"He had thought a lot about the progress of the country. His vision will be of a great contribution for the nation and we will continue to follow his footsteps. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace," said Gadkari.
Kalam passed away in Shillong earlier today 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.
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Kalam served as the 11th President on India from 2002 to 2007.
