Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has issued the following statement on July 28. THE CPI(M) expresses its deep sorrow at the passing away of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India. Dr Kalam played a pivotal role in the development of India’s nuclear technology capabilities. Dr Kalam tirelessly worked among the youth of our country, particularly school students, urging them to develop a vision for creating a better India. He had unassailable faith in our Indian youth scaling new heights of scientific and technological advances. As the president of India, he discharged his responsibilities in a dignified manner. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna by the Indian republic. The CPI(M) pays homage to his memory and conveys its condolences to the members of Dr Kalam’s family.