The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today condoled the demise of former President A P J Abdul Kalam and said in his passing away the country has lost one of her greatest sons.
In its condolence message, the RSS described Kalam as one of foremost scientists and a visionary who ignited innumerable minds, and said his life from obscurity as a small boy to the country’s President was a tale of extraordinary courage, determination, perseverance and the desire to excel.
“While sharing the deep sorrow with the entire nation over his death, which is an unsurmountable loss to our country, we express our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and pray almighty to bestow peace on the departed soul,” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Suresh (Bhayya) Joshi said in a statement.
They said Kalam, as a scientist, had made seminal contributions to the country’s defence preparedness and as a statesman made ‘Bharat’ proud by enhancing the prestige of the President’s office through his exemplary conduct of affairs.
“Dr Abdul Kalam’s life, from obscurity as a small boy growing up in the temple city of Rameswaram to becoming Bharat’s eleventh President, was a tale of extraordinary courage, determination, perseverance and the desire to excel.”
“His life story is as well the story of our missiles, Agni, Prithvi, Aakash, Trishul and Nag, that have raised our nation as one of the missile powers of international reckoning. He, who had faith in Bharat’s rich heritage and unswerving belief in our talented youth, wanted Bharat to emerge as a knowledge society and empowered nation,” the RSS statement said.
Bhagwat also paid homage to the former President at his 10, Rajaji Marg residence, after Kalam’s body was brought here today afternoon from Shillong, where he breathed his last yesterday. Bhagwat was accompanied by RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal at Kalam’s residence.
In a separate message, RSS all-India prachar pramukh Manmohan Vaidya said, “APJ, the president of common man ignited minds of young India and gave them a dream to live for. May his soul rest in eternal peace.