Narendra Modi to inaugurate Abdul Kalam memorial in Rameswaram today

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, the second death anniversary of the former President.

Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and NDA's Vice Presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu will be among those present on the occasion.

Kalam died of cardiac arrest in Shillong on this day two years ago. He was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram, around 560 km from here.

The PM will hoist the national flag at the memorial designed and built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Pei Karumbu.

He will unveil a statue of Kalam and offer floral tributes besides interacting with his family members.

After inaugurating the memorial built at an outlay of around Rs 15 crore, Modi will also flag off the 'Kalam 2020 Science Vehicle'.

The Science Vehicle will travel to several states showcasing Kalam's achievements in the field of science and would reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on October 15, which happens to be the birth anniversary of the former president.

Modi will then proceed to Mandapam for a public meeting.

He will distribute sanction letters to the beneficiaries of long liner trawlers under 'Blue Revolution' scheme and also flag off a new express train from Ayodhya to Rameswaram (via video conference).

The PM will also release a synopsis of the 'Green Rameswaram' project.

He will unveil a plaque to mark the dedication to the nation of the 9.5 km link road on NH 87, which runs between Mukundarayar Chathiram and Arichalmunai.

The day-long visit will conclude with an address at a public meeting.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at the coastal temple town of Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district ahead of Modi's visit.

(With Agency inputs)