Indians Surge For Final Goodbye To 'People's President'

NEW DELHI: As India bid farewell to its 'Missile Man', a sea of humanity gathered at the residence of deceased former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as people of all ages lined up for their last meeting with the "people's president".

Neither the July humidity nor the long lines deterred citizens, who lined up for hours to pay their last respects to the former president.

Slogans like "Abdul Kalam amar rahe" (May Abdul Kalam be immortal) rent the air.

Rajaji Marg, an otherwise quiet lane in Lutyens' Delhi, a few hundred metres from Rashtrapati Bhavan, was crowded as visitors kept pouring in.

Barricades that were in place when VIPs visited the residence were lifted around 4 p.m. for the public.

As police allowed people in batches, it was a stampede-like situation briefly as the crowd tried to push its way in. Order was restored soon, and queues were formed, with

Elaborate security in place.

Many eyes were moist, as men, women and children passed by the mortal remains of their favourite president that was wrapped in the Tricolour.

Some brought flowers and others just had a heartfelt namaste (folded hands). Faces displayed grief as if they had lost a family member.

However, there was a sense of pride and inspiration as well that could not be overlooked.

"He is a person everyone admires... No one recognised him as a Tamil, or a Muslim... He was an Indian and that is the message to the nation," said Meenakshi, a

physiotherapist who took leave from work to pay homage to the 'Missile Man'.

Read More:  The Inspirational Journey of the 'Missile Man of India'