In what was a fitting tribute to a leader who inspired the youth to set their sights on lofty goals, various organisations and institutions across Chennai and Kancheepuram celebrated October 15, birth anniversary of former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam, as Youth Renaissance Day.
On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah paid floral tributes to Kalam at Raj Bhavan here. The Governor also launched Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Students’ Federation of India at Narada Gana Sabha in Alwarpet.
The NCC cadets of New College, Royapettah, took out a youth awakening rally in the neighbourhood. The college also organised a signature campaign and tree plantation drive on the campus. At Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir in Rajakilpakkam, Tambaram, a statue of Kalam was unveiled. The Ethiraj College of Women organised an international youth conclave on its campus to mark the birth anniversary. On Marina Beach, a sand art and live sketching event based on the theme ‘Many Faces of Dr. Kalam’ was organised. Led by their Principal N. Vijayan, students of Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Sembakkam planted more than 200 saplings on the campus.
A Rs.5-commemorative postage stamp on Kalam was released at the Anna Road Head Post Office by Chief Post Master General (Tamil Nadu circle) Charles Lobo. In Kancheepuram, Kanchi Global School organised planetarium shows for students to remember the leader’s contributions as a scientist. The students attend the planetarium shows at a portable high-definition theatre set up in a classroom.
The District Education Department organised a rally as part of the ‘Ilaignar Ezhuchi Naal’ celebrations.
A blood donation camp was held at the Government District Headquarters hospital under the aegis of Abdul Kalam Public Welfare Association.
