While people took to Twitter and Facebook to express their sense of loss and share photos, quotes and stories of the noted scientist, instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp were conspicuously bereft of jokes and memes.
"When I am dead, do not declare a holiday. Instead, work a day extra - Kalam sir's profound words," read a message doing rounds on WhatsApp today.
"Let's salute the pure soul who gave his life for us. Let's tribute the strong mind, determined to do anything for us. Let's show our joy, for his great heart," read another.
Celebrities and everyday-people alike thronged on Twitter to post messages as the hashtag #KalamSir soared to become India's top trend.
The passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a deep personal loss for me #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) July 27, 2015
Sometimes i wish R.I.P meant 'Return If Possible' #KalamSir
- Prabhas (@PrabhasRaju) July 28, 2015A rare combination of scientist, philosopher n selfless patriot. We lost one of the greatest sons of India. #RIPDrKalam Return If Possible.
- PankajaGopinathMunde (@Pankajamunde) July 28, 2015
An impeccable human being and a glorious President of the people. RIP Dr Kalam. You're home amidst the stars now. A space familiar to you.
- SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) July 28, 2015
Nation mourns the death of an inspirational mind, a great President; a brilliant scientist. Irreplaceable loss to the country. RIP Dr Kalam
- Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) July 28, 2015
At Mahindra,President Kalam's comment at the inauguration of our Chennai Research valley is part of our folklore(1/5) pic.twitter.com/sypzY1dFZC
- anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 28, 2015
AbdulKalamji had a vision for Kerala outlined in a presentation2the LegislativeAssembly in 2005. #1 was VizhinjamPort. Time to implement all
- Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 28, 2015
A man who inspired a generation of young minds. A man who made them dream. A man who believed in a vision. #RIP #KalamSir #Visionary
- Karthik sathya (@sathya1993) July 27, 2015
"It Is Very Easy To Defeat Someone, But It Is Very Hard To Win Someone" Salute you #KalamSir pic.twitter.com/RKljM8wVIM
- A Muskeeter (@AMuskeeter) July 28, 2015
"Black colour is sentimently Bad... But.. Every Black board makes 'The students life bright"-Dr.APJ Abdul #KalamSir
- Unaise Reborn (@unaiseunnu) July 28, 2015
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