Anna varsity gets set for Kalam's return

The premier technical institute is gearing up for the homecoming of its illustrious faculty, who demits the office of president today.

Anna Univeristy, a premier technical institute in Chennai, is gearing up for the homecoming of its illustrious faculty APJ Abdul Kalam, who demits the office of president on Wednesday.

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Kalam, who is arriving in this metropolis late tonight, is to take up the teaching assignment at the varsity he had left five years ago to assume the country's highest office.

Though the varsity's faculty and students, who are excited about Kalam's visit, wanted to accord him a tumultuous reception, the 'people's president' preferred to have a simple welcome.

He would address the faculty in the forenoon on Thursday, followed by an interactive session with about 5,000 students, Anna University Vice Chancellor D Viswanathan said.

The university managament had also arranged a guest house for his accomodation which Kalam had used during his previous assignment in Chennai.

"We will provide him the same room, same kitchen and even the same cook he had here before taking over as president," Viswanathan added.

As an honorary professor, Kalam would teach aeronautical engineering, nano-technology, bio-technology and space applications, besides guiding research scholars.

"We are also equipped with video conferencing and satellite facilities which he can avail of to interact with students of other universities," he added.

The 'missile-man' was teaching 'technology and social transformation' at the university between November 2001 and June 2002.