Kalam's mortal remains flown to New Delhi from Guwahati

The mortal remains of former president A.P.J Abdul Kalam, who passed away at the age of 84 in Shillong yesterday, were flown to Delhi from Guwahati on Tuesday.

Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmughanathan, Home Minister Roshan Warjri, Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal and Director General of Civil Defence and Home Guards R.K. Sharma accompanied Kalam's body.

Army personnel paid tributes to the former president in Shillong before his body flown to Guwahati.

Both the Houses of Parliament are likely to make obituary references and adjourn today as a mark of respect to the former president's memory.

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed his condolence over the sudden demise of Kalam saying that the former president will be always be remembered for his passion for science and innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Kalam's demise, saying that India mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful president and above all, an inspiring individual.

On Monday, Kalam passed away in Shillong after he was admitted to a hospital in the city.

The former president collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management. He was in a critical condition and had been admitted to the city's Bethany Hospital.

Kalam served as the 11th President on India from 2002 to 2007.