'Kalam wanted India to shine, did everything for that': C.N.R. Rao

Expressing condolence over the demise of A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao on Tuesday said that the former president wanted India to shine and added that everything the latter did was for the same.

"Dr. Kalam was the simplest human being I have ever known. His simplicity was the greatest quality he had, the bigger you get simpler you become, he was like that. Dr. Kalam wanted India to shine, everything he did in his life was for this, he wanted India to be very powerful," said

"Dr. Kalam even passed away while talking to children, god must have blessed him. It's a wonderful way to go away, saying good bye to the World doing exactly what you like," he added.

Kalam's mortal remains, who passed away at the age of 84 in Shillong yesterday, were flown to Delhi from Guwahati earlier today.

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.

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.