​India mourns the demise of 'People's President'

“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s 11^th President who taught the youth of the country to weave beautiful dreams to attain success in life, passed away while delivering lecture at Indian Institute of Management Shillong on Monday evening.

Popularly known as ‘the Missile Man of India’, Kalam suddenly collapsed while delivering a lecture on 'Livable Planet' at the management institute. The 83-year-old was immediately wheeled into Bethany hospitals' ICU in a critical condition and was confirmed dead after more than two hours.

The country’s first bachelor President, who was a career scientist turned reluctant politician, ruled over a million hearts as he was one amongst the most respected people of the country.

Kalam was born and raised in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram; and after studying physics and aerospace engineering, he had spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the DRDO and ISRO.

He played a major role in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts, and that is why he was regarded as ‘the Missile Man of India.’ Kalam also played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests that was conducted in 1998. And for his stupendous work, he received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna which is India's highest civilian honour.

Soon after the news of Kalam’s passing away went viral, Twitter got flood with several mourning messages. Let’s take a look at how Twitterati bid adieu to their most beloved President who motivated one and all with his inspiring words:

India mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful President & above all an inspiring individual. RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2015

Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation.

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) July 27, 2015

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.A man of many parts-he won over the hearts&minds of a nation with his warmth&wisdom

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 27, 2015

Dr Kalam had many fans in J&K, especially amongst the youth in Kashmir which in itself was no small feat. Rest in peace sir & Godspeed.

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 27, 2015

T 1943 - A brilliant mind, a child like demeanour, simple caring and loved by all .. ex POI passes away .. PRAYERS pic.twitter.com/MvKnWx9Vty

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 27, 2015

An author , a teacher , a scientist and one of the best presidents India has ever seen ... RIP Dr. APJ Abdul kalam .

— Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) July 27, 2015

Former President of India, a renowned scientist, an inspiration to all, a terrific human being...RIP Dr. Abdul Kalam (2/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 27, 2015

India mourns the passing away of its most loved President,Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam:a true Bharat Ratna.Kids of our country will miss him the most.

— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) July 27, 2015

RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Sir..!! You will always be an inspiration for millions of ignited minds. :'( pic.twitter.com/JkSSBu0Fj7

— GarbageBin (@GarbageBinGags) July 27, 2015

A rare college day picture of the great Dr AJP #AbdulKalam..a man beyond religion boundary n made all to dream big! pic.twitter.com/FhRiray3gJ

— Ir.Kumar (@skumar176) July 27, 2015

We at Business Insider have created this unique platform for anyone who wants to pay homage to this the beloved Former President, APJ Abdul Kalam- the great leader, teacher, scientist and amongst many other things a visionary par excellence, even as he embarks upon his last journey. Click here to pay your respects.

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(Image credit: Varjan Narja)