Chennai: Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam was fondly remembered on his 84th birthday, through a host of programmes held by the Tamil Nadu government, schools and voluntary organisations across the state. The state observed the day as 'Youth Resurgence Day', in accordance with an announcement made by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa after the former President's death in July.
Governor K Rosaiah paid floral tributes to Kalam at a simple function held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Later, he presented awards to students and launched Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Students Federation of India in a programme organised by India Reigns Magazine. 'Resurgence Day rallies' were taken out by school and college students across the State. Organised by the state government, it was flagged off by Chennai district collector Sundaravalli. Science exhibitions were held in several government institutions and schools including the Birla Planetarium. Saplings were planted and distributed to students in several districts, including Tirunelveli. Voluntary organisations, private schools and colleges too organised similar functions. Ruling AIADMK showered encomiums on Kalam in its mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR in a poem. It hailed him as “Missile Tamilian, hero of the youth.”
