Shillong witnessed a remarkable tribute this Sunday as the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation, Kolkata, organized a solemn event to mark the 10th Death Anniversary of India’s beloved “Missile Man” and former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on 27 July 2025. The program was held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium and formed part of a larger remembrance initiative simultaneously conducted by the same organisation in three locations across West Bengal, and one each in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
The Shillong ceremony was graced by Dr. B.D.R. Tiwari, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, as Chief Guest, alongside Shri N. Munish Singh, Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India, as Guest of Honour.
A poignant moment in the program was the release of the book “My Encounter with The Missile Man of India – A Doctor’s Narrative” authored by Dr. A. M. Kharbamon, one of the attending physicians at Bethany Hospital during Dr. Kalam’s final hours in Shillong on 27th July 2015.
Shri Abdul Khalique, Secretary of the Foundation, delivered a powerful address highlighting Dr. Kalam’s unparalleled contributions as a scientist, visionary, and statesman. He emphasized how Dr. Kalam’s life and values continue to ignite the minds of students, educators, scholars, scientists, and leaders not only across India but also around the world.
The Foundation also hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony to honor exceptional contributors to literature and the arts. Among them was Padma Shri awardee Smt. Silbi Passah, lauded for her outstanding work in preserving and promoting Khasi-Jaintia folk music and traditional instruments.
Others who were honoured included Dr. Streamlet Dkhar, Head of the Khasi Department at NEHU and author of over 40 books; eminent novelist Kalpana Roy; and cultural contributors Smt. Manisha Sharma, Jishnu Bhattacharjee, and Minoti Sharma, who were all lauded for their significant contributions to literature and cultural enrichment.
As part of its efforts to engage and uplift youth, over 300 students from various schools in Shillong participated in academic competitions such as quizzes, essay writing on the life and values of Dr. Kalam, and drawing contests. The winners were awarded certificates and prizes in recognition of their talents. In addition, 15 students from economically weaker backgrounds received scholarships of ₹2,000 each, in a gesture that reflected Dr. Kalam’s enduring vision of inclusive education and youth empowerment.
In 2023, this very organization conferred the “Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtra Gaurav Award” upon Shillong-based writer Salil Gewali for his internationally acclaimed book “Great Minds on India”. The organization also sponsored the publication of its Urdu and Arabic editions. [NG-FA]
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