Ramadoss recollects memories with Kalam, says his dream was to turn India into 'superpower'

Former Union Minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday called for a collective strength of the government and youth of India to achieve late former president Abdul Kalam's dream of the nation becoming 'super power.'

"Dr. Abdul Kalam's loss is an irreparable loss. The most glaring character in him was his simplicity. He studied from a Tamil-medium government school. He became a rocket scientist and further he became the President of India. And even in that position, his simplicity, love and affection, and his message for the youngsters was incomparable," Ramadoss told ANI.

"The greatest service that we should do to him is all the youngsters of India should come forward and take up his policy of growth, love and affection, and make India super-power," he added.

 

"This loss is a huge loss not only for India but for the world. His dream of India becoming super power should be achieved by the collective strength of the government and youth of the nation," Ramadoss further said.

Dr Kalam, 83, passed away on Monday in Shillong after suffering a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture to students at the Indian Institute of Management.

His death witnessed a huge outpouring of grief across the nation. In Delhi, thousands waited in the sultry heat for hours to pay their last respects to him. Serpentine queues were also witnessed in Rameswaram, where his body was brought on Wednesday.

The government has declared national mourning for seven days.

Security has been tightened in and around Rameswaram in view of the large number of dignitaries who are expected to come. All the rooms in major hotels had been booked for two days.

Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and India's highest civilian honour - the Bharat Ratna-for his achievements.

Penning his tribute to Dr Kalam in his blog, PM modi wrote, "Bharat has lost a Ratna". "Our scientist-President - and one who was genuinely loved and admired across the masses - never measured success by material possessions," he said.