The mortal remains of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who died on Monday, July 27, were taken from his ancestral house in Rameswaram to the local mosque ahead of the funeral as thousands of mourners, young and old, poured into the island town to pay their last respects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and a host of other dignitaries, including chief ministers of some states, took part in the last rites held around 11 am after Namaz-e-Janaza.


Former President APJ Abdul Kalam's elder brother Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker along with other family members pays his last respects to him in Rameswaram. | Source: PTI

The body of 83-year-old Kalam, who passed away in Shillong on Monday, July 27, was taken from the house around 9.30 am to the mosque by the personnel of three services with the casket covered with traditional green shawl.

At the mosque, the Aalin or the chief priest read out special prayer and spoke about the former president, who grew up from this island. Later, the body was taken to the place of burial where prayers were offered again.

A child kisses former President APJ Abdul Kalam's photo at Chikmagalur in Karnataka | Source: PTI