The Hindu : National : Country has lost a great leader, says Kalam

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Thursday, Nov 10, 2005

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Country has lost a great leader, says Kalam

Special Correspondent

We turned to Narayanan for advice and benefited from his rich experience: Manmohan

NEW DELHI: President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on Wednesday led the nation in mourning the death of former President K. R. Narayanan. In his condolence message, Mr. Kalam said the country had "lost a great leader with a noble and inspiring value system."

Recalling his personal association with his predecessor, Mr. Kalam said: "I had several occasions to be benefited by his counsel in many matters. I have known his high intellectual ability and admired his scholarly advice. He distinguished himself as a diplomat, educationist, Member of Parliament, minister in the Union Government and as Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, and as President of India in every respect."

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recalled how Mr. Narayanan had braved numerous hardship and overcome social prejudices to emerge as one of the outstanding personalities of the country. Summing up his life, the Prime Minister said: "His life and career represent the extraordinary profile of a person who rose from humble beginnings to become the First Citizen of the Republic of India. His elevation to the highest office of the land in the golden jubilee year of our Independence constituted the fulfilment of Mahatma Gandhi's vision."

Describing Mr. Narayanan as a "sagacious personality of our public life," Dr. Singh said: "We turned to him for advice and guidance and profited from his vast and rich experience in diverse fields of our national life. It will be difficult to fill the void caused by the death of a statesman of great eminence, vision and ability."

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