Thursday, July 28 2005 15:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: A visit to Kerala is like a 'home-coming' for President A P J Abdul Kalam as he took the occasion to recall 20 years he spent as a scientist at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) from 1962.

While addressing the Kerala Assembly today (July 28, 2005), Kalam recalled how a priest helped the late Vikram Sarabhai fulfill his plan to set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERL) at the sleepy fishing hamlet on the outskirts of the Kerala capital.

Sarabhai first approached bureaucrats and politicians for getting the required land. They expressed their inability in the matter, saying that eviction of the fisher folk living in the place would be difficult.

Sarabhai then went and met Rev Fr Peter Pereira, seeking his help.

"How can I dislodge my children' was his initial reaction. But realizing the importance of his mission, Periera asked Sarabhai to come to the church in the area and speak to the congregation?

After prayers, Fr Periera introduced Sarabhai and explained the purpose of his visit.

Sarabhai then told them how important it was to have the land for setting up the rocket launch station, as the country's space programme was meant for the well-being of the common people.

The congregation then gave their nod by saying 'Amen.'

"The incident has a beautiful message of unity of minds. The fragrance of their nobility still remains with us," Kalam added.