PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo yesterday in paying his respects to the late President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, declared that “India has lost a great person and great scientist; a person who had brought India to a state of respect, as a country that is pursuing development on the basis of a knowledge-driven economy.”Prime Minister Nagamootoo, speaking at the Indian High Commission, noted that Dr. Kalam took a scientific approach towards development, adapting to many innovations.

Meanwhile, in expressing condolences on the passing of Dr. Kalam, the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, former President Donald Ramotar noted that India has made a major contribution towards the development of Guyana.
In addition, Ramotar said that India is one of the countries that appreciate the conditions which Guyanese work under and therefore stronger relations ought to be built with that country.
The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam in brief remarks also emphasised the fact that Dr. Kalam was one of the greatest and noblest persons known to Indians.
Dr. Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India and later he studied physics and aerospace engineering.

Born on October 15, 1931, he was one of the most eminent scientists of his country and took the lead in the conduct of India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
Dr. Kalam led many pioneering programmes such as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Satellite Launch Programme and the country’s guided missile programme.
Apart from that he was the scientific advisor to the Prime Minister of India from July 1992 to July 1997 and was widely acclaimed as the “People’s President”. (Navendra Seoraj)