India mourns death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam

According to reports, the 83-year-old leader died due to a cardiac arrest.

Kalam breathed his last at the hospital where he was admitted after he collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong.

An eminent Indian scientist, Kalam had served as the 11th President of India. He had served the office of President from July 25, 2002- July 25, 2007.

In his last tweet, Kalam wrote: "Going to Shillong.. to take course on Livable Planet earth at iim. With @srijanpalsingh and Sharma."

Kalam left millions of Indians teary eyed as the country, including political leaders, posted their reactions and memories on various social networking sites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death and tweeted: "India mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful President & above all an inspiring individual. RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam."

"Dr. Kalam…my mind is filled with so many memories, so many interactions with him. Always marvelled at his intellect, learnt so much from him," he said.

Modi said: "Dr. Kalam enjoyed being with people; people & youngsters adored him. He loved students & spent his final moments among them."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "The death of Dr. Kalam is an irreparable loss to this nation. He has left a big void hard to fill. I deeply mourn his death. RIP Kalam Sahab."

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley posted: "My condolences on the sad demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. We have lost an ideal citizen. May his soul rest in peace."

Union Minister Smriti Irani: "A man who 'ignited minds', gladdened hearts & steered our Nation to glory. With profound grief my shraddhanjali to Dr. Kalam."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal posted: "V sad to hear that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. Nation has lost a real bharat ratna."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Very, very sad news. I had a special bond with Kalam ji. He was one of India's favorite sons and one of my favorite people. A very sad day."

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi mourned Kalam's death and tweeted: "Death of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is a great loss to the country. He was a common men's President and an icon of the young generation."

Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje said: "Abdul Kalam ji's demise is huge loss for us all.Inspiration for generations, he'll live on forever in our hearts.May his soul rest in peace!"

Minister Of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore posted: "Science Wizard,Brilliant academician & a Human Being par excellence,India's MissileMan,Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's sad demise has ended an era. RIP."

"Smt. Sonia Gandhi has expressed deepest condolences at sudden demise of one of India’s iconic leaders & former President,Dr A P J Abdul Kalam," Congress tweeted.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was quoted as saying by the Congress: "Deeply saddened at the passing away of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam."

Former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav tweeted: "Deeply hurt at the sudden demise of Dr. Kalam.He will always be missed, an irepairable loss to nation. #RIPKalam."

Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel said: "Dr Kalam had rare feat of being a ppl's President who inspired youth until his last breath. Void caused by his demise is impossible to fill."

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah tweeted: "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."

BJP patriarch LK Advani told media: "May his soul rests in peace."

Apart from politicians, people from other walks of life also condoled the death of Kalam.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan said: "So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack & now the news of Dr. Kalam's demise. May Allah bring peace upon all."

Veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted:"Thank you Dr. Kalam for your wisdom, for your inspirational life, for your generosity, for your patriotism & for your teachings. #MyHero."

Singer Lata Mangeshjkar also mourned his death.

Actor Rishi Kapoor said: "R I P. Dr. Abdul Kalam,sir, you shall be missed and remembered."

Chess icon Viswanathan Anand tweeted: "RIP Shri Abdul Kalam. Till his last breath he inspired minds. A person with a great mind and kind heart."

Former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar said: "The nation mourns the loss of a great person. Former President of India, a renowned scientist, an inspiration to all, a terrific human being...RIP Dr. Abdul Kalam."