President, PM pay tributes to Kalam

ArrayNew Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid floral tributes to former president A.P.J Abdul Kalam after his body arrived in the capital.

"Kalam was a national treasure first and a president later. Kalam's personality was special, his life inspires us, it inspires the youth," the prime minister said.

Among others present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport's technical wing were Vice President Hamid Ansari, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

The first to lay a wreath was Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi, followed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Admiral R.K. Dhowan and Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

A special Indian Air Force plane carrying Kalam's mortal remains reached here from Shillong at around 12.30 p.m.

A ceremonial guard of honour was accorded to the former president by the army, navy and air force personnel.

Kalam's body will be kept at 10 Rajaji Marg for people to pay respects.