Tamil Nadu Remembers Abdul Kalam on his Birth Anniversary

Chennai: Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was fondly remembered today on his 84th birth anniversary through a host of programmes held by the Tamil Nadu government, schools and voluntary organisations across the state.

Tamil Nadu government observed Dr Kalam's birth anniversary as "Youth Resurgence Day" in accordance with an announcement made by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa after the death of the former President in July.

Governor K Rosaiah paid floral tributes to Dr Kalam at a simple function held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai.

Later, he presented awards to students and launched Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Students Federation of India in a programme organised by India Reigns Magazine.

"Resurgence Day rallies" were taken out by school and college students across the State. Organised by the State government, it was flagged off here by Chennai District Collector Sundaravalli.

Science exhibitions were held in several State-run institutions and schools including the Birla Planetarium in Chennai.

Saplings were planted and distributed to students in several districts including Tirunelveli.

Voluntary organisations, private schools and colleges too organised similar functions.

Ruling AIADMK showered encomiums on Kalam in its mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR in a poem. It hailed him as "Missile Tamilian, hero of the youth."

In a Facebook post, DMK treasurer M K Stalin appealed to the State and Central governments to give light weight callipers designed by Kalam to the physically challenged. BJP and DMDK held separate programmes in honour of Kalam.