Andhra legislature pays tributes to Kalam

Both houses of the Andhra Pradesh legislature on Monday paid rich tributes to former president of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who died last month.

Members in both the assembly and legislative council observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the late leader after legislators paid rich tributes, recalling his services to the nation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu moved a resolution, condoling the death of Kalam. He announced that the proposed Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Ongole will be named after the former president.

Naidu said 'Pratibha Pruskar' given to meritorious students will also be named after Kalam. He told the house that his statue will be installed in Nagarjuna University.

Naidu said Kalam was a true role model for all, including politicians. He said the best tribute to the late leader was to work for his ideals and vision.

"Born in a poor family as an ordinary man, Kalam became an extraordinary man by spearheading India's missile programme and went on to occupy the highest constitutional position in the country," said Naidu.

The chief minister said Kalam's life would continue to inspire people, especially the youth.

He said the state government did not declare holiday on the former president's demise and instead asked employees to work an extra hour to honour Kalam's wish.

Leader of opposition Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy described Kalam as a great son of India. He recalled that Kalam worked as a newspaper delivery boy but with his hard work and determination rose to become a top scientist, architect of the Indian missile programme and later president.

The YSR Congress party chief said that even after demitting the office of president, Kalam served as a teacher and till his last breath worked for his vision of a developed India.