Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 18: The Orissa Assembly Tuesday paid rich tribute to former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam and former Chief Minister J B Patnaik among others on the first day of its monsoon session.
The house was adjourned for the day soon after convening and paying tribute to Kalam and others. “Dr Kalam was the pride and prestige of the country, a dedicated scientist and an able administrator. His contributions to the nation will always be remembered,” said Assembly Speaker Niranjan Pujari while reading out a condolence resolution.
Leader of the house and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik moved a condolence resolution and described Kalam as the People’s President and the ‘Missile Man’. Besides test-firing of missiles like Agni and Prithvi, Patnaik also recalled contributions of Kalam in the Pokhran-II nuclear test.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress and BJP legislature party leader Basant Panda also condoled the sudden demise of Kalam. “Dr Kalam was one of the greatest scientists of the world,” Mishra said.
The house also condoled the demise of former ministers Sriballav Panigrahi, Ananda Acharya, Kalpataru Das, Kartik Mohapatra, former MLAs Parsuram Panigrahi, Sarat Paikray and Premalata Mohapatra.
Jaga Khilla, an ex-gram rakhi (village defence squad member) of Orissa Police, who laid down his life while fighting against Maoists in Koraput district was also referred for tribute. The members stood in silence for a minute as a mark of respect to the departed souls before the proceedings were adjourned for the day.
