ELURU: Bhimavaram, a tiny prosperous delta town in West Godavari district, is poised to play host for the visit of the President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Monday. For Dr Kalam, of course, the town with the people known for their affability and hospitality is not new as he visited the place a decade ago in his capacity as the Director-General of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). His current visit is high profile in nature by virtue of his being the first citizen of the country.

Rural touch

Dr. Kalam is likely to get a rural touch during his four-hour stay in the town and the district administration is busy making arrangements accordingly. About 200 poor children from the nearby Peda Amiram village will have a rare chance to see and talk to him from close quarters. They will be brought to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical Trust premises for an interaction with the President for a little over 10 minutes after he inaugurates the trust-run International Cancer Centre. Similarly, Dr. Kalam is also scheduled to have a brief interaction with 125 cancer patients on the same premises.

Wisdom tree

About 5,000 students of Sri Vishnu Educational Society pursuing professional courses such as engineering, polytechnic, dental, pharmacy and computer applications are also lucky to have their minds ignited by the thought-provoking address of Dr. Kalam in another programme. Besides, Dr Kalam will also meet a group of farmers, field questions from the latter and later plant a "wisdom tree" on the society premises. The President will take part in a "Vikasa Sadassu" to be held under the aegis of Byrraju Foundation Learning Centre along with the Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and the Lok Satta National Coordinator Jaya Prakash Narayan.

To quote K. Narasimha Reddy, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eluru range, a 1500-strong police force has already descended on the town to take over all the vantage points as part of security measures.

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