Former president of India, Dr A PJ Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27 while delivering a lecture at IIM in Shillong.
As an eminent scientist and visionary, Dr Kalam was known for his commitment to encouraging indigenous technology and innovation. He always wanted to nurture young minds and fuel their curiosity for science. His passing away has therefore shocked the scientists and innovators accross industries. Bioscience industry too has been saddened by his passing away. Here are the few reactions:
Dr BR Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco which recalling Dr Kalam's contribution mentioned, "We are deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Dr Kalam. He was an inspiration and a revolutionary. He always encouraged us to have a future using science and technology. Not many would know that Indian agriculture has also lost one of its fiercest proponents. His Vision 2020 document which in the words of the Prime Minister, acts as a Marg Darshak for a glorious Indian future, envisioned doubling India's agricultural productivity as its first focus area. We hope to make his dream of integrating science and agriculture a reality."
Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD, Biocon took to Twitter to express her deep regards for Dr Kalam. "Shocked to learn about the sad demise of Dr Kalam. He inspired the entire nation. A great loss for India. Proud that I received my Padma Bhushan from President Kalam in 2005, a memory I will always treasure. Bharat Ratna APJ Kalam was a rare jewel who was the people's president loved by the young and the old. May he rest in peace."
The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) expressed its deepest regrets at the passing away of former president. It stated: "We acknowledge Dr Kalam's immense contribution to science and healthcare. His mission to ignite a love for science is what ISCR is also committed to in our vision of "promoting a compelling scientific disposition and widespread awareness of clinical research for the advancement of healthcare." Dr Kalam's life and learnings will continue to be an inspiration to clinical research professionals and all members of ISCR as we work towards fostering an environment facilitating ethical and responsible clinical research for better patient outcomes while ensuring, as Dr Kalam once said, healthcare is "made affordable without compromising on quality."
