On the first death anniversary of India’s Rocket Man Dr APJ Abdul, we at The Quint fondly remember our beloved scientist President. This article has been reposted from our archives.
In July 2002, just before Dr. Kalam was to become the 11th President of India, there was a get-together at the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s residence to introduce Dr. Kalam to leaders of the NDA. Mamata Banerjee had suggested that I should be present there so I did join that dinner. Most of the leaders of NDA attended this dinner. We all were formally introduced to Dr. Kalam.
Although Dr. Kalam’s name as a scientist was known to all of us, this was my first official meeting with him. I distinctly remember that Kalam Sahab was not as much at ease as we saw him later during his tenure as President. In fact, he gave an impression of being a little out of place, and did not talk much. He was in his trademark blue shirt and grey trousers, standing in a corner by himself. It was an informal occasion and he spoke only when he was asked a question or someone exchanged pleasantries. Frankly, there was not much of a common ground between the political fraternity and the scientist Dr. Abdul Kalam. But yes, most of us were impressed with his simplicity and the dignity with which he conducted himself, making sure he did not speak anything that was not politically correct.