Kalam condoles Chandra Shekhar's death,says big loss to nation

New Delhi, July 8 (UNI) Condoling the passing away of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said the country had lost a person who contributed greatly to nation building.

In a letter to the former Prime Minister's son Pankaj Singh, Dr Kalam said Chandra Shekhar was a veteran parliamentarian, secularist and socialist, known for his conviction to principles.

His services to the nation -- as a Prime Minister, parliamentarian and administrator -- would always be remembered, the President said.

Conveying his condolences to the members of the late Prime Minister's family, Dr Kalam said, ''In his passing away, the country has lost a personality who contributed to nation building.'' UNI