The family of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has decided to establish a foundation to carry forward the mission of the late leader and requested the Centre to convert his Delhi house as “Kalam Centre for Knowledge Discovery” for the benefit of youths and students and for the promotion of sustainable development.
The family initially expressed the desire that the house be converted into a Children’s Art Gallery, but discarded the idea as it would become ‘another museum’ and wanted the house to become a centre for knowledge discovery, V. Ponraj, scientific advisor to the former President, said.
Talking to reporters after taking part in the seventh day ceremony held at the ‘House of Kalam’ here on Saturday evening, he said the family would soon send a formal request in this regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and exuded confidence that the Centre would give its nod for the proposal.
Mr. Ponraj said the “family does not want the Delhi house at No. 10, Rajaji Marg, to be converted into a memorial or museum but a lively and dynamic place for youth development.”
“We want to make available international scientific research online journals for students desiring to take up higher studies and research from any remote part of the country,” he said. The existing library at the residence had a rich collection of books which would be of great help to researchers and aspiring civil servants, he said.
The students could have brainstorming sessions and organise invited lectures on various topics. “This will make them good civil servants, politicians, social activists and environmentalists and ultimately good citizens,” he said.
Mr. Ponraj, who was flanked by Kalam’s grandsons Saleem and Shiek, said the family proposed to establish a foundation to guide millions of students and youths to carry forward the missions of Mr. Kalam and fulfil his dreams. The family would announce the foundation at the end of the 40th day ceremony, he added.
“His Delhi house should be converted into a centre for knowledge discovery”
