Private papers of ex-prez APJ Abdul Kalam donated to National Archives
The collection also comprises several original photographs.
Kalam, widely known as the 'Missile Man of India' was an eminent scientist and served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
As a custodian of key archives, the National Archives of India on Monday acquired the private papers of Kalam, comprising original correspondences, passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, tour reports, and lectures delivered by him at various universities as well as organisations, officials said.
The collection was donated by JM Nazema Maraikayar, his niece, and JMJ Sheik Saleem, grand nephew of of the former president to NAI, they said.
Arun Singhal, Director General, NAI, signed an agreement with Maraikayar at a function, to acquire the collection.
Born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram in today's Tamil Nadu, into a humble family, Kalam rose through sheer hard work and determination.
After studying physics and aerospace engineering, he contributed significantly to India's missile development programmes and played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, the NAI said.
Working with organisations like the DRDO and ISRO, he helped strengthen India's defence and space capabilities. His achievements earned him numerous honours, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Kalam was deeply passionate about inspiring the youth of India. He authored several influential books such as "Wings of Fire," "Ignited Minds," and "India 2020," all centred around dreaming big and building a stronger nation.
Known as the "People's President" for his humble and approachable nature, Kalam dedicated his post-presidency years to education and mentoring young minds. His life remains a symbol of simplicity, perseverance, and visionary leadership, the NAI said.
Kalam passed away in July 2015, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The NAI is the custodian of the non-current records of the government of India and holds them in trust for the use of administrators and researchers, according to the provisions of the Public Records Act, 1993.
Apart from its vast collection of public records, the NAI also houses a rich and ever-growing collection of private papers of eminent Indians from all walks of life, who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 minutes ago
- First Post
From ‘India Out' to ‘India In': Delhi's Maldives reset as a template for regional diplomacy
Thanks to PM Modi's well-prepared and flawlessly executed visit, India-Maldives ties are in a good spot now; the task ahead for South Block is to work determinedly on the Nepal and Bangladesh files read more Social media platforms, such as X, are changing the way communication takes place and judgements are formed by both the ruler and the ruled. Following a widely covered two-day visit (July 25–26) to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, as part of his departure remarks, 'The productive talks with President [Mohamed] Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations.' A storm of positive reactions followed on X. A thoughtful comment by a follower in this series articulated it well by highlighting that Maldives is 'a strategically crucial neighbour' and, therefore, it is 'vital to keep relations with such a key ally strong, especially given domestic political sensitivities'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those watching the Indian PM's visit from distant regions may not be aware of the need to place India-Maldives relations on an even keel, but those closely following developments in South Asia are conscious of the high stakes involved—for Maldives, India, and the region. This positive visit and its substantive outcomes demonstrate that the forces favouring regional stability, peace, and cooperation stand strengthened by what was achieved and the favourable public reactions. The Backdrop As one who managed the division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handling India-Maldives relations in the 1990s, I can affirm that from the time of the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978–2008) to that of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2018–23), the relationship grew from strength to strength, with the exception of the tenure of President Abdulla Yameen (2013–18). The president, Mohamed Muizzu, was influenced by Yameen's thinking. He deployed the 'India Out' campaign to secure power in 2023 and acted initially to suggest that he would be perfectly happy to execute a strategic pivot to China. His first visits to Turkey and China, rather than to the closest neighbour—India; the conclusion of 20 agreements in Beijing; and the raging controversy over his public demand to India to withdraw a small team of defence personnel stationed there to man an Indian aircraft and two helicopters for the benefit of the Maldivian people created a challenging situation. People in India reported adverse reactions. But quiet diplomacy got into action. It produced results, yielding to the logic of geography and the compelling realities of geopolitics. What followed was the visit to the Maldives by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in August 2024. This is when the foundations of a reset were laid. A changed leader, now reflecting the transformation of a former mayor of Male into a true president of the Maldives, Muizzu paid a successful visit to India in October 2024. The two governments crafted and announced 'A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' on October 7. