Award in Kalam's name; birthday to be observed as 'Youth Renaissance Day'

Chennai, July 31: Amid widespread demands to conserve the legacy of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, Tamil Nadu government on Friday, July 31 said an award would be constituted in his name and his birthday would be observed as "Youth Renaissance Day". [Tribute to my Guru; let the Kalam in us live on]

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said she had issued directions to constitute the 'Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Award' for persons who strive towards promoting scientific growth, humanities and students' welfare and that the award would be given away during Independence Day every year. This was in line with her government's policy of creating a 'Strong India and Resourceful Tamil Nadu,' she said in a statement here.

The award will carry an 8 gram gold medal, Rs 5 lakh in cash and a citation and would be presented to a person hailing from the state, she said, adding it would be given away from this year.

Further, October 15, Kalam's birthday, would henceforth be observed as 'Youth Renaissance Day' by the Tamil Nadu government, she said.

"Abdul Kalam always wanted to remain a teacher. He was a driving force behind the growth of youth by his enlightening remarks that struck a chord with students," she said while recalling his contributions towards India's growth.

Abdul Kalam always wanted to remain a teacher: Jayalalithaa

Kalam was a multi-faceted personality, often described as 'Missile Man' and 'Nuclear Hero,' Jayalalithaa said while tracing his humble origins.

His hard work and dedication not only made him a veteran scientist, but also the President, she said, adding, he had a vision that the country should become a superpower by 2020.

Kalam died on July 27 in Shillong and was laid to rest at his native Rameswaram in the state with full state honours yesterday, with thousands of people attending his funeral.

PTI