KOCHI: The management, teachers and students of the college at Muvattupuzha that former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam visited last in the State are in mourning, as the person who ignited their minds and urged them to have a dream and pursue it a few months ago is no more.
Dr Kalam visited the Cochin Institute of Science and Technology on May 6, his last visit in Kerala, to inaugurate its ‘Entrepreneurship Development Centre’. He spent almost two hours interacting with the students and teachers and imparted valuable suggestions.
Dr Kalam’s demise came as a personal loss for college chairman T R Shamsudheen, who had maintained a seven-year-long relationship with him. He remembers the former president speaking about the college and the students at a function held at a private hospital, then.
“There was always a teacher in him. Whenever he was in the midst of students, he forgot himself and became very energetic. He was willing to clear the students’ doubts and to listen to their innovative ideas. He was always full of praise for me that I owned three colleges at a small age.
He never showed reluctance in encouraging me and my endeavours,” added Shamsudheen.
‘Bring Kalam’s Body to State’
T’Puram: The state government has requested the Centre to allow the mortal remains of former president A P J Abdul Kalam, who had lived in the state for over two decades, to be brought to the state for the people to pay homage. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has requested that the body be brought to the state capital and kept here for a few hours enroute Rameshwaram, where the last rites will be performed.
Alencherry Mourns Kalam
Syro Malabar Church head Cardinal Mar George Alencherry expressed condolence over the demise of Abdul Kalam.’’He was a visionary who inspired children to think positively. He was the most revered educationist in the modern India. He was also keen on maintaining love and respect to all. After his Presidency stint, he utilised time to share knowledge with society, especially with the younger generation’’the Cardinal said.