Port Blair, July 28: Along with the entire nation, the sad demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at Bethany hospital Shillong at 1945 hours on 27.07.2015 has been mourned by the Islands. The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has announced a State Mourning in this regard. In a communication received from the ANI Administration, it was announced that as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary seven days State Mourning will be observed throughout India from July 27, 2015 to August 2, 2015, both days inclusive. During the period of state mourning the National Flag will fly at half mast on all buildings throughout India where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.

Meanwhile, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor in a Condolence Message said, “A pale of gloom has set in the entire nation with the sad demise of Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Sharing the grief with Nation, I express my heartfelt condolences to not only the family but also to every citizen of this country who loved him as their own.

The great soul departed, doing what he best liked, delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong and inspiring the students. Humanist at heart, his humility, simplicity infectious positive spirit who reached out to the powerful and the powerless with the same amplitude, changed the contours of the Office of President, giving him the most deserving title of ‘Peoples President’.

Saddened at the loss of one of the finest human beings, a great son of India, I express my condolences and pray to the almighty for the great soul to rest in peace”.

The death of the Missile Man has also been condoled by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma who said, “India has lost a great scientist who has dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the Country and its people”. 

Meanwhile the Association of Tour Operators have also expressed their condolence on the shocking demise of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. A two minutes silence was observed today by the members as a mark of respect to the departed soul.