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Indian expats remember 'president of the people' Kalam

Dubai - UAE unites to offer condolences on death of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Diplomats, counsellors and consul-generals from many countries signed the condolence book in front of the garlanded image of former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, while over 200 prominent Indian expatriates living in Dubai gathered at the consulate to pay their respects to the former president.
Kalam was hailed as the most 'inspirational', 'righteous', and 'most down to earth leader' India has ever seen. A condolence book was kept open at the Consulate for the public on July 29 and 30 from 10am to 1pm. The event was not limited to Indians alone. People from other nationalities, including Emiratis, came forward to pay their respects to the late president.
Dr Kalam was actively engaged in social issues and education motivating the people to dream and have a vision about a developed nation. His books like 'India 2020 - A vision for the New Millennium' were widely acclaimed.
"There are only five more years left to make that vision a reality," said Consul General of India, Anurag Bhushan. Bhushan led the condolence meeting at the Indian Consulate in Dubai on Thursday. "India today mourns for one of the most loved public personalities who inspired countless people through his work, deed and life journey," he said.
"The former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam once said if India becomes corruption-free and becomes a nation of beautiful minds, there are three key societal members who can make a difference - the father, the mother, and the teacher. To every Indian child, he became all three-always teaching, exciting, and inspiring with his passion and vision."
He stated that Kalam's death is a great to the Indian youth. "One quote of his that has left an incredible mark on my life is his message to young people. He encouraged young people to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and conquer the problems and succeed."
Indian resident Uttam Kumar said: "We've lost one of India's brightest stars. I've had the rare pleasure of meeting him personally while he was visiting Dubai. It was and will remain one of the most remarkable days of my life."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam: Condolence meeting at Indian consulate in Dubai