Admirers and supporters of former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Wednesday strongly objected to his official bungalow here being allotted to Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and demanded that it be converted into an international knowledge centre to honour him.
"Dr. Abdul Kalam's residence, where he spent his last years in New Delhi, is being evacuated. Within days, there will be no trace of Dr. Kalam's life in that house. This house is now going to be given as residence for Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma," said a petition by R Bhagwan Singh, head of Tamil channel News7, on behalf of thousands of Kalam's supporters and admirers.
In the petition posted on the International Petition Platform, he said "Thousands of Dr. Kalam's books and documents that he worked on through his life, the Veena that he often played, are being boxed up, so that Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, who has been in the news recently for his sexist and discriminatory comments, can move in. I'm shocked and appalled at this dishonour."
He appealed to admirers of the former Scientist-President to sign his petition asking the Government of India establish an 'Dr. Abdul Kalam International Knowledge Centre to honour him.
"Setting up 'Dr. Abdul Kalam International Knowledge Centre' at 10, Rajaji Marg, and opening it to general public, will serve as a universal destination for scholars, scientists and students where Dr. Kalam s work will give practical and inexpensive solutions for our most critical issues," the petition says.
"This is the best way to honour a true patriot and the legend that was President Abdul Kalam, who selflessly served the country till his very last breath," it says.
The petitioner said that there is not much time as on October 31, two days from now, the house of Dr. Kalam will be vacated.
"Moving Dr Kalam's work to the small town of Rameswaram is one of the biggest insults to the legacy of one of our greatest Presidents, who spent his last years inspiring the youth to contribute for the good of society," the petition said.
"Sign my petition and share this with your networks. If we build enough public support, we can save Dr. Kalam's house from turning into another ordinary residence," it said.
