Sonia pays tribute to Kalam on first death anniversary

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday paid homage to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his first death anniversary, terming him a true humanist and "an ardent believer in unleashing India's true potential".

"Dr. Kalam was a true humanist, a pioneering scientist, an ideal teacher and an ardent believer in unleashing India's true potential," said Gandhi.

She also emphasized that Kalam will be remembered as the President who "established a rare bond between his office and common citizens".

"He will always be fondly remembered for his simplicity and as a person who established a rare bond between the Office of President and common citizens," she added.

While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died due to cardiac arrest on this day last year.