Tribute to Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam - A versatile person, true statesman  great visionary, possessed of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, unflinching integrity, respected and held in high esteem by people all over the world has departed to his eternal home after  a  commendable  earthly innings,  filled with achievements and crowned with accolades.

Like a multitude of others, I too received with profound shock and sorrow the news of the demise of former Indian President Dr.Abdul Kalam. He donned so many roles in his illustrious career – teacher, scholar, scientist, defence analyst, space and atomic expert, patriot, statesman, President of India. It is surprising to note that he was able to do justice  to all of them,  played each  to  perfection,  not  only  with  ease  but  also with  elan. A  towering  personality  who  discharged weighty assignments  with  a  light  frame.  Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam was the most popular President of our great nation – a  Peoples’  President  and  a real  Bharat Ratna.  A  true  bare  fact -  res judicata. 

He played a pivotal role in making India an atomic power through the Pokhran explosion and was instrumental in developing an array of missile systems, thereby adding tremendous firepower to the country’s military arsenal, which earned him the sobriquet “ Missile Man “.

He remained a simpleton from birth to death and gave everything that he possessed – intellectually, materially and morally for the nation.  He was a darling of the student community who will dearly miss his absence, as he was their friend, philosopher and guide. His speeches and writings have enthralled and shaped the lives of millions all over the world. He ignited  wings  of  fire  among  the  youth,  encouraged them to dream,  set  lofty  goals  by  thinking  high  and  urged  them to work steadfast for the nation’s development. Among the various facets, he relished being called a teacher, as teaching  remained his passion. That he met his end amidst the company of students at IIM, Shillong, while delivering a lecture,  was the parting gift of the Almighty  to  Dr. Kalam.  “ Anaayaasa  Maranam “ – a  swift,  painless  death.

His  Presidential  tenure  was  the  most  eventful  one  as   the dignity  of  the  Presidential  Office  rose  to  great  levels.   As      a  “ Stithapragnya “, he remained unaffected by  the   vicissitudes  of life.  He was  an  “ Ajaatasatru “ – never  had  any  enemies,    befriended  everybody with  whom  he  moved,  interacted  and  got  associated  with.

From a humble beginning at Rameshwaram, he rose to become the President of India, the highest position of the land, and yet remained an icon of simplicity. From Rameshwaram to Delhi, from USA to Europe and to the foremost corners of the globe, the APJ Juggernaut rolled with speed and sheen, carrying everyone on the way.

Dr.Abdul Kalam’s demise is indeed an irreparable loss to India. He will live forever in the hearts and thoughts of millions,  continue to inspire the youth for  generations  to  come,  as  in  his  case  human  memory can  never  be  short.

He once said “ It  is  very  easy  to  defeat  another,  but  it  is  very  hard to  win someone “.  To lend credence to this,  he  had  an   inimitable  track record of easily winning everybody, with  his  approach and affection.

 

I close with a  verse from an old Tamil film number penned by Poet Vaali – “ Irundhalum Maraindhalum Per Solla Vendum, Ivar Pola Yaar  Endru  Oor  Solla  Vendum “ – One’s name should be spelt whether alive or dead, and he should be called unparalleled by the society “ 

Salutations  galore  to  you  Sir.   Rest  in  Peace  Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

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