Prime Minister inaugurates Abdul Kalam memorial in Rameswaram

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Prime Minister Narendra after inaugurating the memorial for former President Abdul Kalam   | Photo Credit: R. Ashok

 

The memorial was built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a tribute to Kalam, coinciding with his second death anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a memorial to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, built at the burial site of the former President at Pei Karumbu near Rameswaram.

The memorial was built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a tribute to Kalam, coinciding with his second death anniversary.

"The memorial to Dr. Kalam showcases his life and times in a remarkable manner. Dr. Kalam always reflected the simplicity, depth and calmness of Rameswaram," Mr. Modi said.

"Rameswaram has a vital place in our history and it is also known as a place so closely associated with Dr. Kalam," he said.

Mr. Modi unveiled a plaque and a bust of Kalam inside the memorial before paying homage to the mortal remains of the late leader. He also met the family members of Kalam and interacted with Kalam’s elder brother, centenarian A.P.J.M. Maraikayar.

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The Prime Minister, accompanied by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, vice presidential candidate M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Pon Radhakrishnan, went around the memorial, taking a look at the portraits of Kalam.

Defence Secretary (Research and Development) and DRDO Chairman S. Christopher briefed Mr. Modi about the memorial.

Mr. Modi flagged off ‘Kalam Sandesh vahini’, an exhibition bus carrying Kalam’s Vision 2020. It will travel to various States before reaching the Rashtrapathi Bhavan on October 15, coinciding with Kalam’s 86th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off ‘Kalam Sandesh vahini’, an exhibition bus carrying Kalam’s Vision 2020 in Rameswaram on Thursday   | Photo Credit: R. Ashok

 

After then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone on July 27, 2016 on the occasion of Kalam’s first death anniversary, the DRDO began the construction work on October 15, 2016, his 85th birth anniversary and completed the work in nine months.

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