THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An ever-lasting and befitting tribute to former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam by naming the upcoming Kerala Technological University in his name took the Assembly to greater heights on Wednesday, while a crucial legislation adopted at the end of marathon discussions also put the state on the threshold of a uniform mechanism to bring all technical institutions of higher learning under one umbrella.
The Opposition deviated from the usual pattern of giving notice for adjournment motion and later walking out, and turned the discussion on supplementary grants to attack the government on dotted political lines. Without disruption or announcement of a walkout, the Left MLAs simply vacated their seats when Finance Minister K M Mani rose to reply and came back only to attend legislative business on motion of two Bills.
Even before the mortal remains of the former Prez was laid to rest in his native place Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, slated for Thursday, the state government rose to the occasion and decided to name the varsity in his name.
Over and above the political lining, it was a gesture poised to set a shining example for the whole nation to honour one of the most popular Presidents the country had ever had.
Though the Opposition Left tried to make an issue out of the varsity pro VC reportedly making a declaration earlier on the same lines when the House was in session, before Chief Minister Oommen Chandy made the announcement in the House as a special mention, the good intention and grace of the government’s move had its effect and collectivity prevailed in the end.
The amendment to give Dr Kalam’s name to the varsity was moved, along with the basic legislation for creating the Technological University as motion for consideration. The gesture came amid a decision wherein Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and ministers P J Joseph and M K Muneer are scheduled to go to Rameswaram on Thursday morning in a special flight to pay the last respects of the state to Kalam.Discussion on the demand for supplementary grants on the annual Budget for various departments was a usual blame game for the Opposition, while the treasury benches reinforced its strength by highlighting the achievements of the government.