Chennai:
It has been over five months since the death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, but the promised memorial at his hometown Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, is yet to be built.
Dr Kalam's grave in Rameswaram - a mere 5 km from his home -- stands amid a dirty field, where herds of cattle have made their home.
A makeshift structure has been built over the grave of the People's President. The sight is in stark contrast to the one on July 30, when various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was present to bid farewell to the Missile Man.
District authorities say the land for the memorial has been handed over to the Centre but the construction is yet to start.
Many say the Central Public Works Department, which should take up the construction, has not been alloted funds nor announced any design or time-frame.
Professor Jawaharullah, the lawmaker from Ramanathapuram, blamed the Central government. "There's total apathy though they promised many at Kalam's funeral. They don't want Kalam's popularity to continue," he said.
For Dr Kalam's admirers, who consider a visit to the site akin to a pilgrimage, the sight is disappointing. Pilgrims who come to Rameswaram temple too, often pay a visit here.
"If they say they can't build a memorial for Kalam, we students would do it," said Arivalagan, an engineering student from Karaikudi.
Dr Anantha Krishnan M, Advisor, Kalam Foundation, said, "You can't have a Bharat Ratna being left like this. If it was a politician, by now some structure would have come up."
The Centre had turned down Dr Kalam's family's request to convert his Delhi home into a knowledge centre. All his belongings including his books were sent back.
Dr Kalam's elder brother pleaded for government intervention. "Local and outstation pilgrims keep asking why the memorial has not been built. I request you to expedite the matter," said Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar.
The authorities refused to comment on the issue.
Dr Kalam, known as the father of India's missile programme, was President from 2002 to 2007. He died of cardiac arrest on July 27.
Dr Kalam's grave in Rameswaram - a mere 5 km from his home -- stands amid a dirty field, where herds of cattle have made their home.
A makeshift structure has been built over the grave of the People's President. The sight is in stark contrast to the one on July 30, when various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was present to bid farewell to the Missile Man.
District authorities say the land for the memorial has been handed over to the Centre but the construction is yet to start.
Many say the Central Public Works Department, which should take up the construction, has not been alloted funds nor announced any design or time-frame.
Professor Jawaharullah, the lawmaker from Ramanathapuram, blamed the Central government. "There's total apathy though they promised many at Kalam's funeral. They don't want Kalam's popularity to continue," he said.
For Dr Kalam's admirers, who consider a visit to the site akin to a pilgrimage, the sight is disappointing. Pilgrims who come to Rameswaram temple too, often pay a visit here.
"If they say they can't build a memorial for Kalam, we students would do it," said Arivalagan, an engineering student from Karaikudi.
Dr Anantha Krishnan M, Advisor, Kalam Foundation, said, "You can't have a Bharat Ratna being left like this. If it was a politician, by now some structure would have come up."
The Centre had turned down Dr Kalam's family's request to convert his Delhi home into a knowledge centre. All his belongings including his books were sent back.
Dr Kalam's elder brother pleaded for government intervention. "Local and outstation pilgrims keep asking why the memorial has not been built. I request you to expedite the matter," said Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar.
The authorities refused to comment on the issue.
Dr Kalam, known as the father of India's missile programme, was President from 2002 to 2007. He died of cardiac arrest on July 27.
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