Dr Kalam always carried prayer beads, Thirukkural with him

Rameswaram, Oct 30: The family members of former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam have started unpacking his belongings that were transported from his No 10, Rajaji Marg official residence in New Delhi this week.

The members at House of Kalam, in this ‘Temple Town of Rameswaram, have started to segregates all the items that were transported in 204 boxes.

As reported by OneIndia recently, majority of the boxes contain books, all from the personal collections of the former President.

Among the items listed as ‘very important' are a copies of Holy Quran and Thirukkural, a laptop, a mobile phone, reading glasses and prayer beads (tasbih) to name a few. The items will be later shifted to a memorial that's coming up in Rameswaram.

Family moved by ex-President's simplicity

Speaking to OneIndia on Friday, A P J M J S Nagoor Roja, grand niece of Dr Kalam said that the family members were moved by his simplicity.

"The entire family is humbled to see the possessions of my Vappappa (grandfather). He was very close to me and seeing all these items unpacked, I can't believe that he has flown away. We never thought that he will fly away one day."

A lawyer by profession, Roja said that Dr Kalam's simple lifestyle was evident from his belongings as well.

"He was an uncomplicated person. His needs were very limited. He always carried the Tasbih (prayer beads) with him. It had a special place in his heart and he carried it with him all along his journeys. The Thirukkural was another constant companion of him," Roja said.

She said the activities of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam International Foundation (AKIF) will gain momentum in the coming months.

"We firmly believe that the AKIF will have to be in line with what my Vappappa stood for. We have decided to take one step at a time and right now our energies are focussed on preserving each and every item he (Dr Kalam) used," she said.

OneIndia News