Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Manohar Parrikar has unveiled a life-size statue of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at Peikarumbu, his burial site in Rameswaram Island. An exhibition named “Mission of Life” depicting the life of Kalam and his achievements towards nation building is set to be inaugurated.

Speaking on the occasion, Venkaiah Naidu said, “We have gathered here for one of the greatest sons of our soil, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He continues to live among us”. In a number of tweets, Naidu said, “It is difficult to believe that it is already one year since the great man left all of us for heavenly abode. It is difficult still even to believe that Dr Kalam passed away. It is because for such people, death is yet another physical event of life. They continue to be with us all the time by the sheer power of their thoughts, ideas and their contributions to the motherland and humanity at large. Dr Kalam will live forever in our minds and hearts.”

Institute director Amitabha De said, “Dr Kalam’s legacy is to make the planet more livable, not only for the present, but for future generations as well. To pay our respects to the legend, we would name the auditorium in our new campus after the former president with a life-size statue of him to be placed outside it.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje took to twitter to pay rich tributes to Kalam.

"Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams." An inspiration loved by all, remembering #APJAbdulKalam ji,” Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted.

Dr. #APJAbdulKalam was a epitome of simplicity,hardwork and Morality. His teachings and vision will continue to inspire generations to come, BJP President Amit Shah tweeted.

Dr. Kalam had collapsed while delivering a lecture to the management students of the IIM-Shillong on July 27 last year. He was rushed to the Bethany hospital, where he was declared dead due to a massive cardiac arrest.

By Premji