Rameswaram waits to give her final salute to APJ Abdul Kalam

CHENNAI: After the bad news came a flurry of activity in the otherwise sleepy town of Rameshwaram, where APJ Abdul Kalam grew up.
On Wednesday, the mortal remains of the former President will be received by his 99-year-old elder brother, Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker, at their ancestral home. After a small ceremony in the mosque near their home, Dr Kalam's body will be placed for public viewing at an open ground near the Rameswaram bus stand.

Anticipating the large contingent of VVIPs and a huge crowd of visitors to pay homage, the district authorities have been planning security arrangements along the approach routes to the bus stand. After allowing the dignitaries and the general public to pay homage the entire day on Wednesday, the last rites will be performed on Thursday morning.

A source said two venues have been inspected and central officials will have to check them on Wednesday and let the district authorities know which of these would be used to perform the last rites.

Earlier, the grief-stricken family had to deal with some anxious moments as there were speculations that Dr Kalam may not be laid to rest at his birthplace in Ramanathapuram district. But, soon the family was assured that the last rites would indeed be performed there.

“We had appealed to the government through local media here that there should be no second thoughts about bringing the body or laying the body to rest here in Rameswaram,'' APJ MJ Sheikh Saleem, grandson of Dr Kalam's elder brother, told ET.

“The eldest brother of Dr Kalam is 99 years old and it would be very difficult for him to travel to New Delhi if the last rites were to be performed there. Also Dr Kalam's closest relatives are about 150 people in number and taking them all from here to New Delhi or anywhere else would not have been practical. So, we appealed and the government readily agreed,“ Saleem, 34, said.

The district authorities have swung into action to make arrangements for the VVIP movement to and from the coastal town. Sources said the authorities had begun scouting for suitable options for the ceremonies since Monday night. “Finalising the venue is an ongoing process.We can only identify venues and give them the options,'' Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police NM Mylvahanan told ET.