KATHMANDU: Thousands of Nepalis, including leaders, expressed grief and sorrow over the death of former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Within minutes of the news of Kalam's death late on Monday evening, many posted photos of the Indian missile man and his famous quotes on Facebook.
"Hearty tribute to Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Deep condolence to the government and people of India," said former deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, in a message.
"He never got old. That was his charisma. What a hero - Abdul J Kalam ! love you !" a woman journalist Anjali Subedi wrote on her Facebook wall.
People from all sections of society and age groups joined to express their grief over Kalam's death who last visited Nepal in 2008 during the convocation ceremony of Kathmandu University.
Hundreds of people either translated in Nepalese or chose to use his famous quotes verbatim on Twitter and Facebook.
"Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep," a message giving one of Kalam's quotes said.
News of his death was widely covered in the Nepali media in Tuesday's editions.
Many posted photos of his last Nepal visit in 2008.
"I feel that his ideas and behaviour were more powerful than missile," said a mourner Byakul Pathak, adding that "he is one man whom I respect in this world."
"The world will miss your simplicity and towering personality," said Sama Thapa on her Facebook wall.
Nepal's Prime Minister Sushil Koirala expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Kalam saying: "I am saddened to hear the news of passing away of Kalam."
Koirala expressed his condolence to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, government of India, relatives of Kalam and Indians on behalf of the government and people of Nepal.
Koirala also recalled Kalam's contributions in leading India on the path of scientific advancement and progress.
Kalam died in India's northeastern state of Meghalaya on Monday following cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture in a management school.