Bunglon joins Nation in paying homage to Dr Kalam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 28 2015: Staff, students of Bunglon High School, Bunglon village, Churachandpur district and people of the area today mourned the death of former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at the school's premises.

Students of Bunglon HS, which Dr APJ Abdul Kalam visited on Oct 16, 2006 when he was the President of India, wearing black badges bade a tearful adieu to the former President.

Significantly, to mourn the death, the students will also wear black badges for seven days from today, the Head Master informed.

Hauhpu Gangte, Head Master of BHS led the gathering in paying homage to Dr Kalam.

Young students paying homage to the late Abdul Kalam

Recalling the contributions of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Hauhpu said that Dr Kalam died a teacher's death.

He lauded Dr Kalam as a great leader of India who had the moral fibre to rise above politics.

In the spread-sheet of identity politics he was a Muslim president, but that this was never reflected in his actions throughout his tenure or his lifetime.

His greatness lies therein.

He further said that Dr Kalam was an institution and a team-builder who always wanted India to be strong, vibrant and self-reliant.

He also encouraged the gathering, especially the students, to follow the footsteps of the departed leader.

S Paukholal Gangte, chief of Bunglon village remembered Dr Kalam as a leader always accessible to everyone.

He said that Kalam had special a place for children and youth.

This was manifested when he visited the nondescript village and extended many facilities to the students as well as the people including computer education in the remote area.

He also recalled the soft demeanour of the former President who interacted with students of the school when he was at the helm of affairs.

The former President might have passed away, but he will remain in the hearts of the people of the area, the village chief said.

Seilenmang, the lone BJP member of Churachandpur ADC, who attended the programme said the great deeds and contribution of Dr Kalam for the Nation will be cherished in days to come.

The gathering observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Dr Kalam visited the school on Oct 16, 2006 at the invitation of the then headmaster of Bunglon HS, Gin Gangte, who is now in Central services.

In March 2006, Gin requested an appointment with Kalam, and this was granted.

He spoke about the lack of educational facilities in tribal areas.

Gin pointed out that many students can't afford schoolbooks.

And although India is a nuclear power, the majority of people of the area have never seen a computer.

That struck a chord.

At the end of the meeting, Gin handed him a present from the village, which included the invitation to visit his village school.

After about six months, the President visited the school to fulfil his promise.