Parl pays rich tributes to Kalam, cancels sittings for 2 days

Parliament today paid glowing tributes to former President A P J Abdul Kalam, hailing him as India's "true son" and "real gem" whose contributions will be deeply cherished by the grateful nation.
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day soon after convening and paying tributes to Kalam. The two Houses will have no sitting tomorrow also as a mark of respect to him and to enable the MPs to participate in his last rites in Tamil Nadu.
"In Dr Kalam's death, the country has lost a sagacious statesman, a great scientist and a friend of the under- privileged and a fine human being," the Lok Sabha said in a condolence resolution read out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

She described Kalam as the "real gem of India" who till his last breath, was doing what he loved best, interacting with young India, igniting their minds with scientific temperament and spirit of inquiry.
"Kalam was a noble man of 83 years, with energy and enthusiasm of 38 years and an innocent smile of an 8-year old," Mahajan said about the departed leader who served as the President from between 2002 and 2007.
She said his passing away has indeed left a void but his life will ever remain an inspiration to all. "He has left an indelible imprint upon our national psyche."

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari termed Kalam's death as "an irreparable loss to the country."
He said the country has lost a "true son of India and his contributions to the nation, in his capacity as a man of technology, a teacher and a leader will be deeply cherished by a grateful nation."
Members in both Houses stood in silence for a brief while before the proceedings were adjourned for the day.