Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday condoled the death of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, saying it was "an irreparable loss".
"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," he tweeted.
The home minister also termed the former president "a man of impeccable character" and inspirational figure, whose death has "saddened" him.
"Dr. Kalam was a man of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, profound knowledge and firm conviction," he said.
Deeply saddened at the sudden demise, he said Kalam was an "inspiration to an entire generation".
Kalam, who was India's president from 2002 to 2007, died in a Shillong hospital. He was delivering a lecture at the IIM-Shillong when he suddenly collapsed, officials said. Doctors said Kalam suffered cardiac arrest.