India: Former president APJ Abdul Kalam, who came to be known as 'people's president' passed away after he collapsed during a lecture at IIM Shillong on Monday evening. Kalam, 83, former space scientist, also widely known as India’s missile man, was confirmed dead more than two hours after he was brought into the ICU of Bethany hospital in a critical condition.
Dr Kalam served as India’s president from 2002 to 2007. He played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. Kalam has been credited with helping develop his country's first space satellites. In the 1980s, he helped design the nuclear-capable 'Prithvi' and 'Agni' ballistic missiles. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna for his achievements. While in his 70s, Kalam was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award in 2003 and 2006. The Indian government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for the man known and loved across the country. The Union Cabinet will hold a special meeting in New Delhi today to condole Dr Kalam's death.
"Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.”
