Google India's search page shows a black ribbon in memory of the late scientist.
Google India has paid tribute to 'missile man' APJ Abdul Kalam after he passed away on June 27 of a heart attack in Shillong. The scientist, who also served as the President of India between 2002 and 2007, had collapsed while giving a lecture.
Google often honours important people as well as special days and events with doodles. On Wednesday, the search page displayed a black ribbon in the memory of the late scientist.
A host of global leaders, including US President Barack Obama, had extended their condolences on the death of the former president. Expressing that Kalam was an inspiration to millions who worked to deepen space cooperation between the US and India, Obama said, "On behalf of the American people, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of India on the passing of former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. A scientist and statesman, Dr Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most accomplished leaders, earning esteem at home and abroad," said Obama.
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has described former President APJ Abdul Kalam as a "renowned scientist of the world" in a condolence message sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
China also paid rich tributes to former President APJ Abdul Kalam, terming him an influential Indian politician and active promoter of Sino-Indian friendship. "Dr. Kalam, former President of India was an influential politician, and also an active promoter of Sino-Indian friendship, and after retirement had also visited China many times and served as an honorary professor at Peking University," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
President Putin said that in Russia, Kalam will be remembered as a consistent exponent of closer friendly relations between the two nations who has done a lot for cementing mutually beneficial Russian-Indian cooperation. "Kalam rightly enjoyed high international authority as an outstanding scientist and a wise statesman," Putin said in letters to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. "It is difficult to overestimate his personal contribution to social, economic, scientific and technical progress of India and in ensuring its national security," he said.
Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella and other members of corporate America too expressed their condolences on the sudden death of the former president, saying the 'missile man' will continue to inspire the world with his courage, tenacity and vision.
Also Read: How Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's lived his last day
The mortal remains of former President APJ Abdul Kalam were flown to his hometown Rameswaram from Delhi on Wednesday in a special aircraft, as people in the national capital bid an emotional adieu to him. The special aircraft took off from the Palam airport at around 08:15 AM after all three forces gave a sendoff to the former head of the state. His funeral will be held in Rameswaram, his birth place in Tamil Nadu, on Thursday with full military honours.
Also read: From ISRO to Raisina Hills: APJ Abdul Kalam's journey in pictures
An impoverished childhood didn't prevent Kalam 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.
With agency inputs
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