RAMESWARAM, Tamil Nadu Apr 6:
The personal belongings of former President Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam was today handed over to Delhi Tourism and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra which will be exhibited at the upcoming “knowledge centre.”
The Delhi Government has proposed to establish the knowledge centre in memory of Dr.Kalam at “Delhi Haat,” a popular cultural and commercial centre frequented by tourists.
The knowledge centre will showcase the simple lifestyle of Dr.Kalam, his contribution in the field of science before becoming the first citizen of the country.
A team of senior officials of Delhi government, led by Mr.Kapil Mishra visited Dr.Kalam’s ancestral house ? the “House of Kalam” in Rameswaram and met his family members.
The Minister and officials were received by A.P.J.Mohammed Muthu Meeran Maraikayar, the elder brother of Dr.Kalam.
On the formal request from the Delhi government, the family members handed over a complete set of Dr.Kalam’s robes, DVDs containing his speeches, documents, mementos, his research books apart from literary books and several things related to the former President, including spectacles, a Veena etc.
Kapil Mishra thanked the family members of Dr.kalam for their gesture. He said the personal belongings of Dr.Kalam will be part of the memorial and till a permanent structure is built, they will be housed at the Delhi assembly.
It may be recalled that Maraikayar had requested the Central Government to convert the “Rajaji Marg” residence in Delhi, where Dr.Kalam resided, into a National Knowledge Centre in memory of him. The Centre turned down the request on the ground that the residence was allotted to Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, following which the family members of Dr.Kalam wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 11 last year requesting him to set up the centre in Dr.Kalam’s name.
The Delhi government accepting the request has decided to set up the knowledge centre at Delhi Haat. Subsequently, a proposal to erect Dr.Kalam’s memorial was passed in Delhi assembly.
Dr Kalam stayed at his 10, Rajaji Marg residence after his term as President ended in 2007. Following his demise on July 27, last year, the personal possessions from his Delhi residence were sent to Rameswaram by the Centre. (UNI)
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