KATHMANDU: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on Tuesday expressed grief over the sudden demise of former President of India and scholar APJ Abdul Kalam.

In a message of condolence to his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukharjee in the demise of Kalam, President Yadav remembered late Kalam as rare blend of 'gyana' (knowledge) and karma (deed) who selflessly pursued knowledge and indefatigably disseminated it among the wider public. President Abdul Kalam has been held in high esteem in Nepal, he said, remembering his visit to Nepal in November 2008.

During his Nepal visit, Kalam, as the Chief Guest, had addressed the convocation ceremony of Kathmandu University and his public lecture on Kathmandu.

He made a deep imprint in the mind of Nepali people especially among the Nepali youth. As a scientist, as a statesman and as the President of India, late Kalam made immense contribution to strengthen Nepal-India relations, the President said in the message.

The President has concluded that in the demise of Kalam, Nepal has lost a true friend and India a great scientist, a leader and an established scholar. Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, the President expressed his heartfelt condolence to the government and people of India as well as to the bereaved members of family.

Also a noted scientist of India, Kalam, who is known as a 'missile man of India' passed away at the age of 83 on Monday.