In memory of late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, the school and college students of Coimbatore organized a rally that began at the Coimbatore District Collector’s office. The rally was flagged off by the district collector Archana Patnaik. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Ms. J. Jayalalithaa had ordered that Dr. Kalam’s birthday be celebrated as Youth Inspiration Day.

Speaking to the media, district collector Archana Patnaik said, “Dr. Kalam, who is fondly known as ‘the Missile Man’ and ‘the man who lived by the teachings of Thirukkural,’ always had the interests of the students and the youth of the country on his mind. He always wanted to teach. He was a great motivational force for the youth to conquer great heights in their lives. Hence the Chief Minister has ordered that his birthday be celebrated as the ‘Youth Inspiration Day’ in the state.”

The students carried environmental-awareness banners including “Save the Nature,” “Save Rainwater,” “Save Electricity,” and so on. As many as 1200 students from the National Service Scheme (NSS) of the Government Arts College, Government College of Education and Women, Krishna Arts and Science College, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Corporation Higher Secondary School for boys and girls, Michaels Higher Secondary School, PSG Sarvajana School, and Gopal Naidu School participated in the rally.

Dr. Arulmurugan, Primary Education Officer; Dr. Jayalakshmi, Principal of Government Arts College; R. Arumugam and Selvaraj, District Relations Officers of NSS, and other government officials participated in the rally.