Rich tributes were paid to the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam by speakers at a function organised at St. Joseph’s College on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Thursday.
T. Sampathkumar, a close associate of Kalam, went down the memory lane to recall the virtues of Kalam. Mr. Sampathkumar and Kalam, during their college days, had stayed together at the college hostel between 1950 and 1954.
He narrated the humanitarian approach and strong goal Kalam had right from his college days.
He recalled Mr. Kalam’s love for children and his ability to rise above caste, religion or creed-based differences. Kalam had a strong determination for developing the country in the areas of science and technology, particularly in space science, he said.
Mr. Sampathkumar, the founder of ‘Save Our Daughters India,’ a Coimbatore-based service organisation, said the organisation would meet the educational fees of 10 poor undergraduate students.
Five students each from Tamil and English departments would be assisted in memory of his English and Tamil professors - the late Fr. Sequrra and the late Iyyamperumal.
Earlier, Mr. Sampathkumar released four books ‘Kaalathai Vendra Kalam,’ ‘Dreamer And Doer – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,’ authored by S. Xavier Alphonse, former principal of Loyola College, Chennai, “Igniting the Young Mind,” authored by Fr. Mariadoss, and the first copy was received by Rev. S. John Britto, SJ, Rector of the college. He released a book ‘Makkalin Kudiyarasu Thalaivar,’ authored by Durairaj, and the first copy was received by Rev. Dr. S. Sebastian, SJ, secretary of the college.
Rev. F.Andrew, SJ, Principal of the college, said a large number of students from various schools were invited to attend the function for motivating students. An oratorical contest for school children, planting of saplings and science exhibition formed part of the celebrations.
Elsewhere in the city, a rally, organised under the auspices of Srirangam Educational Trust, was taken out in which students from various schools participated. S. Gopalakrishnan, from Agathiar Publications, inaugurated the rally. Prema Nandakumar, a note writer, inaugurated a book and photo exhibitions on the life of Abdul Kalam.
The Tiruchi Chapter of Young Indians organised a session on “Visioning for India,” and a panel discussion at Seva Sangam Girls Higher Secondary School campus. Former superintendent of police A.Kaliyamurthy, N. Annavi, former international athlete, and P. Subburethina Bharathi, Professor, Department of Management Studies, M.A.M. College of Engineering and Technology, spoke.
