President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders led the country in paying homage to former president APJ Abdul Kalam.
President said Kalam will be long remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contributions as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationist and writer.
Remembering his interactions with the former president, Modi said Kalam enjoyed being with people; people and youngsters adored him. "He loved students and spent his final moments among them", the Prime Minister said.
The Vice-President said Kalam was a visionary, with a deep conviction to see India emerging stronger, more peaceful and more equitable through the use of science and technology. 'He personified humility and boundless curiosity. His life will remain an inspiration to the millions of youth in the country," Ansari said.
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said the country lost an iconic leader. "Express deepest condolences at sudden demise of one of India's iconic leaders and former President, Dr. Abdul Kalam," she said.
The Cabinet met here on Monday and expressed condolences on his demise.