Rameswaram town in Tamil Naidu has been included in Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformatin (AMRUT) for providing basic urban infrastructure. This was announced by the Minister of Urban Development M.Venkaiah Naidu while speaking on the occasion of 84th birth anniversary of former President Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam at a programme organized at DRDO.

The Ministry has so far identified 497 cities and towns under Atal Mission under which basic infrastructure is to be developed in 500 cities and towns. Rameswaram is the 498th to be included in the Mission. With the addition of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu would have 32 cities and towns under Atal Mission.

A Committee comprising of Union Ministers M.Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar, Pon Radhakrishnan and former Chief Election Commissioner N.Gopalaswamy will work out the details of a Memorial for Dr.Kalam at Rameswaram. This Committee will consult all concerned before giving a final shape to the Memorial.

Tamil Nadu Government assured the Ministry of Urban Development that land for memorial will be made available at the place in Rameswaram where the mortal remains of the former President were laid to rest.

Did You Know?

• In material terms, the “People’s President” owned 2,500 books, a wrist watch, six shirts, four trousers, three suits and a pair of shoes.
• Kalam did not own any property nor a fridge, TV, car or an air conditioner.
• After he demitted office, the government allotted him a bungalow at 10 Rajaji Marg. The two-storey house lies desolate today but tales of his integrity are still alive.

• He was firm about not receiving any personal gifts and ensured that all personal gifts were duly tabulated and sent to the government’s toshakhana.
• Kalam liked to have south Indian food, especially ‘idlis’.