Ahead of the Assembly elections, a cross-section of youth, mostly students from various colleges in the southern districts, have urged V. Ponraj, scientific adviser to late President APJ Abdul Kalam, to enter politics.
The youngsters, who say they were enamoured by Kalam’s ‘Vision India 2020’, assembled at Thonugal, the native village of Mr. Ponraj in the district, to meet him on Friday. Since he was away, they met his mother Subbulakshmi and camped in the village for the night. The students, including many girls, were given shelter in community halls in the area.
“We will not leave this place till Mr. Ponraj agrees to launch a political party and takes the lead,” claimed R Senthuran, president of an outfit named ‘United Vision 2020’. According to him, the youth in Tamil Nadu were tired of the kind of politics prevailing in the State. “There is rampant corruption in every aspect of life. Mr Ponraj has been associated with Abdul Kalam for 20 years and he was also his scientific adviser. Only he has the potential to transform Tamil Nadu into a developed State,” he believed.
Mr. Senthuran added that Mr. Ponraj closely worked with the former President in drafting the development missions presented to 15 State Assemblies. R. Monica, a second year IT student of Lady Doak College, Madurai, said she was inspired by the Vision 2020 document of Abdul Kalam.
When contacted Mr. Ponraj said, “Many people, particularly students’ organisations, approached me with a suggestion that I launch a political party. I have not taken a decision yet...I have to consult my family and friends on this matter. I will talk to the students’ representatives in Thonugal on Saturday.”
