Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National memorial is a memorial dedicated to the former president of the Republic of India Abdul Kalam. It is located in Peikarumbu, Rameswaram. The memorial was designed and constructed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation(DRDO) as a tribute to Kalam and to display the cultural heritage and ethnic diversity of India.
It was officially opened by the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi on 22 July 2017. It represents a symbol of national integration and is combination of Mughal & Indian architecture.
The memorial covers 2.11 acres of land, the built-up area is ,425 sq.mts and the construction cost up to Rs. 1.2 billion. It is built of granite, marble and concrete.
With the combination of Mughal & Indian architecture, the memorial is designed such a way that includes three entrances to the memorial. The main entrance resembles India Gate of Delhi, hallway resembles Brihadeeswara temple of Thanjavur. There is also Kalam's grave at the northern end of the memorial.
The central dome is connected to four display halls of about 2,500 sq ft and it represents the Kalam's life in phases. They are named as Chidren's square, scientist square, motivation square and lecture square.
A collection of 200 photographs highlight his long association with DRDO, ISRO and his involvement with India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts.
A 45-feet tall replica of Agni missile with a theme of "unity in diversity" is displayed at the forefront of the structure. It also includes quotes from Kalam as a scientist and the president of India.
How To Reach:
Thangachimadam bus stand is located at a distance of around 2.3 KM from the memorial and Rameswaram bus stand is 3 KM far from the memorial. You can reach the memorial by walk or by auto rickshaw from any of the bus stand.
