Narendra Modi inaugurates APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial in Rameswaram, remembers Jayalalithaa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a memorial for APJ Abdul Kalam, built at the burial site of the former president at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu."Rameswaram has a vital place in our history and it is also known as a place so closely associated with Dr Kalam" It is this sacred land that gave India one of its most famous sons APJ Abdul Kalam," said Modi while addressing a public rally in Mandabam.Modi paid foral tributes to the former president. He later unveiled a plaque and a bust of Kalam inside the memorial.[caption id="attachment_3800097" align="alignleft" width="380"]

File image of Narendra Modi. PTI[/caption]"The memorial for Kalam showcases his life and times in a remarkable manner. Dr Kalam always reflected the simplicity, depth and calmness of Rameswaram," Modi said.The prime minister also praised the immense dedication of the labourers who worked hard in the construction of the memorial. He asked everyone present at the venue to rise up and give a standing ovation to them.

Modi also remembered the former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on this occasion. He said that he can feel the void created by her demise. "If Amma was here today, in our midst, she would have been very happy and extended her good wishes. She is a leader we all remember," he added.  Her soul will continue to shower blessings, Modi added. The prime minister was accompanied by Governer Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister K Palaniswami and National Democratic Alliance's vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu.Modi will later flag off 'Kalam Sandesh Vahini', an exhibition bus which will travel across various states and reach Rashtrapati Bhavan on 15 October, the birth anniversary of the former president.He will also distribute sanction letters to the beneficiaries of trawlers under the 'Blue Revolution' scheme and also flag off a new express train from Ayodhya to Rameswaram (via video conference).Modi will release a synopsis of the 'Green Rameswaram' project, the PMO said as well as unveil a plaque dedicating to the nation a 9.5-km link road on NH 87, which runs between Mukundarayar, Chathiram and Arichalmunai in Tamil Nadu.The day-long visit will conclude with an address at a public gathering.