New Delhi, Jul 28 (Prensa Latina) India pays tribute today to former President Abdul Kalam, who died last night after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.
His contribution to the space program and military missile development of the country is greatly recognized.

The authorities announced a national mourning of seven days for the death of the 11th President of India, one of the most popular leaders and a renowned scientist in this Asian nation.

In the last few hours numerous ministers, heads of state governments and leaders of various parties recalled the work of the person who is considered the father of Indian nuclear program.

Our nation mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful and inspiring person. Rest in peace, Kalam, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kalam loved students and spent his final moments among them, said the head of government.

The former president, who was 83, collapsed yesterday during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.

After the incident he was rushed to the Bethany Hospital, where he died, according to a medical report of that institution.

Known as the "missile man", due to his affection to this technology, Kalam was also closely involved in the countryâ�Ös civil space program and he is considered the brain of national SLV rockets (Satellite Launch Vehicle).

Before he became president (2002-2007), he worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he held important positions.

At the end of his term, he devoted himself to education and writing.

After his death, the President Pranab Mukherjee canceled his activities program in the southern state of Karnatka to return today to New Delhi.

He was immensely popular and greatly admired. He had a special love for children, Mukherjee said.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent his condolences to Kalamâ�Ös family.

We worked very closely during my government and I greatly benefited from his advice. His life and work will be remembered for generations to come, Singh said in a statement.