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The crucial transaction was this: India spoke about the importance of Maldives in the former's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR (since elevated to MAHASAGAR), assuring the island nation of 'its commitment to assist' in its development journey, whereas Maldives formally 'acknowledged India's continued role as the 'First Responder' of Maldives in times of need'. It also promised to safeguard India's security interests. Key Outcomes Against the above backdrop, PM Modi's July visit—the third to Maldives but the first in Muizzu's tenure—served the basic purpose of educating and sensitising the people of Maldives that India's generosity and noble intentions towards them remain unchanged. In a special gesture, he was received at the airport by the president and his senior ministers. Wide-ranging discussions followed with the government leaders. But Modi also interacted with opposition figures, business leaders, the Indian diaspora, and others. The importance of his presence as the guest of honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives did not go unnoticed. The idea that, regardless of the change in government, India remains a steady and valuable partner of the Maldives seems to have sunk in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Observers may have noted that the state visit did not result in a joint declaration. The explanation gathered was that the agreed long-term vision of October 2024 remains valid and relevant. Hence, it obviated the need for another document within a few months. Some ill-informed critics could argue that no civilian honour was bestowed on the eminent visitor. They should be informed that the country's highest civilian award was conferred on Mr. Modi in 2019. The positive results of the visit were announced clearly and concisely. MEA presented on its website the list of four agreements, or MoUs, three of which related to the economic facets of the relationship. India extended a new Line of Credit (LoC) of Rs 4,850 crores to Maldives and agreed to reduce the annual debt repayment obligations on previous Lines of Credit. The two governments also agreed to the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Six projects, including social housing units and high-impact community development initiatives, were inaugurated or handed over to the Maldivian authorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An elaborate ceremony of exchange of MoUs/agreements took place concerning eight agreements, which covered not only economic and trade matters but also cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital solutions, and the pharmaceutical field. A commemorative stamp was jointly issued to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. An Evaluation President Muizzu depicted PM Modi's sojourn as 'a defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations'. Presenting an overall assessment, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a 'very, very timely and productive visit'. It provided the opportunity for the two leaders to review and further develop bilateral cooperation. They agreed that the various elements of the joint vision should continue to be implemented through a concerted approach. Following the visit, a critical analysis highlights three key aspects of this relationship and its broader implications. First, the reset in bilateral relations, begun last August during EAM's visit, has now gained special momentum. It owes much to New Delhi's patience and pragmatism, as well as its studied refusal to be provoked by public irritants. Wisely, the larger picture was kept in view. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Second, from a regional perspective, the visit demonstrated India's continued priority to consolidate its position in South Asia. Progress in relations with the Maldives, as well as with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan, and the continued excellent equation with Bhutan, ensures that India's leadership position remains largely intact. However, challenges regarding Bangladesh and Pakistan appear to be daunting. Third, the larger geopolitical context suggests that the competition between India and China in South Asia will persist unabated. In this context, mobilising diplomatic support and complementary policies from India's partners—the US, Japan, and Australia—may be desirable, especially in the case of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. There is room for progress in this sphere. Thanks to PM Modi's well-prepared and flawlessly executed visit, India-Maldives ties are in a good spot now. The task ahead for South Block is to work determinedly on the Nepal and Bangladesh files. Rajiv Bhatia is a Distinguished Fellow at Gateway House, a former Indian Ambassador with extensive diplomatic experience in regional and global groupings, and the author of three books on Indian foreign expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
New Indian Express
7 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
SC refuses to stay publication of draft voters list in Bihar on Aug 1
