Election Commission of India mourns the loss of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was an inspiring individual, a great scientist, a popular President and above all an indomitable spirit filled with new thoughts and energy. He has been a role model for millions of people in the country and abroad especially for his inspiring and mesmerising ability to channelize the untapped energy of the youth.

 Dr. Kalam was ECI’s first National Icon for voter awareness and participation in 2010 and since then has been championing the cause of greater participation for stronger democracy in the country. ECI is blessed to have him as inspirational mentor on several occasions including this year’s National Voters’Day function on 25^th January, where he inspired us as the chief guest.

ECI fondly recalls his vision written by him in his book “A Manifesto for Change” where he envisions and advocates E-election scenario in which an election officer finds all details about a candidate on his computer system within few minutes thanks to e-Governance software and decides on his eligibility to kick start election process. Similarly, a voter by using a secured and authentic election mobile application vote by using his mobile and ID.  

He was always a guiding force for us and his death is an irreparable loss to the nation and hard to fill.

RM/RS