Modi unveiled a statue of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi.
AB Wire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described former President APJ Abdul Kalam as one who was a “Rashtra-Ratna” before a “Rashtrapati.”
Speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Kalam at DRDO Bhavan in New Delhi, Modi said that a memorial for Kalam would be built at Rameswaram, to inspire future generations.
Salutations to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. pic.twitter.com/C9kPE7p3We
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2015
The Prime Minister said that while most people look for opportunities in life, Kalam always sought fresh challenges to overcome. He recalled how he worked closely with Kalam during the post-earthquake reconstruction work in Kutch.
Recalling that Kalam wished to be remembered as a teacher, Modi said that the former pesident was well-aware of the importance of nurturing future generations. He said, “On the birth anniversary for Kalam, we must explore how we can encourage innovation in India”.
On the occasion, Modi mentioned several vital sectors where innovation was essential, including cyber-security, housing for all, river-linking, enhancing agricultural productivity, blue economy, and zero-defect, zero-effect manufacturing.
He said that Kalam had not only risen himself, from humble beginnings to the highest office in India, but had also built great institutions, virtually from scratch. He said all of us should draw inspiration from his example.
Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a statue of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDO Bhavan. He opened and witnessed a photo exhibition titled – “A Celebration of Dr. Kalam’s Life.” The Prime Minister released a commemorative postal stamp on Kalam.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi releases a postal stamp on the 84th Birth Anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. pic.twitter.com/O6JbNhktHN
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) October 15, 2015
Union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Dr. Harsh Vardhan were present on the occasion.