Meghalaya government today paid rich tribute to former president A P J Abdul Kalam, who died during his visit here two days ago and announced that his death anniversary would be dedicated to the youth every year as a mark of tribute to him.
A public meeting was held here to officially pay tribute to the former president and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma made the announcement while addressing it.
Two days back, Kalam had collapsed while delivering his lecture to IIM students here and breathed his last in a hospital after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.
Sangma described Kalam as a great teacher, a great rocket scientist, the missile man and a people's president.
"I had suggested that the state should have a beautiful programme of this nature to observe his (Kalam's) anniversary every year because this gives opportunity for all our young friends to remain connected with the ideas of such a great man," Samgma told the gathering.
"Let us not forget as to how we can remain inspired and motivated by the ideas of this great departed soul," he said and quoted a few lines from Kalam's book 'The Wings of Fire'.
The large number of students who participated in the meeting pledged to be the ambassadors of Kalam's ideals.
"The great responsibility lies on the shoulders of the students of IIM Shillong because we saw him last. Rest in peace Dr Abdul Kalam because we will strive to be the ambassadors of your ideals," a student from IIM, Shillong, named Arvind Iyer said.
A two minute silence was also observed followed by a floral tribute to the former president.
Deputy Chief Minister R C Laloo, Chief Secretary P B O Warjri, IIM Director Amitabha De were among those who attended the memorial progaramme.
