On July 27, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial in Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu on the second death anniversary of the former president. PM Modi also hoisted the national flag at the memorial.
About APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial:
The memorial has been designed and built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 
- It has been build at a cost of 20 crore and blends Mughal and Indian architecture.
- Its main entrance resembles Delhi’s India gate. The dome reflects the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The main door is a replica of the entrance of the Brihadiswara Temple in Tanjavur.
- The interiors of the memorial reflect the various facets of Dr Kalam’s life, including the Pokhran nuclear test. There’s even a missile model celebrating his contribution to space science.
About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:
Dr Kalam, popularly known as the “Missile Man”, was the 11th President of India between 2002 and 2007.
- During his Presidential tenure, Dr. Kalam brought the President’s office more closer to the common man, which was an unprecedented initiative by any previous incumbent.
- In 1997, Dr. Kalam received India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, for his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.
- ‘Wings of Fire’, ‘Ignited Minds’ and ‘Indomitable Spirit’ are some of the popular books authored by Dr. Kalam.
- He died off a cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015 in Shillong, Meghalaya where he had gone to deliver a lecture.
Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu:
After inaugurating APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial, PM Modi flagged 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 also distributed sanction letters to the beneficiaries of long liner trawlers under the ‘Blue Revolution’ scheme and also flagged off a new express train from Ayodhya to Rameswaram (via video conference).
- Later PM Modi released a synopsis of the ‘Green Rameswaram’ project.
- He also unveiled a plaque to mark the dedication to the nation of the 5-km link road on National Highway-87, which runs between Mukundarayar, Chathiram and Arichalmunai.
