Ganguly pays tribute to Kalam, recalls explaining cricket rules during 2003 interaction

NEW DELHI: In the Capital for a dengue awareness campaign, cricketer-turned-commentator Sourav Ganguly remembered former president APJ Abdul Kalam as the 'science wizard' of India.

The former Team India skipper recalled his interaction with Dr. Kalam after the 2003 World Cup when he was the President.

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Ganguly said, "This morning someone sent me a picture when we had met Dr. Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after the 2003 World Cup. He was 'the science wizard' of India and had a remarkable personality. The entire Team India was present and we spoke at length. I had also told him about the rules of the game as he was not a follower of the sport. But throughout our interaction, you could feel that he was always thinking of something - he always stood out in the crowd. I also have fond memories when he awarded me the Padma Shri in 2004."

Image:AFP

Indian Army, Air Force and Navy Officers carry the body of former Indian President, APJ Abdul Kalam at Palam Airforce Station in New Delhi on July 28, 2915, after its arrival from Guwahati.

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The 83-year-old Kalam, who had served as President from 2002 to 2007, passed away on Monday following a cardiac failure during an interaction with IIM students in Shillong.



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(As told to Rohan Laik)