CBCI expresses deep sadness on the sudden demise of former President AJP Abdul Kalam

CBCI expresses deep sadness on the sudden demise of former President AJP Abdul Kalam

New Delhi: The Catholic bishops of India have hailed former Indian President Abdul Kalam as a global citizen who endeared himself to millions of people from all walks of life.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'missile man' who came to be known as 'People's President' died on Monday after he collapsed during a lecture at the IIM in Shillong on Monday evening.

A condolence message issued on Tuesday by the catholic body, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), read, "Dr. Abdul Kalam was not only one of the most illustrious statesmen of India, but also a renowned Global Citizen, who has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people across the nations."

The message further says, Dr. Kalam's sudden death has brought "deep grief" to Christians in India.

Signed by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, CBCI president, the message described Kalam as "a great visionary, a source of inspiration for thousands of children and youth, with whom he shared his wisdom and experience and motivated them to work for a better future, a prosperous India and a safer and habitable planet."

The message recalled numerous occasions at home and abroad where the former president has publicly acknowledged and appreciated the sacrifice and the goodwill of the Church in India for playing a prominent role in the progress and development of India.

Considered the most popular President, Kalam became the 11th head of the state and occupied the post between 2002 and 2007 but lack of consensus denied a second term in office for a man who came from outside political spectrum