Mrrajrumel at 11:21, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T11:21:49Z

New page

{{short description|Memorial dedicated to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Monument
|monument_name = Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial
|image = Front view of APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial .jpg
|caption = Kalam's [[Mausoleum]]
|location = [[Rameswaram]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
|designer = [[Central Public Works Department]] <br/> [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Construction of Memorial To President Kalam Begins|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/construction-of-memorial-to-president-kalam-begins-1260634|date=30 December 2015|work=NDTV|last=K|first=Smitha. T|access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref>
|type = [[Mughal architecture]] <br/> [[Ancient Indian architecture]]
|material = Cement, Iron, marble, and granite
|height =
|open = 22 July 2017
|dedicated_to = [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]
| website = {{url|https://rameswaramtourism.com/rameswaram-places/dr-apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-pei-karumbu-rameshwaram|Full details at Kalam Memorial.<br/>Rameswaram Tourism, website}}
}}
'''Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial''' is a [[Mausoleum|memorial]] dedicated to the former [[president of the Republic of India]] [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] located in Peikarumbu, [[Rameswaram]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. The memorial was designed and constructed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) as a tribute to Kalam and to display the [[Culture of India|cultural heritage]] and [[Unity in diversity|ethnic diversity]] of India. It was officially inaugurated by the [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister of the Republic of India]] [[Narendra Modi]] on 22 July 2017. A symbol of national integration, the memorial is an amalgamation of [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]] and [[Indian architecture]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Name as given by Press Information Bureau, Government of India|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=147841|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023001125/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=147841|archive-date=23 October 2016}}</ref>

==Background==
{{seealso|Death and state funeral of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}
Dr. Kalam died on 27 July 2015, Dr. Kalam travelled to [[Shillong]] to deliver a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth" at the [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong]]. The lecture was supposed to be 4000 words, but only after speaking the initial two sentences, Dr. Kalam collapsed and he was confirmed dead of a sudden cardiac arrest later at a hospital.<ref name="TFPJ">{{cite news|title=Remembering Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's last lecture on his 5th death anniversary|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/remembering-dr-apj-abdul-kalams-last-lecture-on-his-5th-death-anniversary|newspaper=[[The Free Press Journal]]|date=27 July 2020|access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref> Dr. Kalam's body was airlifted in an [[Indian Air Force]] helicopter from Shillong to [[Guwahati]], from where it was flown to [[New Delhi]] on the morning of 28 July.<ref>{{cite news|title=Farewell Kalam! Pranab, Modi lead nation in paying homage|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/farewell-kalam-pranab-modi-lead-nation-in-paying-homage/story-Ks7xrCes5lOJAMsNYQc0RO.html|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=28 July 2015|access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref>

Following Dr. Kalam's death, the [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Indian Minister of Home Affairs]] called an emergency meeting of the [[Union Council of Ministers]], attended by [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]]. In the meeting, a proposal to build the "Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial" was finalised. The [[Indian Government]] proposed to perform Dr. Kalam's funeral service at Raj Ghat-(Ekta Sthal) in [[New Delhi]], and build a memorial there. Dr. Kalam's family objected, since Dr. Kalam had wanted to be buried in his hometown, [[Rameswaram]], and the Indian government agreed to go along with the family's wishes,<ref name="ET">{{cite news|title=APJ Abdul Kalam's funeral & memorial to be in his hometown Rameshwaram|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/apj-abdul-kalams-funeral-memorial-to-be-in-his-hometown-rameshwaram/articleshow/48259816.cms|last=Tripathi|first=Rahul|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=29 July 2015|access-date=29 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's Memorial|url=https://ramanathapuram.nic.in/tourist-place/dr-apj-abdul-kalams-memorial/|work=Ramanathapuram District|date=20 July 2022|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> and in the same year on Dr. Kalam's birth date which is on 15 October, the commencement of construction on a memorial at Rameswaram was publicized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<ref name="DDN">{{cite news|title=PM inaugurates memorial of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam|url=https://www.ddnews.gov.in/national/pm-inaugurates-memorial-former-president-dr-apj-abdul-kalam|newspaper=[[DD News]]|date=27 July 2017|access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref> On 27 July 2017, on the occasion of Dr. Kalam's second death anniversary, the memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<ref name="IE">{{cite news|title=What is the Abdul Kalam memorial row? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-abdul-kalam-memorial-row-4774992/ |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=31 July 2017 |access-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808124802/https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-abdul-kalam-memorial-row-4774992/ |archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kaur">{{cite book|title=The address Great Scientists of the World : APJ Abdul Kalam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zp9xEAAAQBAJ&q=memorial|pages=1–96|last=Kaur|first=Savneet|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd|year=2022|isbn=9789355994127|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>

==Structure, architecture, and landscape==

The [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) initiate to design and building of the memorial,<ref name="TH01">{{cite news|title=Finishing touches being given to Kalam memorial|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/kalam-memorial-getting-ready/article19264811.ece|last=Scott|first=D.J. Walter|newspaper=The Hindu|date=12 July 2017|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> and in December 2015 the construction was started. In July 2016 [[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence Minister]] [[Manohar Parrikar]] officially laid the foundation stone on the occasion of the first anniversary of Kalam's death. The construction was completed within one year,<ref name="IE"/><ref name="Kaur"/> with the engagement of 500 workers,<ref name="matrubhumi">{{cite news|title=All spruced up for Kalam Memorial inauguration|url=https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/all-spruced-up-for-kalam-memorial-inauguration-1.2117565|last=M|first=Anantha Krishnan |newspaper=[[Mathrubhumi News]]|date=26 July 2017|access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref> and sometimes the work was carried out around the clock. The work was supervised by DRDO's chief construction engineers; [[Colonel]] B. Choubey and Colonel B. K Singh.<ref name="TH01"/>

