THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Assembly on Tuesday paid rich tributes to former president Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Incidentally, Tuesday was the tenth anniversary of Kalam's address in the state Assembly as President on July 28, 2005.
The normal proceedings of the day were suspended and the House adjourned for the day after remembrance addresses by the Speaker, Chief Minister and all parliamentary party leaders. The House observed one minute’s silence to pay last respects to the former president.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the ten-point agenda for Kerala development prescribed by Dr Kalam offered great potentials.
Neera production was just one among them. He always gave thrust to the younger generations. Though Dr Kalam was a Tamilian by birth, he had spent two decades of his career in Kerala. Hence, he always had a special love for the state.
Speaker N. Sakthan remembered that Dr Kalam had inspired many generations throughout his career. Dr Kalam, who was born in a very poor family, became an internationally acclaimed scientist and the President of India.
His achievements were the result of hard work and dedication. Simplicity was the highlight of his personality, the Speaker added.
Opposition leader V. S. Achuthanandan said Dr Kalam had not only advised to dream but also suggested practical ways to make the dreams materialise.
“He had told us to chase dreams. By reaching out to common man by breaking protocols, Dr Kalam could closely feel the sentiments of ordinary people.”
While industry minister P. K. Kunhalikutty remembered that Dr Kalam had given immense support to digital initiatives of Kerala, CPI parliamentary party leader C. Divakaran said the former president had strived to bring the benefits of science to the common man.
Finance minister K. M. Mani, food and civil supplies Minister Anoop Jacob, agriculture minister K. P. Mohanan, Kerala Congress (B) leader K. B. Ganesh Kumar and NCP leader A. K. Saseendran spoke.
Kalam’s chempakam
A Chempakam (Plumeria) planted by Dr Kalam during his visit to the Assembly caught the attention of many on Tuesday.
Speaker N. Sakthan who had a look at the plant on Tuesday said that it was a strange coincidence that it was the tenth anniversary of the plant.
The Chempakam on the lawn of the House would be a befitting memorial for Dr Kalam who always promoted planting of trees, he said.
