Delhi government steps in to build Kalam research centre

The possessions and books of late former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be brought to Delhi for setting up a research and knowledge centre in accordance with Kalam's family's wishes, a Delhi minister said on Tuesday.

Culture Minister Kapil Mishra said the government will bring Kalam's possessions from his family home in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram town.

"As per the family's request, the Delhi government is ready to bring back all of Kalam's books and possessions that were sent away from his 10, Rajaji Marg residence in Delhi," Mishra said in an official statement.

He said an exhibition would first be put up at Delhi Haat INA with a creative presentation of his memories and heritage.

"In the next few months, we will help set up the research and knowledge centre that Kalam would have truly loved to be his resting place, in the hearts and minds of people," he said.

On November 11, Kalam's elder brother A.P.J. Mohammad Muthu Meeranlebbai Maraikayar had written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal requesting him to set up a Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery in the city.

Kalam's possessions were sent back to Rameswaram after his death in July this year.

A three-member committee including Delhi government officials from the tourism department and the department of archives has been set up to facilitate the transfer.