Final Adieu

APJ Abdul Kalam came back home one last time on Thursday as his mortal remains were laid to rest with the nation mourning the demise of the much-loved former president. Braving sweltering heat, thousands of people turned up at the <g data-gr-id="27">sea-side</g> hamlet Peikarumbu, where he was buried in the middle of <g data-gr-id="34">an 1.5</g> acre plot, earmarked as  a memorial for the People’s President, as Kalam was lovingly called.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, governors of several states, several chief ministers, three service chiefs, diplomats and thousands of people led the nation in paying tribute to India’s most decorated son Kalam, who had been conferred Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. In a spontaneous outpouring of grief, thousands of people bid an emotional farewell to Kalam who was laid to rest with full state honours amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was also present.

Before the burial, the body of Kalam was brought from his family mosque where special prayers were offered. The “People’s President” was accorded full military honours, including gun salute and playing of the ‘Last Post’ as the members of his family and local <g data-gr-id="35">Jamath</g> lowered his mortal remains into a trench.

The funeral of the “Missile Man”, as Kalam was known for his contribution to India’s missile programme, was attended by a galaxy of leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who placed a wreath, offered his final salute and stood in silence in front of Kalam’s body that was draped in national flag. He also went around the casket with folded hands. The Prime Minister later went up to Kalam’s eldest brother 99-year-old Mohammed Muthu Meeran <g data-gr-id="41">Lebbai</g> Maraicker, who was seated nearby, and offered his condolences.

A large number of teary-eyed mourners swarmed the carriage carrying his mortal remains and briskly moved with it on the last journey of the 83-year old scientist. Condolences poured in from the country and across the world, paying respects to the affable man who endeared himself to the masses with his simplicity. Tight security, including deployment of Naval, Coast Guard and Marine police personnel in the sea around the town, was put in place in view of the convergence of several dignitaries.

Meanwhile in New Delhi, Lok Sabha was adjourned till Friday as a mark of respect to Dr Kalam. As the House met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said as the last rites of Dr Kalam were in progress, the House was adjourned for the day. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM as a mark of respect to <g data-gr-id="40">Dr.</g> Kalam. Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari paid glowing tributes to Dr Kalam and adjourned the House.