Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday paid tributes to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the state secretariat here, describing him as a "visionary leader".The state government has declared Tuesday a holiday for schools, colleges and educational institutions as a mark of respect to the 'missile man' who died on Monday evening at Shillong.
Patnaik said Kalam was a fully dedicated son of the soil and in his departure from this world India lost a precious lamp of wisdom. "I am deeply shocked at the sad death of Kalam. He was one of the most illustrious presidents of the country, who was a visionary leader and a gifted scientist.
"He was one of the finest human beings of our times. He inspired and guided millions of children to follow their dreams and explore their inherent talent," Patnaik said. All the legislators and secretaries also paid homage at the state secretariat. Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra said Kalam was a visionary, embodiment of peace, brotherhood and fraternity, loved and revered by one and all. "Kalam was not only an icon for the youth of this generation, but will continue to be a source of inspiration for the next generation," said union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan who hails from Odisha.