APJ Abdul Kalam had a mighty mind: President Pranab Mukherjee

Paying his tribute to his predecessor, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said APJ Abdul Kalam had a mighty mind and was one of the rare Presidents to be elected unopposed.

"He had a mighty mind," President Mukherjee told ANI, shortly after laying wreath at Kalam's body at the Delhi airport. Kalam, 83, passed away in Shillong on Monday evening moments after he collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management campus in the north-eastern city.

Also read: A heart wrenching recount of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's last moments

"Kalam was the first President since 1977 to be elected unopposed. Even during (independent India's first President) Dr Rajendra Prasad's nomination, there was a contest," the President said.

Pranab Mukherjee also shared his memories with Kalam. "He used to quietly write when we went to pay respects to soldiers. I also received two-three poems which he wrote," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, a special Indian Air Force plane carrying the mortal remains of the former president landed in Delhi and was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three chiefs of the defence forces.

Among other leaders present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kalam's body has been kept at 10, Rajaji Marg for people to pay respects.

Parliament was adjourned for two days on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the former President. "The country has lost a true son of India. His contributions to the nation in his capacity as a man of technology, a teacher and a leader will be deeply cherished by a grateful nation," Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari said.

Kalam's last rites will be held on Wednesday in his native town Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu as per the wishes of the family members.