CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday instituted an award in the name of former President APJ Abdul Kalam and announced that his birthday October 15 would be celebrated as Youth Awakening Day. The award which carries Rs.Five lakh, certificate of appreciation and a gold medal weighing eight grams, will be given to a person who strove for the growth of science and welfare of students. This award will be presented from this year.
In a statement here, the Chief Minister said “Mother Tamil has given many a scientists, scholars, poets, philosophers and unparalleled leaders to the country. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was one among them. He was hailed as the Missile Man of India who led his life in accordance with Tirukkural and a youth icon.
Born in a poor family in Rameswaram, Kalam rose to great heights by sheer hard work and steadfastness. His thoughts were always hovering around students and youth. He believed that India could be a super power by 2020 and that only youth could realise that dream, she recalled.