The ECI said the SIR Survey was being done after concerns raised by political parties across the spectrum. "For the first time that all the political parties have been so involved at this scale in intensive revision exercises, with all political parties appointing more than 1.5 lakh BLAs to work in tandem with BLOs, in reaching out to each eligible elector," added the affidavit of the ECI. The ECI highlited that most of the figures quoted by the petitioners were out dated and not contemporary. Quite apart from the fact that full reports have not been annexed, the petitioners have deliberately suppressed the fact that these reports do not present contemporary facts and figures, and thus cannot be relied upon. "Some of the Petitioners are MPs and MLAs from recognized political parties in the State of Bihar and all these political parties are assisting in the SIR exercise by providing Booth Level Agents (BLAs). While, some of the Petitioners are participating in the SIR and, at the same time, objecting here to the transparent exercise conducted by the ECI. These facts were within the knowledge of Petitioners but not disclosed before this court, and have been deliberately suppressed," the ECI said. The Commission further submitted that all the political parties had appreciated the necessity and correctness of the exercise undertaken by the ECI and have been co-operating and participating towards the timely completion of the said exercise. The ECI justified the SIR exercise and said Aadhaar wasn't a "proof of citizenship". The court had earlier questioned the ECI action, as to why it started the SIR exercise of electoral rolls in Bihar so late, although, it made clear that there is nothing wrong in SIR exercise but it should have been done months before the ensuing election. The top court was hearing the pleas filed by the NGO Association For Democratic Reforms, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Yogendra Yadav, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Trinamool Congress Party, Mahua Moitra, Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, Congress Party leader K C Venugopal and Mujahid Alam. The petitioners sought a direction from the top court to set aside the ECI's SIR order of June, 24, 2025. "Issue a writ, order or direction setting aside Order and Communication dated 24.06.2025 and accompanying guidelines issued by ECI to conduct SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar as being in violation of Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, 326 of the Constitution of India and provisions of Representation of People (RP) Act, 1950 and Registration of Electors Rules, 1960," said the NGO ADR, in its plea filed in the top court. "The SIR order if not set aside, can arbitrarily and without due process disenfranchise lakhs of voters from electing their representatives, thereby disrupting free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of basic structure of the Constitution," said, ADR's plea, filed in the top court.
Mint
7 minutes ago
- Mint
Aadhaar, voter id valid for SIR in Bihar: SC tells poll panel; says no interim stay on draft electoral roll publication
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar saying it would once for all decide the pleas against the Election Commission of India's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The time schedule to conduct the final hearing of the matter will be fixed on July 29, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi said. According to a PTI report, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who was appearing for an NGO, said the electoral rolls should not be finalised in the interim and there should be an interim stay on the publication of the draft rolls. The bench observed the last order of the top court noted the petitioners not pressing for an interim relief and, therefore, it couldn't be done now and matter would be interpreted once for all. The top court also asked the poll panel to continue accepting Aadhaar and Voter IDs for the SIR exercise in Bihar as both have 'some sanctity'. 'As far as ration cards are concerned we can say they can be forged easily but Aadhaar and voter cards have some sanctity and have presumption of genuineness. You continue accepting these documents,' the bench said. The top court also said that the EC had accepted one of its previous order and said in its counter affidavit that Aadhaar, voter cards, and ration cards were required to be accepted. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Monday as Opposition MPs continued to protest over the SIR exercise in Bihar. During the Zero Hour, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said he has received 26 notices under Rule 267 demanding discussion on various issues, including SIR, and alleged discrimination against Bengali migrant workers in other states. He declined all the adjournment notices, and called Sudha Murty (nominated member) to make her Zero Hour mention. However, Opposition members, including those from the TMC and the Congress, were on their feet protesting against the Chair's decision. They were raising slogans like 'Vote Ki Chori Band Karo' (stop vote theft), and the Chair adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. As soon as the House re-assembled for the Question Hour at 12 noon, various Opposition MPs were on their feet and Sushmita Dev (TMC) trooped into the Well, and sought to raise various issues. As the din continued, the proceedings were adjourned again till 2 pm. When the Upper House met at 2 pm, the Chair tried to continue the debate on The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2025. However, Opposition MPs continued to raise slogans demanding a debate on the SIR issue, and that the exercise be stopped. Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House. Amid the din, the Chair adjourned the House for the day.
