We have lost a patriot, scholar and humble human being: RSS

Expressing its condolences over the demise of former president A P J Abdul Kalam, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the nation has lost a patriot, a scholar and a humble human being.

"By losing Dr. Abdul Kalam, we have lost a patriot, a scholar and a humble human being. In whichever field he ventured, he not only excelled, but also made that field prestigious. We will always miss him, his life will always be remembered," Bhagwat told media persons.

Kalam passed away in Shillong last evening.

Kalam collapsed after a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong yesterday.

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect for Dr. Kalam, who played a stellar role in advancing India's nuclear programme.

Considered one of the most popular presidents of India, Kalam became the 11th head of the state during the NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and occupied the post between 2002 and 2007.