Bihar government on Saturday fondly remembered late former President A P J Abdul Kalam by displaying a tableau to highlight his bonding with the state and contribution to its development, on the occasion of 69th Independence day celebration in Patna.
Information and Public Relations Department chose President Kalam and Bihar as its theme of tableau which was on display at the Independence day function at Gandhi maidan. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took the salute at the state-level function at the Independence day.
The tableau richly showcased Kalam's visit to various places in the state including Paliganj in Patna district where he made valuable suggestions to farmers to increase farm productivity. On choosing the "people's President" as theme, Secretary IPRD Pratyay Amrit said, "This is a humble way to pay tributes to the phenomenal personality (Kalam)".
President Kalam had made several trips to Bihar during his tenure and even after leaving the office. On invitation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, President Kalam had come to Patna and addressed joint session of both Houses Bihar Legislature in 2006 during which he made a 10-point suggestions for development of the state.
During one of his visit to Darbhanga, he inspired to roll out Mobile Science Laboratory in 2010 to impart knowledge in science to children particularly in rural areas of the state. The MSL van was launched in 2010 on the suggestion of Kalam by Manas Bihari Verma, his former colleague in the Aeronautical Development Agency, Bengaluru.
