'People's president' Kalam laid to rest with full state honours

Former president A.P.J Kalam was laid to rest at Rameswaram's Paikarambu Ground on Thursday with full state honours.

According to reports, over one lakh people attended the last rites. After the 21-gun salute, reversal of arms and the Last Post, the armed forces removed the tricolour from the mortal remains of the former president and handed it over to his family as a mark of honour and respect.

Thereafter, the body was taken off the podium and placed reverentially in the grave dug nearby. A namaz-e-janaza was then performed after the grave was closed. After final prayers, rose petals were placed over the grave.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries were present throughout the solemn ceremony. The prime minister then left the venue.

Earlier, thousands of people joined the funeral procession of Dr. Kalam's funeral being held with full state honours.

Kalam, 83, passed away on Monday in Shillong after suffering a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture to students at the Indian Institute of Management.