"In recent history, only a few people had endeared themselves to the young and old, to the poor and the rich, to the educated and the unlettered, and to the people belonging to different faiths and speaking different languages," he said in his condolence message.
Chidambaram said he joined all Indians in expressing their deep sense of grief.
"At the same I pay tribute to the life and work of Kalam as a teacher, scientist, as a team leader, as the first citizen of India, and above all, a great human being filled with love and compassion," he said.