The journey of a poor boatman's son, who sold newspapers to help his family after his school time, from the temple town of Rameswaram in the extreme south of the country to the highest seat of power in Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, is no less than a fairy-tale. India's Missile Man, great educationist, teacher, communicator, inspirational leader and humanitarian, people's President APJ Abdul Kalam, loved and respected by one all, was immensely popular among the students and the youth. Kalam was the role model of the young generation, communicating with whom he liked most. He passed away while addressing students at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong.
Kalam was a saint and a living legend. He was a Muslim but he held equal respect for Quran and the Bhagvad Gita. He played the rudra veena in his spare time. A person like him is born once in centuries. His demise is a huge loss to the country.