The family members of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam have requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare October 15, the birthday of the “People’s President” as the National Students Day.
Mr. Modi, who arrived here on Thursday to take part in the funeral, asked Kalam’s elder brother A.P.J.M. Maraikayar, who was seated next to him as what he could do for them.
As the grief-stricken Mr. Maraikayar could not speak, the family members requested Mr. Modi to declare Kalam’s birthday as National Students Day, Sheik Saleem, grandson of Kalam told The Hindu .
The Prime Minister responded positively, but said the demand could not be conceded immediately. “The Prime Minister gave us hope that our wishes would be fulfilled,” Mr. Saleem said.
Kalam had a special love for students and easily mingled with them whenever he visited a school or college for a function.
