Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the renowned missile scientist who played a stellar role in advancing India’s nuclear programme, died on Monday after collapsing at an event in Meghalaya. His body was flown to Guwahati in Assam this morning and will be brought to Delhi by a special aircraft.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all three service chiefs will receive his body at the airport.
Dr Kalam, 83, collapsed after a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong last evening.
The government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for the man known and loved across the country as the  People’s President.
The Union Cabinet will hold a special meeting in New Delhi today to condole Dr Kalam’s death. His funeral is likely to be held in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where he was born.
Paying tribute to Dr Kalam last night, PM Modi had said, My mind is filled with so many memories, so many interactions with him. Always marvelled at his intellect, learnt so much from him.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation.
Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998.
While in his 70s, he was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award in 2003 and 2006.
Dr Kalam’s last tweet, posted on Monday morning, Going to Shillong.. to take course on Livable Planet earth at iim.
