Kalam’s body reaches Rameswaram

Rameswaram (TN), July 29

The mortal remains of former President APJ Abdul Kalam were today brought to his hometown Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu as a large number of people converged to get a last glimpse of the departed leader.

The helicopter carrying Kalam’s body touched down at the specially laid helipad at nearby Mandapam, around 10 km from here, around 4pm.

Earlier, the body of the former President, who passed away on Monday, was brought to Madurai from New Delhi by a special aircraft.

Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar accompanied the body and were joined by their ministerial colleague Pon Radhakrishnan here.

Draped in the Tricolour, Kalam’s body was taken by road in an army vehicle with people lining up on both sides of the 10-km stretch to take a glimpse and pay respects.

Some of Kalam’s family members were also present at the helipad. Tamil Nadu ministers and DMK leader MK Stalin were among those present when the body arrived. — PTI

Rahul, Azad, Kharge to attend funeral

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in RS Ghulam Nabi Azad and Leader of Congress in LS Mallikarjun Kharge will attend Kalam’s funeral in Rameswaram on Thursday