(TibetanReview.net, Jul29, 2015) – Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Jul 28 expressed sadness over the passing away of India’s former President Dr APJ Adbul Kalam with whom he said he had interacted on many occasions. Calling him a great scientist, educationist and statesman, and, above all, a real gentleman, the Dalai Lama described his death as an irreparable loss.
Dr Kalam 83, collapsed while lecturing at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, capital of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, in the evening of Jul 27. The president of India from 2002 to 2007 was declared dead, after being taken to hospital, due to heart attack.
In his condolence message to the family, as well as to the people of India, the Dalai Lama said he had always admired Dr Kalam’s down to earth simplicity and humility. “I used to enjoy our discussions on a wide range of subjects of common interest, but mainly concerned with science, spirituality and education,” he said.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile as well as the head of the exile Tibetan administration at Dharamshala, India, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay also expressed condolences over the former Indian president’s sudden passing away.
Dr Kalam, one of India’s pre-eminent scientists, had taken the lead in conducting the country’s nuclear test of May 1998. He reportedly holds honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institution.