Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameswaram – History, Exhibits & Visitor Guide
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial, located on Rameswaram Island, has become one of the most significant tourist attractions for both travelers and pilgrims visiting the region.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, fondly remembered as the “Missile Man of India,” served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He passed away on July 27, 2015, in Shillong after suffering a cardiac arrest while preparing to deliver a lecture. In honour of his remarkable life and contributions, a grand national memorial has been built over his resting place.
Today, the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial stands as one of the top ten must-visit places in Rameswaram, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. Dr. Kalam’s mortal remains rest peacefully beneath the central structure of the monument, while his presence is felt throughout the memorial through his inspiring words, achievements, and personal artefacts.
The memorial showcases Dr. Kalam’s life journey, featuring his personal belongings, portraits, manuscripts, and lifelike statues. At the heart of the complex is a striking statue of Dr. Kalam playing the traditional veena, symbolizing his love for art and culture. Additionally, two silicon statues depict him in presidential attire, presented in both standing and seated postures.
In the memorial’s garden area, visitors can also see a model of the Agni missile, representing Dr. Kalam’s pioneering role in India’s defence and space programmes.
Facts and Bites about the memorial:
- Spread over 2.11 acres of land, the memorial is constructed on the gravesite of Dr. Kalam, where his mortal remnants were put to rest on July 27, 2015.
- The construction work of the Dr.APJ.Abdul kalam’s national memorial had been started after a year of his death.
- In order to pay tribute to India’s missile man, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with which Dr. Kalam had been associated for several years of his life, came up with an initiative to construct his memorial. And with an investment of Rs 20 crore, its construction had been completed in a time of just 9 months.
- Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial was opened by our prime minister Narendra modi on July 27,2017.
- The monument mirrors a fine blend of the Indian and Mughal architecture.
- The entrance of the monument depicts the India Gate, compiled with a Chettinad door that resembles the entrance door of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, while the main dome of the building is a replica of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- The yellow stones that are used in its construction was brought from closer to Pakistan. Whereas, sand, water and other materials had been obtained from all over India. Hence, it’s a symbol of national integration.
- Every stone placed in the memorial represents Kalam’s dream of United India. He had always admired the different aspects of India’s culture, so to pay homage to Kalam’s life, they have all been integrated in this monument.
- About 900 paintings and 200 rare photographs of Kalam, who held the office of president from 2002 to 2007, are on display at the memorial.
- Library, planetarium, auditorium, etc, are planned for the second phase of the Abdul Kalam memorial, to be completed in the next phase of development.
How to reach Abdul Kalam Memorial?
One can reach this place by means of Auto or local buses(towards Pamban or Mandapam) from Rameswaram . If you can private vehicles you can stop directly here. Parking facilities are there for vehicles.
Nearby Tourist Attractions:
Map Route for APJ Abdul Kalam Monument:
Open and Close Timings:
Opening at Morning 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
