Tiresia sep,2015 | Page 13

His character, commitment and inspirational vision shone through his life. He was unencumbered by ego; flattery left him cold. He was equally at ease before an audience of suave, globe-trotting ministers and a class of young students. The first thing that struck about him was that, uniquely, he combined the honesty of a child with the energy of a teenager and the maturity of an adult. He took little from the world, and gave all he could to the society. This persona was powered by the fire of endeavour. His vision for the nation was anchored in freedom, development and strength. The late president Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be remembered for the legacy that he has left behind. A tragic cardiac arrest has silenced the dynamic leader, and his loss will be deeply mourned by all who knew him. His memory is best honored by the creation of new institutions that nurture sciences and technology, and enable us to find a beneficial equation with the awesome power of nature. Too often, greed makes us predators of our environment. Kalamji saw poetry in a tree, and energy that could be harnessed in water, wind and seas. We should learn to look at our world through his eyes, and with the same missionary zeal. His leadership and his accomplishments will remain as a lasting bequest for all his fellow friends, and especially for all Indians for whom he worked so hard. Human beings can shape their lives through well persistence, ability and sheer courage. But we have not been given the right to script where we are born, or how and when we die. However, if Kalamji had been offered an option, this is how he would perhaps have chosen to say goodbye: On his feet, in front of a classroom of his beloved students. India mourns the loss of a great scientist, a wonderful president and above all an inspiring individual. However, the good that he did will not be interred with his bones, because his children will preserve his memory through their lives and work, and gift it to their children. We will miss you SIR….. R.I.P. Dr. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM “GREAT DREAMS OF GREAT DREAMERS ARE ALWAYS TRANSCENDED” People’s President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 15 Oct 1931 - 27 July 2015