Indian Industry join the nation to mourn the loss of one of its greatest icons. All leading industry chambers have expressed deep loss at the demise of former President of India and Bharat Ratna recipient, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alok B. Shriram has expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden passing away of the former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, describing the departed soul as one of the most outstanding sons of India, who served it with an impeccable character, indomitable spirit, profound knowledge and firm conviction.

"His death is irreparable loss to the nation as he has left a big void difficult to fill," said Shriram adding that the Missile Man to people's President, Dr. Kalam was one of the most respected Presidents and defence scientists, who constantly sought to inspire the youth through motivational speeches and personal interactions.   

As President of India, Dr. Kalam was immensely popular and greatly admired by all sections of society including India Inc. with which he consistently shared his economic vision and landscape for the country and thus commanded a great respect from it also. His tireless efforts in placing India prominently among the technologically developed nations would be remembered for years to come and he would be missed by people's world over.

"Dr. Kalam will keep on inspiring us even though he is no longer among us. Our real homage to Dr. Kalam would be to ensure that his passion for science and technology and his vision towards building a nation by igniting young minds is carried forward," noted Dr Jyotsna Suri, President, FICCI.

It was on the vision of Dr. Kalam that FICCI set up its Centre for Innovation, Science and Technology Commercialization in 2007 to bridge the gap between the mind and the market. Dr Kalam graced the Technology Expo under the India Innovation Growth Programme in 2009, where he stated that, "Economic development is powered by competitiveness. Competitiveness is powered by knowledge. Knowledge is powered by technology & innovation". This thought drives us even today and will keep inspiring us to forge new initiatives in S&T by igniting the minds of young India.

"Dr. Kalam shall always be remembered for his leadership towards building India not only through his contribution towards science and technology but also for being a great inspiration for each and every citizen of the country," said Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI. We mourn the loss of a great visionary, leader and a very humble human being. FICCI stands commitment to honor Dr Kalam's Vision 2020.

The Confederation of Indian Industry expressed deep loss at the demise of former President of India and Bharat Ratna recipient, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. "Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was a great motivator, a constant inspiration, and a unique mentor for India and Indian industry. His vision for a developed and technologically superior India motivated industry's engagement in leveraging technology for competitiveness," said Sumit Mazumder, President, CII.

CII was privileged and honored to enjoy a long association with Dr Kalam through the years. Dr Kalam graciously agreed to assume the office of the first Chairman of the CII National Council on Technology set up in 1998. Leading the Council, Dr Kalam guided CII in setting up the Technology Division to engage strongly with technology adoption in industry. This imparted huge impetus to CII’s initiatives for inculcating technology in the DNA of Indian Industry.

Dr Kalam inaugurated CII-Naoroji Godrej Green Business Center (GBC) in 2004 and remained closely engaged with the CII movement for green buildings, energy efficiency and resource management. With the association of Dr Kalam, the GBC has emerged as a pioneer and leader of the 'green building' initiative in India.

CII was proud to engage with the late President’s vision of Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas, or PURA, and undertook several initiatives in this program under his guidance.

"Emphasizing that technological achievements are the foundation for industrial strength, Dr Kalam always encouraged and guided Indian industry's initiatives in innovation and R&D. He also led and inspired CII in many ways, offering new ideas and initiatives," added Mazumder.

As President of India, Dr. Kalam addressed CII platforms on many occasions. CII recalls with pride Dr Kalam's inspirational words on the occasions of the Green Building Congress 2005, The Partnership Summit 2006, and other CII events. During these interactions, Dr Kalam exhorted Indian industry to engage purposefully and in a socially and environmentally relevant manner for India’s inclusive growth.

All industry bodies sincerely mourn his sad demise and pray to the almighty that the departed soul rests in peace in heaven.