SHILLONG, July 27 - The legacy of �People�s President� APJ Abdul Kalam has ignited minds of decision-makers to establish the first Centre for Strategic Policy here in the Northeastern region.
The Centre for think-tanks would be known as APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis and would be set up at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
The announcement was made by IIM, Shillong, Director, Amitabha De today during the first death anniversary of the former President. Kalam passed away here last year while on a routine visit to the Institute as a guest lecturer.
The Centre would dwell on strategic policy-making solely for the North East sharing International borders with several nations, including China.
The Centre would also work on strategic policy decision in sync with India�s Act East Policy that looks up to ASEAN countries and also nations in BIMSTEC.
De said there are such Centres making policy decisions on the NE, but are based in the national Capital. �We need such a Centre in the region that would decide about the people of this region,� De added.
Moreover, IIM, Shillong also announced that an auditorium of the Institute would be established and would be called APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium. This auditorium would be set up at the permanent campus of the Institute in Mawdiangdiang at the city suburbs.
�As per the wish of former Tura MP PA Sangma a full bust of Dr Kalam would be erected and placed before the auditorium� De added.
The Institute has also initiated a Lecture series that would be held each year by inviting prominent personalities from around the world.
In the first lecture session, eminent scientist and Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation, Manas K Mandal was the guest speaker. He spoke on leadership qualities to the students.
Recalling Kalam�s contribution to IIM, Shillong, De stated, the former President helped showcase the potential of the Institute to the world. �Not only did he showcase the potential to the world, but also added tremendously to our potential through his vision,� De stated.
Meanwhile, the Shillong Muslim Union organised a �Holy Quran Recitation� at the premises of APJ Abdul Kalam Islamic Library and Information Centre, Madina Mosque here.
