Tributes paid to Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on 102nd birth anniversar

New Delhi, May 13 (UNI) The nation today paid rich tributes to late President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on his 102nd birth anniversary.

The day is also commemorated as the "National Solidarity Day" in memory of the fifth President of India.

President A P J Abdul Kalam sent greetings on the occasion and a wreath was placed on behalf of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by Home Minister Shivraj Patil at the mausoleum of the late President, who was in office from August 24, 1974 to February 11 1977.

Dr Kalam, in his letter to the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Memorial Committee, said, ''Ahmed was an ardent nationalist, a freedom fighter and an able administrator who played an important role in the freedom struggle''.

''He represented our tradition of secular ethos. His selfless service, humanism and deep sensitivity will always be remembered,'' Dr Kalam said in his tributes.

The President also wished good luck to the committee which is organising a month-long campaign for national unity and integrity beginning today.

Diplomats from several countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran also paid floral tributes to Ahmed, who died in office on February 11, 1977. Two sons of the late President, Dr Parvez Ahmed, Chief Executive Office, Max Health (U.S) and Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, Judge Delhi High Court were also present.

UNI