SHILLONG, July 29 - Meghalaya would observe the death anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam every year.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, addressing a public meeting here today said: �I had suggested that the State should have a beautiful programme 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.�
Sangma further said that the people of Meghalaya would fondly recall the President�s visit to the State on March 16, 2007 and his �priceless advice� to set up seven Special Economic Zone in the State.
�True to his humble origin, he (Kalam) has bequeathed an indelible legacy to the State,� Sangma said in his condolence message.
The public meeting, which was organised by the State Government after Kalam passed away at a city Hospital here, was attended by Cabinet Ministers, legislators, senior government officials besides students.
Kalam was here at the IIM, Shillong delivering a lecture on �Creating a Liveable Planet Earth� for the second year students.
Apart from the Chief Minister, there were several others who expressed their condolences on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo, Chief Secretary PBO Warjri, IIM Director Prof Amitabha De also spoke at the public meeting.
PTI adds: Meghalaya Government today paid rich tribute to the former president and announced that his death anniversary would be dedicated to the youth every year as a mark of tribute to him.
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, Arvind Iyer said.
A two minute silence was also observed followed by a floral tribute to the former President.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang in his condolence message said the people of the State fondly remember his visit to the State and joined the country in grieving the loss of a powerful personality, who was not only known as the �Missile Man of India� but also as the Peoples� President and made the country proud. Kalam�s contributions to the country will be remembered for all times to come, he added.