A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
former Indian president, A.P.J. Abdul KalamREUTERS/B Mathur

Live Updates: APJ Abdul Kalam Funeral Details 

Former President Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam passed away in Shillong on Monday evening. He was 84.

Popularly known as the Missile Man of India, Kalam was rushed to Bethany Hospital after he collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. 

According to reports, Kalam suffered a "massive cardiac arrest" during the lecture and was rushed to the hospital, where he was put under observation in the ICU. Despite all efforts, the doctors could not revive him. He was declared dead by the doctors at 7.45 pm.

Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, said on her Facebook post: "Former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam collapses during a lecture at IIM Shillong.

Reportedly brought dead to Bethany Hospital. Dr Kalam has been a guest faculty at IIM Shillong for the last couple of years! A life well led by example. A great, dedicated teacher until the very end! No salute will be enough for this great son of Mother India. No likes please. Only comments."

Watch Exclusive Videos of APJ Abdul Kalam from Bethany Hospital

Hearing the news of his demise, thousands of local residents gathered outside the hospital to see the body of Abdul Kalam for the last time. Draped in the Indian flag, the body was brought out of the hospital by army personnel, who then proceeded to the Shillong Army Hospital, from where the body was to be flown to Guwahati. 

From Guwahati, it is expected to be taken to Delhi on 28 July.  Last rites of the former President is likely to be performed in Rameswaram.

A seven-day national mourning has been announced from 27 July to 2 August, PTI reported citing Union Home Secretary LC Goyal. 

Last Photo of Kalam with IIM Shillong Students

Last picture of APJ Abdul Kalam Smiling

Photo of Kalam's Dead body being brought out of hospital draped in Indian Flag

A Rare picture of Kalam with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Kalam was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on 15 October, 1931, and he served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

Kalam was associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over four decades. He was known for his work on the development of ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He also played a crucial role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.

This was the last message sent out by APJ on Twitter

 Abdul Kalam Condolence Messages

President of India Pranab Mukherjee

In his passing away, We have lost a great man ,who dedicated his whole life for the welfare of the motherland and its people. He was people's president and will remain so even after his death.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‏

I got to work with him closely. I have lost an uttam marg darshak. The country has lost a son who worked for the strength of India. He had spent every moment for the youth of India. No person will be able to fill the gap left by him. His work will inspire us to work for the development of the nation.

Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh

Our country hs lost great human being who made phenomenal contribution to promotion of self reliance in defence technologies

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh ‏@BJPRajnathSingh

The death of Dr. Kalam is an irreparable loss to this nation. He has left a big void hard to fill. I deeply mourn his death. RIP Kalam Sahab

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal ‏@ArvindKejriwal

V sad to hear that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is no more. Nation has lost a real bharat ratna.

BJP President Amit Shah ‏@AmitShahOffice

Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Former President Bharat Ratna @APJAbdulKalam ....India has lost its Missile Man.
#RIP

W Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee ‏@MamataOfficial

Very, very sad news. I had a special bond with Kalam ji. He was one of India's favorite sons and one of my favorite people. A very sad day

UP CM Akhilesh Yadav ‏@yadavakhilesh

Deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Abdul Kalam passing. He will always be an inspiration for generations to come.

Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ‏@SriSri 

Dr APJ Kalam led a remarkable life: a scientist, artist & philosopher. Holding the highest office, he was still approachable by one & all.

Maharahtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ‏@Dev_Fadnavis 

Kalam sahab taught us to dream big & made us believe that dreams can come true. He lead us on the path of making India a Super Power.

 Pakistani Journalist, Mehr Tarar ‏@MehrTarar

Rest in peace, Mr APJ Abdul Kalam... the former president for whom I read nothing but praise.
My condolences to his family and India...

IIM Shillong ‏@IIM_Shillong

IIM Shillong is grieved at the sad demise of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who was at the institute as a visiting faculty