Kerala to name Technological University after Dr Kalam

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 29: Honouring the contributions of former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Kerala government has decided to name its proposed Technological University after him.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the state Assembly, here today.

"Dr Kalam was a person who had made exceptional contributions to accelerate India's pace in the field of science and technology.

He had close connections with the state for around 20 years as a scientist," he said.

"So we decided to name the Technological University as A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University," Chandy said.

The Chief Minister said a delegation from the state would attend the funeral of Dr Kalam at Rameswaram tomorrow.

"The Kerala delegation will include Governor Justice P Sathasivam, Opposition leader V S Achutanandan and minister P J Joseph, besides myself," he said.

Chandy said that Speaker N Sakthan also wanted to accompany the delegation but would not be able to participate because of the Assembly sitting.

Chandy also said though the state wanted the mortal remains of Kalam to be brought to Kerala to enable the public to pay homage, the plea was not accepted by the Centre due to some 'technical reasons'.

PTI