As India gets ready to bid adieu to one of its most popular president, often called the "People's President" political bigwigs from all parties came together on Tuesday in a show of solidarity to pay homage to the "missile man" of India, APJ Abdul Kalam.

"President Kalam was the people's President. He was a President who had the ability to connect with India's youth," Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi told reporters, according to The Asian Age. "We will miss him, his thinking and his vision. It is quite apt that he worked till the last second of his life. It was the way he lived his entire life and we are proud of him."

The U.S. ambassador offered his condolences, calling Kalam "an inspiring scientist and leader."

Kalam's last rites will be at Rameswaram, his birthplace in Tamil Nadu, on Thursday morning in line with the wishes of his family, headed by his older brother Muthu Mohammed Meeran Marraikar, 99. Kalam will be given a state funeral with full military honours.

"The Prime Minister is coming," Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, confirming the attendance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports ABP. Modi is scheduled to arrive at Rameswaram early Thursday morning and attend the rituals, which start at 11 a.m.

Expressing his sorrow at the demise of Kalam, Modi wrote in his blog, "Bharat has lost a Ratna,"(gem) referring to Kalam having been felicitated with the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

"Our scientist-President - and one who was genuinely loved and admired across the masses - never measured success by material possessions. For him, the counterpoint to poverty was the wealth of knowledge, in both its scientific and spiritual manifestations," the Prime Minister said.
Modi reminisced about Kalam as one who took little from the world while giving all he could to society. 

"Kalamji refused to be defeated by circumstances. His character, commitment and inspirational vision shine through his life. He was unencumbered by ego; flattery left him cold." Referring to Kalam's contributions to Indian space research and defence capabilities Modi said, "our nuclear and space achievements have given India the muscle to be confident of her place in the region and the world," reports the Daily Excelsior.

You can read more about APJ Abdul Kalam at HNGN here.