Goa Assembly condoles death of former President A P J Abdul Kalam

PANAJI: Goa Legislative Assembly today paid rich tributes to former President A P J Abdul Kalam and the House was adjourned after adopting a condolence motion.

When the Assembly was summoned, Speaker Rajendra Arlekar informed the House about the demise of Kalam.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar moved a resolution condoling death of the former President.

"At the age of 83, Kalam was behaving like a youth of 38 years. He has always been with the youths inspiring them," Arlekar said while passing the motion.

"He (Kalam) was proud about Indian culture and has lived life of a saint. He was a seer," he added.

Speaking on the motion, Parsekar called Kalam a "purest soul on the Earth."

"Kalam might not be with us but his wings of fire will always be with us. In his death we have lost one of the greatest scientists on the earth," Parsekar said.

Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, remembering his experience with Kalam during his Goa visit, said he (Kalam) was an impressive personality in India.

"In his demise we have lost a great scientist," Rane added.

BJP legislator Vishnu Wagh recalled how Kalam dreamt of a successful and modern India riding on the youth power.

Other members also spoke on the motion.

The former President died at Bethany Hospital in Shillong, Meghalaya yesterday after he collapsed during a lecture at the IIM.