DOHA: The Indian community in Qatar mourned the sudden death of former president
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away in India yesterday. He was 83.
The Indian Embassy said in a statement yesterday that the mission is “deeply saddened” by the death of Dr Kalam. He is also considered the father of India’s missile programme and was known as the ‘people’s president.’
A book of condolence will open at the Indian Embassy tomorrow and on Thursday from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 5pm.
Dr Kalam, a career scientist turned politician, was closely involved in India’s civilian space programme and military missile development efforts. He was known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his work on the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was giving a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, a northeastern city of India on ‘Making the World More Livable,’ yesterday when he suddenly collapsed. Dr Kalam was declared dead after being admitted to a hospital.
“Going to Shillong to take course on Livable Planet earth at IIM”, read his final tweet.
The Indian community in Doha will hold a condolence meeting today at the Asoka hall, Indian Cultural Centre from 8pm. The management and members of the Indian Club in a condolence message said, “With his death, India lost a renowned scientist and an eminent personality.”
Kareem Abdullah, former president of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), said, “Unfortunately, the space to deliver his capabilities was limited after he became the president as he couldn’t carry out his activities more freely due to protocol-imposed restrictions on his movement.”
Remarkably, Indians and non-Indians in Doha and around the world mourned and shared their thoughts about Dr Kalam on social media.
Most have shared his famous quotes such as, “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work,” “My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to the young people,” and “Don’t declare holiday on my death, instead work an extra day if you love me.”
The Peninsula
