OneIndia Special: Dr Kalam’s family launches new movement for youth

Pei Karumbu (Rameshwaram), Sept 04: The family members of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on Friday announced the launch of a new movement to carry forward the mission of former President.

Addressing the media here, the family said that the ‘Abdul Kalam's Vision India Movement' will continue with the work involving students and the youth of the country.

"We are planning to focus on some key areas such as ‘Evolution of enlightened Citizens Mission' and ‘Developed India Mission.' These are early days and we will be working out the modalities soon. We plan to have wings of this movement in all states," Sheik Saleem, Dr Kalam's grandson and family spokesperson said.

He said the working of state units will be closely monitored to ensure that Dr Kalam's name is not being misused.

"The idea of this movement is to ensure that the hard work, dedication and commitment of Dr Kalam are propelled further for the benefit of the nation. Today's is a token beginning and we will be soon chart out a flightpath for the movement," Saleem told OneIndia.

Request pending before the NDA govt

The media was informed by the family members that their request to set up the ‘Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery Foundation' is pending before the NDA government.

"We had recently met the Union Home Minister and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. We want this Centre under the aegis of the Foundation to provide knowledge platform for the students and youth as envisioned by Dr Kalam. We have requested the government to set-up the Centre at No 10 Rajaji Marg in New Delhi (Dr Kalam's official residence) or any other place of choice of Central Government," Saleem said.

A formal decision on the Foundation will only be taken after seeing the response of the government.

Rameshwaram abuzz with activities on Friday

Earlier during the day, the temple town of Rameshwaram witnessed a flurry of activities following the 40th day (after demise) religious ceremonies of former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam being held here on Friday. [OneIndia Special: Religious ceremonies for Dr Kalam begin at Rameshwaram]

A prayer meeting was held at the famous Rameshwaram Mosque under the supervision of the Jamaat representatives. Dr Kalam's 99-year-old elder brother A P J M Maraikayar too attended the prayer meeting, which lasted for over an hour. Around 200 people attended the prayer meeting cutting across all religion.

"With today's function all religious ceremonies connected to Dr Kalam's demise are over," said A P J M J Sheik Dwood, grandson of former President's elder brother.

The mosque is situated close to Dr Kalam's residence, a major portion of it being now converted into a museum. Hundreds of students thronged the museum, now named as House of Kalam on Pallivasal Street.

A busy day for Dr Nassema at House of Kalam

Dr Naseema Maraikayar, Dr Kalam's niece, had a tough time in meeting the guests with most wanting to have a photograph with her. She was seen directing the staff at the museum to ensure smooth flow of visitors so that the students are not exposed to the scratching sun outside for a long time.

"You know, he (Dr Kalam) did not like the students waiting in the sun. We try to follow whatever he followed," said Dr Naseema.

Dr Naseema interacted with many students on Friday, who came to pay their respects to Dr Kalam. She also distributed cards printed with the 10-point oath for students and youth.

At one point, the students were heard cheering when asked them to follow the simple and selfless legacy of Dr Kalam.