Indians in Qatar mourn Kalam's death

Thousands of Indians in Qatar expressed grief over the death of former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

"The mission is deeply saddened by the death of Kalam. He is also known as the father of India's missile programme as well as the 'people's president'," The Peninsula quoted the Indian embassy here as saying.

A book of condolence will be opened at the embassy on Wednesday and Thursday.

The scientist-turned-politician, closely involved in India's civilian space programme and military missile development efforts, also worked on the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology.

He died on Monday after collapsing during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management at Shillong.