Kalam reflected depth, calmness of Rameswaram: PM Modi

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said it is great honor for him to touch the sacred soil of Rameswaram, a center of deep spiritual knowledge.

"Rameswaram has a vital place in our history and it is also known as a place so closely associated with Dr Kalam. It is this sacred land that gave India one of its most famous sons Dr APJ Abdul Kalam", said PM Modi addressing a public rally in Mandabam.

Remembering the former chief minister Jayalalitha on this occasion, Modi said I can feel the void created by her demise. If, she was here today in our midst, she would have been very happy and extended her good wishes. She is a leader we all remember, Modi said.

The memorial for Dr. Kalam showcases his life and times in a remarkable manner, we all must give a standing ovation to all those laborers who worked with immense dedication in building APJ Abdul Kalam memorial, Modi added.

Earlier, PM unveiled a majestic memorial built for Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, the late former President of India fondly referred to as the peoples' president. Modi after the inauguration paid tribute to Dr Kalam on his second death anniversary.

PM Modi inaugurates APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial at Rameswaram | Oneindia News

The memorial has been built near the tomb where Dr Kalam was laid to rest exactly two years ago. The memorial was built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation at a cost of about Rs 15 crore.

The memorial will reflect India's diversity and various cultures. It will also pay homage to Kalam's life, displaying replicas of rockets and missiles that the late ace scientist worked on.

The elevation in the front resembles the India Gate. A life-size seven-foot tall bronze statue of 'People's President' has been placed behind the memorial building along with a model of a 45-foot tall four tonnes weighing 'Agni-II' missile, a project with which Dr Kalam was intensely involved when heading the DRDO, has been installed at the rear. It is expected to be a massive tourist attraction.

He also flagged off new express train from Rameswaram to Ayodhya.

Science vehicle

PM flagged off Science vehicle 'Kalam 2020' , an exhibition bus that will travel across various states of the country and reach Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 15, the birth anniversary of the former President.

The Science Vehicle will travel to several states showcasing Kalam's achievements in the field of science and would reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on October 15, which happens to be the late Kalam's birth anniversary.

Massive security in place

More than 3,000 police personnel have been deployed at the memorial in view of Prime ministers Modi's visit. While the Special Protection Group (SPG) brought the memorial at Pei Karumbu, the helipad, and the venue of the public meetingat Mandapam under its security cover, the State police mounted a five-tier security cordon with a focus on the coast.

Additional Director General of Police (law and order) J K Tripathy reviewed the security arrangements on Wednesday as four Inspector Generals (IGs) of police, two DIGs, 12 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 21 ADSPs and 24 ASPs and DSPs took over security in their respective sectors.

Thirty-five bomb disposal squad searched the area thoroughly with the sniffer dogs and 100 CCTV cameras have been in place.

Policemen have also been posted in coastal villages to prevent infiltration through sea and to keep vigil on any suspicious movements. Armed Reserve police and ten battalions of Tamil Nadu special police have also been deployed in coastal villages to avoid infiltration bid through sea.

Other programmes

PM Modi is also scheduled to launch the deep-sea fishing project under 'blue revolution', flag off Rameswaram Ayodhya express, declare open the Dhanushkodi road, launch Ramayana circuit project and release Green Rameswaram synopsis before leaving for Delhi in the afternoon.

OneIndia News