The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has received a number of condolence messages from world leaders on the sad demise of former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Leaders who sent messages to the President include the Presidents of Singapore, Slovak Republic, Russia, Nepal and Afghanistan; the Fourth King of Bhutan, Sultans of Oman and Brunei and former President of Afghanistan, Dr. Hamid Karzai as well as former President of Singapore, Mr. S.R. Nathan.
The President of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin said, "Dr. Kalam rightly enjoyed high international authority as an outstanding scientist and a wise statesman.It is difficult to overestimate his personal contribution to social, economic, scientific and technical progress of India and in ensuring its national security.”
The President of Singapore, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam said "Dr. Kalam was deeply respected in India and internationally as a great scientist, an eminent statesman and visionary leader.As the people’s President, he worked tirelessly to better the lives of all Indians.Even after stepping down, he continued to inspire India with his sense of patriotism and single-minded dedication to promoting social and educational advancement.”
The President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav said "Dr. Kalam was a rare blend of ‘gyana’ and ‘karma’.He selflessly pursued knowledge and indefatigably disseminated it among the wider public.In his demise, Nepal has lost a true friend and India a great scientist, a leader and an established scholar.”
The Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck said "Dr. Kalam was an extraordinary human being, a great scientist and a visionary thinker who touched and inspired the people of India and all those who knew him.”
The President of Slovak Republic, Mr. Andrej Kiska said "Dr. Kalam will be remembered in history as an internationally respected statesman and an extraordinary personality who has significantly contributed to the scientific and social progress of contemporary India.”
This Press Release issued at 1530 hrs.