RIYADH — Several community leaders in the capital paid rich tribute to the departed former India President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who collapsed during the lecture at IIM Shillong and reportedly was brought dead at Bethany Hospital there. Dr. Kalam has been the guest faculty at IIM Shillong for the last couple of years. His life was well led by example — of a great dedicated teacher — until the very end and no salute will be enough for this great son of India. On hearing the news every Indian in the Kingdom was saddened and remembered the great soul's achievements. Architect A.R. Saleem, president of Hindustani Bazme Urdu, said Abdul Kalam has left a legacy for the entire nation. He has led the nation with intelligence and fervor and made Indians proud. Known as “Missile man of India” he was loved by one and all from children to youth to the elders crossing all party lines. He was most humble president India ever had. He kept himself to serve the nation till his last breath. He will be remembered for his lasting service to the humanity. Abdulaziz Shamim, chairman, Deccan Cultural Association, paid homage and salute to the great services of the finest inspiring man. “May the Missile man's soul Rest In Peace.” Dr. Mohammed Ashraf, president, All India United Society, said he was saddened to hear about the loss of the People's President. A charismatic man, who with his humble nature, conquered the hearts of the nation.
Nothing can fill the void the demise of a remarkable leader, an inspiring teacher, a revered scientist, has left. The biggest tribute we can pay to him would be to fulfill his vision 2020 for India. Dr. Abdul Azeez, chairman Subair Kunju Foundation and RISA, condoled Abdul Kalam's sad demise and said, “It as an irrecoverable loss to the nation, the scientific world and also to the talented youth of our country.” Dr. Kalam always showered positive thoughts, new ideas to the younger generation till his last breath and encouraged them to become fruitful personalities with social commitment. “He was the only president who opened the Rastrapathi Bhavan to the common man. He built our space research to such a height making it comparable to that of the so called super powers.” Mohammed Farooqui Shabaz, senior manager at Bank Al Jazirah, felt deeply grieved by the sad news. He said, “Abdul Kalam was a man with profound knowledge, inspiration to entire nation, and his teachings and ideas will long live in our hearts. His death is an irreparable loss to our nation, which created a big void impossible to fill. We revere in the bright memory of him. May his soul rest in peace.” “We at NRI Forum Riyadh deeply condole the death of the people's President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India. The void he left cannot be filled in the years to come. He will continue to inspire millions not only in India but all over the world,” said Syed Akram Mohiuddin, president, NRI Forum Riyadh. Obaid ur Rahman, chairman, Bihar Foundation, said, “APJ was a great scientist and nice human being who contributed immensely in the field of science and technology and space. A source of inspiration for the whole nation, especially for the youth.” Syed Zia ur Rahman, CEO www.yahind.com, termed the death of India's missile man as great loss to the nation and said ‘The void created by his death can't be filled. His impressive leadership coupled with down to earth simplicity made him the most respectable leader. His books, proverbs, quotes, speeches and great thoughts will always remain as the source of inspiration to not only current generation but also future generations.”
