APJ Abdul Kalam had said, “Don't declare holiday on my death; instead work an extra day if you really love me.” There are too many political holidays on birth and death anniversaries of leaders. Great leaders like Kalam, who are no more with us, always desired that their countrymen work hard rather than remember them through political holidays on their birth and death anniversaries. The most fitting tribute to former President Kalam will be to announce a total abolition of political holidays on birth and death anniversaries of leaders, including on Gandhi Jayanti and Ambedkar Jayanti.
Such a bold announcement, quoting the likes of Kalam and Mahatma Gandhi, will not attract political resistance of the kind that has been there in the name of vote-bank politics, if made instantly. Also, the declaration should be made to commemorate these holidays as extra-work days by increasing the office hours. This may lead to some resentment, but it has to be done.