Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passes away: Tributes pour in on Twitter

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam passed away of a suspected heart attack after collapsing during a lecture in Shillong. The scientist, who also served as the President of India between 2002 and 2007, collapsed during a lecture in Shillong.

An impoverished childhood didn't prevent him from pursuing his dreams and he studied physics and aerospace engineering.He was awarded the nation's top awards including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna.  He spent four decades as a scientist and science administrator, at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

 He was the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime and the Secretary of the DRDO from 1992 to 199. The Pokhran II nuclear tests were conducted during this period.   He also wrote 14 books on various topics including India 2020, Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds. 

Tributes for the former President poured in on Twitter as the likes of Arvind Kerjiwal, Rajnath Singh, Omar Abdullah, Rahul Gandhi and others expressed their condolences and paid tributes to the Missile Man of India. 

Deeply saddened at the sudden demise of the former president of India Dr. APAJ Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation.

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) July 27, 2015

Dr. Kalam was a man of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, profound knowledge and firm conviction.

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) July 27, 2015

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

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) July 27, 2015

V sad to hear that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. Nation has lost a real bharat ratna.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 27, 2015

Arguably one of the finest Presidents India ever had. RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. You will be an inspiration for us, forever.

— Neelesh Jayaraman (@NeeleshJay) July 27, 2015

In deep shock & anguish after hearing about the demise of a dear friend & one of the noblest human beings,Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam#APJAbdulKalam

— Anusha (@anusha_me) July 27, 2015

Former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away. May your soul RIP sir. pic.twitter.com/Vq6v9LMlD1

— R@DhEsHy@M (@rsr_tweetz) July 27, 2015

Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam was active till last breath.Independent Bharat has not seen a Karmyogi like him always trying to share his knowledge

— Rakesh Bishnoi (@RajaHarjai29) July 27, 2015

Sad News :( Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passes away :'( THANK YOU sir for inspiring us! For teaching us to DREAM BIG!

— Vikrant Patankar (@VikrantPatankar) July 27, 2015

Govt to declare 7 days National Mourning

— Aditi A (@aditi1407) July 27, 2015

#BlackDayInIndianHistory You don't need anything else to describe how great he was #RIP_Abdul_Kalam_Sir pic.twitter.com/E3Givz79D1

— Rıŋks (@Chocolic_Dawl) July 27, 2015

Distinctly recall when Dr Kalam became president two questions plagued Central Govt - will he wear a bandgala & will he change hairstyle 1/2

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 27, 2015

He happily agreed to the bandgalas but categorically refused to change the unique hairstyle. He was his own person to the very end 2/2

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 27, 2015

R.I.P @APJAbdulKalam.May his dreams for India be fulfilled,his visionary ideals help us heal our divisions.He personified India at its best.

— Nirupama Rao (@NMenonRao) July 27, 2015

My condolences on the sad demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. We have lost an ideal citizen. May his soul rest in peace.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 27, 2015

Deeply saddened at the passing away of DrAPJ Abdul Kalam.A man of many parts-he won over the hearts&minds of a nation with his warmth&wisdom

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 27, 2015

A down to earth person, noble human being, highly learned and one of the most respected Indians - Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, RIP.

— NP Ranjan (@Ranjan_Narayan) July 27, 2015

Forward forever, forward. Respect Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. RIP. pic.twitter.com/bv4h9ny0h5

— Harshu Srivastava (@vaderharshul) July 27, 2015

You have inspired millions and will continue to be inspiration. #RIP Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam. pic.twitter.com/1cvLCS60Ks

— Harsh Sultania (@Harsh_Su) July 27, 2015

He was in politics,but was never a politician..R.I.P. APJ ABDUL KALAM SAAB...a great human being... pic.twitter.com/riCCMHlSEL

— Sajid Khan (@SimplySajidK) July 27, 2015

RIP ABJ Abdul Kalam. India loses a fine citizen & a fantastic human being today.

— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) July 27, 2015

The best citizen & the true Ratna of Bharat .. Dr #APJ we will honour yr death with a conviction to strive 4 better India.. just as U did.

— Sangeetha (@SangitaSri) July 27, 2015

Will always stand by it. :) https://t.co/iMqTxgLBMD

— Shekhu. (@BiryaniNazi) July 27, 2015