Some people are immortal and APJ is one of them. On July 27 when people heard of his demise, many cried as if they lost one of their family members.
From politicians to media personnel, from businessmen to Bollywood actors to people in the corporate sector, all posted messages of how much they were hurt and what is the loss as whole to the country on Dr Kalam’s death.
Indeed at this present juncture, the country lost a great statesman, a global think-tank, a scientist, a strategist and above all, a good human being. If one says he was a good scientist, then another agrees he was the best President. Coming from a very humble background, Dr Kalam reached the highest office.
He was an inspiration for the entire children fraternity of India. He was a strong example of simple living and high thinking. Dr Kalam never boasted of his achievements. If people are curious about his hair style then he was also equally curious to know people’s problem and solve them at one go. He was protocol breaking President. Wherever he saw kids, he immediately rushed to them defying the security guidelines and unleashed himself wholeheartedly to mingle with them.
He was a perfect teacher. Every lecture of him was a priceless treasure. His celebrity value was more for his knowledge than his official designation. He was the perfect modern sage, who was distributing knowledge by roaming around. His inquisitive nature of reaching to the deep of every sector helped him to have a perfect grip on each subject. His talked of philosophy and human nature, but perfectly blended them with scientific attributes.
He is the father of space research in India. His deep sense of involvement, hard work and dedication gave birth to Agni and other missiles. He truly lived up to his name, the ‘Missile Man’, and delivered with positive results. He always propagated that missiles are to protect you and not to attack others. leaders across party line truly adore him and that love and affection got him get Bharat Ratna in 1998, long before he became President of India. Even being the President, he never changed his personality.
He was always proud of his poverty stricken childhood. He always explained with much pride that phase of life which inspired him to move ahead with much sincerity and without lingering for material comfort. Who has known him dearly must appreciate he was man restricted to a single room with a cot, few chairs and a table. His favourite food was curd rice and beyond whatever was available he was finding it a luxury.
Dr Kalam was always very punctual in his meetings and quite cordial in his approach. He never skipped his gentle smile and politeness in addressing others. People from all walks of life were quite comfortable with him and children never stopped asking him questions. He also loved to answer them till all they were satisfied. His every word was like a pearl which sparkled and was of immense value. Every word of him reached to heart. He was always persuading every citizen to fulfill their responsibility so that the country can grow. He was the man who had a vision of India by 2030 and he was whole heartedly thriving for it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly said that he was a Marga Darshak. He was indeed a perfect adviser. As a student of his school of thought, I will always miss him. I wish I met another APJ.
(The writer is Chief Manager, Paradeep Phosphates limited)