Abdul Kalam’s family to launch foundation

Chennai: A tug-of-war over former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's legacy among some associates has literally forced his family to take action. Now, the family has decided to launch its own foundation to live up to the dreams of Dr Kalam. Interestingly, this comes a month after 'Abdul Kalam's Vision India Movement' was launched by Dr Kalam's advisor
V. Ponraj.

The official inauguration of the proposed Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam International Foundation (AKIF) is on October 11 at Chinmaya Heritage Centre at  Chetpet . Popular music director Ilayaraja will be the chief guest.  Naseema Maraikayar, Kalam's niece, will preside.

Family sources told Deccan Chronicle that after having seen a series of controversies and rush of activities in Dr Kalam's name,  which in a way contradicted the morals and ethos upheld by the former President all his life, the family decided  to keep a check on Dr Kalam's name being dragged into 'unwarranted' controversies and co-ntinue his good works.

The foundation will comprise  only family members.  Naseema Maraikayar is likely to be the founder chairperson. Any aides, who want to be part of the new movement, will be accommodated on the advisory board.

"Our objective is to remain non-controversial, do selfless and meaningful work, instead of hogging headlines. Dr Kalam never tried to claim credit despite doing so many wonderful works for the country.  He was selfless and did things without fanfare. "We are saddened seeing people getting into ugly public spats even before the mourning period ended", said Sheik Saleem, Dr Kalam's grand nephew, who recently joined the BJP.

He said he met President Pranab Mukerjee on Thursday and conveyed the family's decision to set-up the foundation. "I also requested him to set-up Dr Kalam's knowledge centre at New Delhi. He promised me to follow-up the matter with the Centre".