Bengaluru, Jul 28 (IANS): A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a people's president, a fountain of love for children and a mountain of knowledge for youth, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday.

"Kalam was a people's president, liked, loved and most respected not only in our country, but also the world over," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.

Kalam, 84, passed away at Shillong in Meghalaya on Monday evening.

Expressing shock and grief over Kalam's sudden death, Siddaramaiah said the former president was a star in the scientific world and a rare scientist who went to become the country's first citizen.

"The Swiss government has declared May 26 as Science Day to commemorate Kalam's visit to Switzerland. Such a tribute to Kalam reflects his popularity and influence on nations the world over," he said.

Recalling his interactions with the 'missile man', the chief minister said everyone should work hard for making India a superpower by 2020, as Kalam wanted.

"Kalam's sudden death has plunged every Indian into an ocean of sorrow," he said.