Gloom spread through the Hindu pilgrim town of Rameswaram in coastal Tamil Nadu as news came of the death of their illustrious son, former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.
Large number of people have gathered at Kalam's house as a mark of respect and also to mourn his death.
Rameswaram is around 600 km from here.
A police official at the site told IANS over phone: "A large number of people have assembled outside the house."
Kalam's relatives are assembled at the house.
The relatives of Kalam are wondering on the possibilities of bringing Kalam's body to his native for last rites, he said.
"We all feel sad at the death of Kalam. He is really a great man. We feel proud to be a native of Rameswaram," a local told IANS.
