Kalam was people's President: Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi, July 27: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday condoled the death of A P J Abdul Kalam and said the nation has lost a great son who was people's President during his lifetime and shall remain so even after his death.

In his message to the nation on the demise of Kalam, the President said, "I pay respectful homage to my late departed friend Kalam."

Terming the death as his personal loss, the President said Kalam was immensely popular and greatly admired.

"His warmth, humility and simple ways endeared him to one and all. He had a special love for children and sought to constantly inspire the youth of our country through motivational speeches and personal interaction," Mukherjee said.

He said Kalam will be long remembered for his passion for science and innovations and his contributions as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationists and writer.

His achievements as the leader of India's defence research vastly enhanced the safety and security of of the nation.

"For his tireless services to the nation, he was honoured with numerous prestigious awards," the President said.

"In his passing away, we have lost a great son of India who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the motherland and its people.

"Dr Kalam was a people's President during his lifetime and will remain so even after his death," he said.

PTI