APJ Abdul Kalam had congratulated a cop moments before he collapsed

SHILLONG: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam had thanked a securityman in escort vehicle for the trouble he had taken to guard him, minutes before he died at the Indian Institute of Management here last night.

"The former President thanked a SOT (special operation team) personnel for being alert throughout the road trip from Guwahati to Shillong last evening," East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang said.

The personnel had at first got scared after Kalam summoned him but then the VVIP acknowledged him for doing his duty properly, Kharkrang said.

Kalam's aide Srijan Pal Singh, who was accompanying him, said they were travelling in a convoy and ahead of them was an open gypsy which was carrying three security personnel and one among them was standing atop with a gun.

"He kept on insisting that the securityman must sit down and we had even sent a radio message but nothing worked out. After reaching our destination he asked me to find him out so that he could thank him. And he did thank him and even said 'sorry' for he had to stand for so long because of him," Singh told PTI.

Meghalaya government has declared a state holiday today as a mark of respect to Kalam who breathed his last in the city.

Kalam, who was the second President to officially visit Meghalaya in 2005 after Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1952, had enjoyed a special bonding with Meghalaya.

Referring to reports of a light drizzle as the Missile Man's body was being taken off the flight in Delhi, a local tribal chief Dr Balajied Singh Syiem told PTI, "Tribal legends have it that such a phenomenon takes place when a great soul departs and the light drizzle signifies the tears of regret and disappointment of his unfinished job on earth.

"He is loved, revered and remembered by all citizens here because of his greatness in simplicity. We are happy destiny brought him here before he breathed his last. There will always be a special bond of Kalam and Shillong," he said.

Kalam had visited Meghalaya four times previously, once as a chief guest at the IIM and thereafter to deliver a series of lectures aimed at 'igniting young minds' at the institute.

Referring to his earlier visits, IIM spokesperson Merlvin Mukhim said Kalam had officially agreed to a proposal on his appointment as a visiting faculty of the IIM.

In past he had delivered lectures on the subject of 'Societal transformation with technology and its application', his favourite topic.

The former President's aide said the securityman S A Lapang was asked if he was tired and Kalam even offered him something to eat.

"Are you tired? Would you like something to eat? I am sorry you had to stand so long because of me," Kalam had told Lapang, Singh said.

More than surprised, the young lean guard, draped in black, was clearly lost for words when he replied, "Sir, aap ke liye to 6 ghante bhi khade rahenge (For you sir, I am ready to stand for six hours)."