Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda on Tuesday condoled the demise of APJ Abdul Kalam saying that the former president was a patriotic scientist who wanted to strengthen the country to fight enemies.
"I knew Dr. Kalam very closely, such a patriotic scientist who wanted to strengthen the country to fight enemies. He wanted to strengthen country from all angles, not only in field of defence but in education, agriculture as per his vision 2020," said Gowda.
Kalam's mortal remains were flown to Delhi from Guwahati earlier today.
Army personnel paid tributes to the former president in Shillong before his body flown to Guwahati.
Both the Houses of Parliament are likely to make obituary references and adjourn today as a mark of respect to the former president's memory.
On Monday, Kalam passed away in Shillong after he was admitted to a hospital in the city.
The former president collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management. He was in a critical condition and had been admitted to the city's Bethany Hospital.
Kalam served as the 11th President on India from 2002 to 2007.
