New York:Â United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s “inspiration” to the world on Friday during a visit to the Indian Mission in New York as a special gesture of condolence.
Describing former President A P J Abdul Kalam as a “great statesman”, the UN Secretary-General has said that the outpouring of grief around the world following his death is a testament of the respect and inspiration he has garnered during and after his Presidency.
He signed a book of condolence at the mission during the visit.
The book has been open over the last couple of days to Ambassadors of all member state to express their condolences.
Ban expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of the former Indian President in his message.
“The outpouring of grief around the world is a testament of the respect and inspiration he has garnered during and after his Presidency. The UN joins the people of India in sending our deepest condolences for this great statesman. May he rest in peace and eternity,” Ban said in his message.
Kalam died on July 27 following a cardiac arrest at the age of 83. He was in Shillong to deliver a lecture at the prestigious IIM and collapsed on stage just a few minutes into his speech.
(With inputs from PTI)