Karnataka govt to felicitate Kalam

BANGALORE: Former president APJ Abdul Kalam has been chosen by Karnataka for this year's Basava award in recognition of services to the country, it was announced on Friday.

The award comprising Rs 10 lakh, a momento and a citation would be presented to Kalam at a function to be held here on September 28, Minister for Kannada and Culture H S Mahadeva Prasad told reporters.

Prasad said he called on Kalam recently with a letter of communication on his being chosen for the prestigous award and the former president has accepted it.

The state government has decided to confer the annual award at the national level hereafter to those who have worked for promotion of philosophy of 12th century social reformer Basaveswara, he said.

Kalam was appreciative of the Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's village stays, Prasad said.

When Kalam visited ISRO's Master Control Facility two months ago, he had advised Kumaraswamy to continue his village stays.