Mangaluru, Jul 28: Hundreds of students and lecturers from various colleges across the city paid homage to the former President of India and scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and offered floral tribute to his portrait at Government Women’s PU College, Balmatta here on Tuesday, as the nation mourned the loss of a great personality with his unexpected demise in Shillong a day earlier.
A day after Dr Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM-Shillong and passed away, a public condolence meeting was held in Mangaluru to pay homage to the former Statesman, who was also known as the ‘Missile Man’.
Students and lecturers from Government Women’s PU College, Government First Grade College for Women, Balmatta, Government First Grade College, Car Street, Badria First Grade College, Bunder, Capitanio PU College, Nagori, St Agnes College, Bendoor, St Aloysius College, Milagres PU College, Hampankatta, Sri Gokarnanatheshwara College, Mannagudda, Government Junior College, Bokkapatna and other colleges, gathered at the venue to pay tribute and homage to Dr Abdul Kalam, who was extremely popular among students.
Speaking on the occasion, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo said that when word of the sudden death of former president of India reached the masses, the nation was in a state of shock and sorrow at his demise. Dr Kalam was not merely a president of the country, but a symbol of India’s pride and accomplishments. He was an icon for the youth and served as a great leader of the country, along with his achievements as a great scientist. In the 83 years of his life, he has contributed immensely to the progress of the country and left his mark as a world-renowned scientist and teacher. The nation today lost a man of extraordinary vision and exceptional character, he said.
Mourning his death, Mr Lobo said that Dr Kalam had himself strived hard to realise his dreams and take the country forward in the field of science and space technology. In every aspect, he was secular minded person; one whose personality and way of thinking is an example for every individual in the country. The people of India have lost a great man, he said.
For a man who possessed great love for students and youth, the biggest tribute for his memory will be teaching students about Dr Kalam’s life, his work and anecdotes from his life in between regular classes in all schools and colleges across the district. A circular will also be issued to schools in Dakshina Kannada in this regard. Following his examples will enable and inspire more students and fuel more dreams, he told the gathering, offering condolences to the family members of the late scientist
St Aloysius College mourns
The students, management and faculty of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) on Tuesday congregated together to condole the death of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The ‘Peoples’ President' as he is known, had been a mentor and a friend to the staff and students of St Aloysius College. An alumnus of a Jesuit institution himself, Dr Kalam studied in St Joseph’s College, Trichy and during his visit to St Aloysius College in March 2003 to inaugurate the PG and IT block back he had said that “Jesuit education is a tradition of traditions.”
Dr. Kalam’s love for students was reciprocated by the students for his departed soul as they sang hymns, respectfully bowing their heads and praying silently in respect. Verses from the holy scriptures Qur’an, Bible and Bhagavad Gita were recited to provide solace to the multi-talented Missile Man.
Rev. Fr Swebert D’Silva S J, the Principal of the College, quoted a few statements of Dr Kalam and said that the nation has lost a great mind, a technocrat and a scientist.
With a memory of Dr Kalam lingering in his mind, Fr Swebert said, “Dr Kalam would never rest. He was dynamic, active and so quick in his movements and thoughts. An epitome of humility and friendliness was his character. We lost a great friend of our nation, a missionary who would have taken India to greater heights. He also ignited the minds of so many young people to work for the cause of the beloved nation.”
The programme was initiated with a prayer service headed by Rev. Fr Francis Almeida, Campus minister of the college. Dr AM Narahari, Registrar, Dr Veronica Judith Carlo, Vice-principal of the college, Dr A Lourdasamy, Dean of PG studies, Dr Rose Veera D’souza, HOD of Political Science Department and Rachel D’souza of 3rd B A paid glorious tributes to Dr Kalam.
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