Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'Missile Man' who came to be known as 'People's President' died on July 27 after he collapsed during a lecture at the IIM in Shillong. As he breathed his last, people all over India were overcome with grief. Suitably named 'the People's President,' Dr Kalam's humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world. Here are three personal stories that made him the most loved, admired and inspiring person that he was.
The Perfect Gentleman
RIP Abdul Kalam... Such a fine man. Had the good fortune of meeting him once on a flight from ddun to delhi- I was sitting in his allocated seat in an ATR as opposed to mine which was a non reclining one in the last row. He boarded last minute and his security detail asked me to get up - but our former president came up to me, apologized on their behalf and insisted I remain on that seat.
---Facebook.com/Mandira S. Lalvani
Fabulous Co-worker
Kalam took great care of his colleagues. A co-worker had promised his kids that he would take them to the science museum after returning from work, and obtained the prior permission of Mr. Kalam to leave early. The colleague was so engrossed in his work that it was well into the evening when he realised that he had made a promise to his kids. On rushing back home, he came to know from his wife that Mr. Kalam had come earlier and taken his kids to the museum.
--Forward on the internet/whatsapp
Great Human Being
We were in a convoy of 6-7 cars. Dr. Kalam and I were in the second car. Ahead us was an open gypsy with three soldiers in it. Two of them were sitting on either side and one lean guy was standing atop, holding his gun. One hour into the road journey, Dr. Kalam said, "Why is he standing? He will get tired. This is like punishment. Can you ask a wireless message to given that he may sit?" I had to convince him, he has been probably instructed to keep standing for better security. He did not relent. We tried radio messaging, that did not work. For the next 1.5 hours of the journey, he reminded me thrice to see if I can hand signal him to sit down. Finally, realizing there is little we can do--he told me, "I want to meet him and thank him".
"Later, when we landed in IIM Shillong, I went inquiring through security people and got hold of the standing guy. I took him inside and Dr. Kalam greeted him. He shook his hand, said thank you buddy. "Are you tired? Would you like something to eat? I am sorry you had to stand so long because of me". The young lean guard, draped in black cloth, was surprised at the treatment. He lost words, just said, "Sir, aapke liye to 6 ghante bhi khade rahenge".
---Facebook.com/Srijan Pal Singh
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