of former president APJ Abdul Kalam, and said it was his "simplicity and humility" that endeared him to all.
"His simplicity, humility, and inspiring personality endeared him to all and he is the most popular president of India in recent times. He inspired millions of children and youth of the nation and gave motivational speeches across the country," President, Overseas Friends of BJP-US, Chandra Patel said.
Kalam, who would have turned 84 in October died after suffering a massive cardiac arrest during a lecture at the IIM Shillong yesterday.
"Dr. Kalam was indeed a people's President, and beloved child of India. All Indians across the world salute him for his invaluable contributions to India. His death is a tremendous loss to the nation and creates a big void that is hard to fill," Patel said.
North America Telugu Society (NATS) in a statement said, it is "deeply saddened" on the sudden demise of Kalam.
"Dr. Kalam had a special relationship with the Telugu land, spending a major portion of his life here," said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) in another statement.
TANA was a supporter of Kalam's Lead India 2020 movement.
"A P J Abdul Kalam has left a rich legacy to the people of India and an even richer legacy to the world," Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said.
"His love of nation and peaceful celebratory co-existence of multiple faiths are an enduring lesson of humility," he said.
India has indeed lost one of the iconic leaders of all time and the passing away of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has left a tremendous void, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, US, George Abraham said.
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APJ Abdul Kalam's family wants last rites to be held at Rameswaram | Zee News
Chennai: The
last rites of former president
APJ Abdul Kalam would most probably be held in his native town
Rameswaram as per the wishes of the family members, said a senior official at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district.
"A large number of relatives, friends, well wishers and common people have gathered at Kalam's house at Rameswaram," APJMK Sheik Saleem, the former president's grandson told IANS over phone.
Saleem is the son of Kalam's brother APJM Maraikayar.
"The central government normally would consider positively the wishes of the family members on matters like this. The government is yet to confirm the date on which the former president's body would arrive at Rameswaram," the official told IANS on Tuesday.
Temple town Rameswaram is around 600 km from here and falls under the Ramanathapuram district.
Kalam was born in Rameswaram and spent his poverty stricken childhood days.
According to the official, the central government normally would consider the family members wishes for conduct of last rites.
The central government is to inform the state government on the date on which Kalam's body would be sent to Rameswaram.
He said the family members are also discussing on the site where Kalam's last rites could be conducted.
According to the official, the administration is gearing up to make necessary arrangements as thousands of people would assemble at Rameswaram to pay homage to Kalam.
Kalam died on Monday evening in Shillong in Meghalaya.
He collapsed at the Indian Institute of Management-Shillong while giving a lecture to the students on "Livable Planet".
"Whether a person is related or not, Kalam is a good teacher to all. He taught human and family values. I have worked with in some of his projects for five years," Saleem said.
According to him, a large number of people have assembled at Kalam's house at Rameswaram.
IANS
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Day before death, Kalam enquired about elder brother's health | Zee News
Rameswaram: Former President
APJ Abdul Kalam had called up his family from
Shillong a day before his death to inquire about the health of his 99-year-old brother, Mohd. Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker.
Kalam's grand nephew Saleem said that Kalam had called the family members on July 26th evening and enquired about the health of his brother and others.
He had also stated that it was very cold in Shillong, where he breathed his last yesterday.
The late President's last rites will be performed here as per the wishes of his close relatives and the general public in the island city.
"It is the wish of not only our family, but the entire people of this island that his body should be brought and buried here," Saleem told reporters.
District officials were, meanwhile, inspecting a site near a mosque, adjacent to the Railway station for burying the former President.
His cousin Kasim Mohammed said a memorial should be built for him in Rameswaram.
All the shops in Rameswaram island remained closed as a mark of respect for the great leader.
Fishermen also decided not to go to the sea for the next three days to mourn his death.
Condoling the former President's death, Jamath President Abdul Hameed said Kalam was a mentor to the youths and taught them discipline and integrity.
Meanwhile, students in the city were seen lining up with candles to pay homage to Kalam.
About 5000 students of the St.Josheph College here, where Kalam pursued his B.Sc (Physics), took out a silent march to pay homage to the former president.
In Dindigul, his former professor Chinnadurai expressed grief over Kalma's death.
He said Kalam was a simple man, and for him country was first and foremost above all religion. He wanted to work for the people of the country.
Kalam's childhood friend Venkata Subramanian said he was saddened by his sudden demise.
He recalled that Kalam invited him for his swearing in ceremony. "The top position did not go to his head and nobody can say anything against him. Such a gem he was", he said in a voice choked with emotion.
Kalam, who had addressed students in Tamil Nadu some years ago, had asked children to be courageous.
"You know I was even dreaming of becoming a pilot... During my schooling in Rameswaram, an island, I was taught by a teacher about how a bird flies. There were 40 students. But I got up and candidly told the teacher that I have not understood it.
"Will you students do that", he had asked the children.
On not getting a positive reply, he had repeated, "Will you ask or you will not thinking the teacher might beat you. My teacher was an Gandhian and he did not mind it and taught me again. The teacher will teach you if you approach him," he had said.
PTI