The memorial covers 2.11 acres of land, the built-up area is 1,425 square meters,<ref name="IE"/><ref name="Kaur"/> and the construction cost up to 1.2 {{INR}} billion.<ref name="FT">{{cite news|title=APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, here are top 10 things to know|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-inaugurated-by-pm-narendra-modi-here-are-top-10-things-to-know/782312/|newspaper=Financial Express|date=27 July 2017|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> The mausoleum is built of [[granite]], [[marble]] and [[reinforced concrete]].<ref name="TH01"/><ref name="TH02">{{cite news|title=Kalam memorial emerges as major tourist attraction|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/kalam-memorial/article22271153.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=24 December 2017|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=APJ Abdul Kalam memorial in Rameswaram: All you need to know|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-inauguration-rameswaram-missile-man-1026561-2017-07-27|last=Nath|first=Akshaya|date=27 July 2017|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="matrubhumi"/> The construction material was sourced from different parts of India and transported to the construction site; the [[column|stone columns]] are sourced from [[Bangalore]], the [[stone cladding]] was designed in [[Jaisalmer]] and [[Agra]], wher as the main entrance wooden doors are crafted in [[Thanjavur]] and the marble was brought from [[Karnataka]].<ref name="matrubhumi"/><ref name="PIB">{{cite web|title=PM to inaugurate Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial tomorrow|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1497581|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|date=27 July 2017|access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref>

With an amalgamation of [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]] and [[Indian architecture]], the memorial is designed in a way to display the [[Culture of India|cultural heritage]] and [[Unity in diversity|ethnic diversity]] of India, making it a symbol of national integration.<ref>{{cite web|title=APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial – Rameswaram|url=https://www.tamilnadutourisminfo.com/apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-rameswaram/|work=Tamil Nadu Tourism|year=2019|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial In His Hometown Rameswaram|url=https://architexturez.net/pst/az-cf-184314-1501211692|work=architexturez.net|date=27 July 2017|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="FT"/> There are three entrances to the structure,<ref name="matrubhumi"/> of which the main entrance doorway resembles the [[India Gate]] of [[Delhi]], while its [[hallway]] resembles the [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple, of Thanjavur]], and the wooden doors are designed in [[Chettinad architecture|Chettinad style]]. At the northern end of the memorial lies a circular sepulchre that houses Kalam's grave. The main dome resembles one of [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]'s central domes and houses a bronze statue of Kalam playing the Veena.<ref name="TNM">{{cite news |title=In pictures: Finally, a memorial worthy of Abdul Kalam, a President who inspired millions|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pictures-finally-memorial-worthy-abdul-kalam-president-who-inspired-millions-65827+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ae|access-date=7 April 2022|newspaper=The News Minute |date=27 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Datta">{{cite news|title=Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial — a fitting hometown homage to the 'people's president'|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/a-visit-to-the-memorial-of-apj-abdul-kalam-in-rameswaram-tamil-nadu/cid/1876805|work=Telegraph India|last=Datta|first=Rangan|date=27 July 2022|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> The central dome is connected to four display halls of about 2500 square feet—(each hall depicts Kalm's life in phases, and they are designed as children's square, scientist square, motivation square, and lecture square),<ref name="matrubhumi"/> that house replicas of rockets and missiles, 900 [[Cultural artifact|paintings]]; that include,<ref name="TNM"/><ref name="TIE">{{cite news|title=What is the Abdul Kalam memorial row?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-the-abdul-kalam-memorial-row-4774992/|work=The Indian Express|date=31 July 2017|access-date=29 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="DDN"/> [[mural]]s (sourced from [[Hyderabad]], [[Shanti Niketan]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Chennai]]),<ref name="matrubhumi"/> [[Shekhawati painting]]s, a collection of 200 photographs that highlight his long association with the DRDO, the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO), and his involvement with India's civilian space program and [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme|military missile development efforts]]. There are paintings and [[statue|life-sized sculptures]] that illustrate Kalam at different ages. A 45-foot tall replica of the [[Agni (missile)|Agni missile]] with a theme of "unity in diversity" is displayed at the forefront of the structure. The memorial features quotes from Kalam as a scientist and the president of India.<ref name="TNM"/><ref name="TIE"/>

The outer precinct around the memorial consists of [[landscaping]], with the [[plantation|plantings]] sourced from neighboring states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], and [[Telangana]]. The landscape is designed in the [[Mughal garden]] style, with [[pergola]] pathways lined with models of missiles designed by Kalam.<ref name="TH01"/><ref name="FT"/><ref name="TH02"/><ref name="Datta"/>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Pictures of Kalams memorial">
File:Kalam Memorial 5.jpg| Tomb of Kalam.
File:Kalam Memorial 4.jpg| Exterior of Mausoleum.
File:Kalam Memorial 6.jpg| Four display halls connecting to the Central Tomb.
File:Kalam Memorial 7.jpg| Grave of Kalam.
File:Kalam Memorial 1.jpg| Distant view of Mausoleum.
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://thiruvarur.in/apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-day-abdul-kalam-books-quotes-peotry-early-life-presidency-memorial-death-anniversay/ APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Day: Abdul Kalam Books, Quotes, {{sic|Peot|ry|nolink=y}}, Early Life, Presidency, Memorial & Death {{sic|Anniv|ersay|nolink=y}}]
*[https://rameswaramtourism.com/rameswaram-places/dr-apj-abdul-kalam-memorial-pei-karumbu-rameshwaram Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial In Pei Karumbu Rameshwaram]

{{commons category|Memorial of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam}}

[[Category:Memorials to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]

[[ta:அப்துல் கலாம் தேசிய நினைவகம்]]

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial - Revision history

Mrrajrumel at 11:21, 9 February 2026