Maharashtra Council adjourns after tributes to 'Kalam uncle'

The Maharashtra state assembly adjourned after paying glowing tributes to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and R.S. Gavai, the former governor of Kerala and Bihar, here on Tuesday.

One of the legislative council members described Kalam as 'Kalam Uncle' while paying tribute to him,

Kalam died in Shillong on Monday while delivering a lecture and prominent Dalit leader Gavai expired in Nagpur three days ago following a prolonged illness.

Moving a condolence resolution, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Kalam as "a man who strived all his life to make India a superpower".

He listed various major achievements of the late scientist and president who showed the country the path to become a superpower, and who would continue to inspire the future generations.

"Dr. Kalam was the first person in 21st century to realise the power of our demographic dividend and opportunities created by it. The real tribute we can pay to him is by making India a developed country through our youth," Fadnavis said.

He also expressed his condolences over the death of Gavai, saying Maharashtra lost a leader who worked hard for the cause of the Dalits and the oppressed classes.

Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde said each and every family in India had been saddened to learn about Kalam's demise.

"We worship Lord Ram, Lord Krishna. We have only heard and read about persons like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar -- All the good qualities of these people were present in Kalam Saheb, whom we have been fortunate to have seen," Munde said in his tribute.

Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote said after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, known for his love for children and fondly called 'Chacha Nehru', Kalam would be remembered as 'Kalam uncle' by children of this country for decades to come.

All the leaders of various political parties paid their tributes and condolences to the departed souls before the legislative council was adjourned.