Rameswaram: As the nation remember the first death anniversary of the missile man of India and former president Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, a foundation stone was laid for the National Memorial at his burial site in Pei Karumbu of the Island town of Rameswaram. It is to be noted that last year Dr. Kalam breathed last after suffering a massive cardiac arrest at the IIM-Shillong last year.
Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister for Urban Development M.Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone. Union Ministers Pon.Radhakrishnan and Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, State Ministers Mrs.Nilofer Kafeel and M.Manikandan, Dr.Kalam’s 100-year-old elder brother A.P.J.Mohammed Muthu Meeran Maraikayar, his family members, Senior Scientists of Defense Research and Development Organisdation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), senior bureaucrats, besides hundreds of people present on the occasion.
Earlier, Mr.Parrikar and Mr Naidu unveiled a seven-foot-tall life size bronze statue of Dr.Kalam at the entrance of the burial site. The Union Ministers also unveiled the 3D model of the Memorial. The DRDO is building the world-class Memorial, based on three broad themes namely “Journey through the life of Dr.Kalam,” his “Contributions to Science” and in motivating the youth.” The memorial will have audio-visuals in Tamil, Hindi and English languages.
Several programmes were organised in view of the first death anniversary of Dr.Kalam. Students from various schools would take out silent rallies and offer floral tributes at the burial site. Thousands of people, especially students from various parts of the State were expected to visit the burial site to pay their homage. (UNI)