APJ Abdul Kalam's demise a huge loss: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today expressed grief over the demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

"Kalam saheb taught us to dream big and made us believe that dreams can come true. He led us on the path of making India the superpower. Kalam sahab's demise is a huge loss. Saddened & shocked!," Fadnavis said in a tweet.

State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar described Kalam as a scientist who was a saint at heart.

"An Indian par excellence. A President who opened President's house to public. People's President who was and will be loved by people of all ages. A teacher at heart, Dr. Kalam passed away while addressing the students. I hope and pray that youth of India will pay tribute to this great legend by walking on the path shown by Dr. Kalam," he said.

State education minister Vinod Tawde said, "Today our nation's 'Wings of Fire' are extinguished and the nation mourns. Let us all pray for deliverance of our beloved APJ Abdul Kalam."

Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar remembered Kalam as "the man of impeccable character and profound knowledge."

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said, "Every person in the country feels he has lost the member of the family in Kalam's demise. India has lost one of its favourite sons today."

BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve said, "Kalam gave energy to the common man to dream big and he himself spent his life in the service of the country."