Rameswaram: Delhi govt official inspects Kalam's belongings

RAMESWARAM: A senior official of the Delhi Government on Wednesday inspected the belongings of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to finalise the modalities to take them back to New Delhi to be exhibited at the famous Dilli Haat.

A.R. Sanjay Garg, joint secretary, archives department of the Delhi government met Mr Sheikh Salim, grandson of Dr Kalam at the ‘Kalam House’ here and inspected the belongings, mostly books, of the former President.

These books and veena, which Dr Kalam fondly recited during his leisure time, were transported to his home town of Rameswaram in October last year after the Union Government rejected demands for setting up of a knowledge centre after the former President at the 10, Rajaji Marg residence, where he spent his last days.

Mr Garg inspected the books and belongings of Dr Kalam and got to know from Mr Salim about the significance. Mr Salim also took Mr Garg around ‘House of Kalam’ where an exhibition on Dr Kalam is on.

The belongings would now be taken to New Delhi from Rameswaram through trucks. They will be kept at the famous Dilli Haat till the Delhi government builds a knowledge center in his memory.

The Delhi government will have a permanent exhibition on Dr Kalam at INA for sometime where these books will be displayed and used for research and other purposes.

Mr Salim thanked the Delhi government for the decision to build a knowledge centre for Dr Kalam and said the senior official has prepared a list of belongings that would be taken to New Delhi.

“Rest will be displayed at House of Kalam in Rameswaram. We are really thankful to the Delhi government for its decision to honour Dr Kalam by announcing a Knowledge Centre in his name. We hope the future generations would benefit from his books and works,” Mr Salim said.