The First Citizen of India is a philosopher, scientist, poet,
communicator and techno-science strategist. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a
scientist sage (Rishi) and a statesman who has no love for pomp and
show. He has now acquired a suit and a tie. Otherwise like Gandhiji,
Kalam is one-dimensional man – totally non-compromising in his simple
living. But the simple looking Indian is in fact a revolutionary in his
belief that the power respects the powerful.
The First Citizen is first in many ways. He is an elected President of
the largest democracy in the 21st Century. Yet he belongs to no
political party. The Man from a fishing village of Rameshwaram is the
first Muslim President who is vegetarian, teetotaler, plays Veena, and
is a devotee of Sarasvati. He still holds a university professorial post
and takes his academic duties seriously. Out of the palatial 360 rooms
of Rasthrapti Bhavan (RB) he uses only two rooms for his personal work
and study. He is the first resident of the RB who entertains
schoolchildren in the RB. And the Mughal Gardens is used for Herbal
Research.
Dr. Kalam has forbidden the ministers, members of parliament and civil
servants from wasting time by gathering around to see the president off
and welcoming him with bouquet of flowers at the airport. He is
fastidious not to let his motorcade venture out of the RB during rush
hours. Leaders are known to collect funds. But Kalam receives no
flowers, no garlands, and no gifts. On the contrary, he has donated his
pension funds and presidential salary to poor disadvantaged, physically
challenged and lepers’ families.
Kalam works almost 14 hours, and sleeps about 5 hours. His personal
working hours begin at 10 pm after he has dismissed the official
secretaries. He retires to bed around 1 in the morning. Wakes up at 6,
and the Scientist Sage goes out for his morning walk and meditation. In
fugal vegetarian meals, he enjoys curd, coconut-water, idly and tea.
Simplicity appears always with uncanny smile whose mere appearance
disarms the opponent. A wise sage (Rishi) Kalam is prophetic in his
thinking and speech. Always creating new mantras – inspiring the youth.
He knows no fear and suffers no depression. If the affairs of the state
appear overwhelming he creates poetry. Quick wit, and wise craking Kalam
is a great charmer with words of wisdom. As a karm-yogi, he believes in
action without waiting for results. But if you hail him as a Bachelor
Prince, he protests, “I am a brahmachari”. Like Gandhi, Kalam is a
shrewd tactician with a wide and far-reaching futuristic vision – always
thinking long term strategies for world peace and national prosperity.
