India Inc mourns demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam

NEW DELHI: Indian industry today condoled the demise of former President A P J Abdul Kalam describing his death as an "irreparable loss to the nation".

"His death is an irreparable loss to the nation as he has left a big void difficult to fill," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Alok B Shriram said in a statement.

As President of India, Kalam was immensely popular and greatly admired by all sections of society, including India Inc with which he consistently shared his economic vision and landscape for the country and thus commanded a great respect from it also, the industry body said.

"His tireless efforts in placing India prominently among the technologically developed nations would be remembered for years to come and he would be missed by people world over," it added.

Recollecting Kalam's efforts to help India reach "greater heights in the world of innovation, technology and self reliance", ASSOCHAM President Rana Kapoor said he gave a "new dimension to Rashtrapati Bhawan as he became the people's President with whom every Indian, be it a child, student, farmer, scientist or industrialist could identify himself or herself".

Apex organisation for engineering exporters, EEPC India credited Kalam for changing attitude to evolve the country from an exporter of low value engineering to hi-tech products.

"It was thanks to inspiration from leaders like him that India today is able to export high technology engineering products which go into manufacture of aero-space, aviation, railways and ship-building," EEPC India Chairman Anupam Shah said.

Describing Kalam as one of the India's finest Presidents, Larsen & Toubro Group Executive Chairman AM Naik said he was a scientist and technocrat who endeared himself to all.

While expressing grief at his death GVK EMRI, of which Kalam was the Chairman Emeritus, said the former President "always encouraged the use of technology in the business of saving lives".