A man with simple living and high thoughts – ex president of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

On July 27, 2015, India lost one of its greatest son and a true legend. Dr Kalam left us for heavenly abode, while delivering a speech at IIM in Shillong. Though he was rushed to hospital immediately, he was declared dead after two hours (IST 7:30 PM)

I have always been a great fan of Kalam sir since he became the 11 the President of India. Due to immense respect for our ex-president, I would be addressing him as “Sir”in the entire article.

He is best known as the “missile man of India” throughout the country and world as he put India on the map of space technology. He gained immense popularity after he became the President of India. After he took charge, Rashtrapati Bhawan was open to the common citizens to address their grief and pain. Through frequent interactions with the common people and the students, he came to be known as “People's President”.

I still remember, having his book “Wings of Fire” in our main academic curriculum, when I was in 7th standard. I understood him and his personality in detail, through each and every chapter of the book. He was born on October 15, 1931 in the island of Rameswaram. Being born to a boatman, he belonged to a poor and uneducated family.

After the completion of the book “Wings of Fire”, I wanted to read Ignited Minds. It was a very well written book for the youth. Kalam sir's writing has attracted a lot of audiences across the globe.

While reading Wings of fire, I came across a beautiful para wherein he described how he realized his aim in life. Once his teacher took him to the shore of a beach and explained how the birds were flying with the help of their wings and tail. This explanation, indeed arouse a new aim in the mind of Kalam Sir. He wanted to explore the field of space technology. He decided to go for aerospace engineering. And today, he is a pioneer in the field of space technology in India.

Even after achieving a lot of success in his life, Sir chose to lead a simple life. For me, he is the only leader or person in politics, who never tried to grab the attention of the cameras. According to his close sources, he did not have a television at his home. But, he did listen to programs that were broadcast on radio. Such a simple and humble man he was!

He was called as “chacha” or “mama” by the little kids of our country. Kalam Sir was hugely popular among the youth of the nation. He delivered a lot of lecturers in various colleges and educated the students on different topics. He always used to motivate the youth to follow their dream and achieve it.

Sir always used to ask his students, “What would you be remembered for?” But one day, one of his student asked him back the same question. Kalam sir said confidently that he should be remembered as a teacher.

The best quality of Kalam Sir was that he appreciated each and every small effort made by any individual. Even before his death, he called up a security personnel and thanked him for guarding the ex-president (Kalam sir himself) throughout the journey from airport to IIM campus.

I remember, after the 2004 tsunami, that hit India, people collected a lot of fund and contributed to the PM's relief fund. During that time, Kalam sir served as the President of India. The students from our school collected a few amount and contributed to the government's relief fund. Kalam Sir sent two letter as a token of thanks to our school. One letter addressing the principle and the other letter appreciated the efforts taken by the students. Such was his personality.

He was a caring and a down to earth person. He never ever took the advantage of the power that he had in his hands.

After Sir's sudden demise flashed in the news channels, it was a tough moment for me to accept the truth. He has always been a source of inspiration and motivation for a lot of people, including me. When my mother rang me up to give the tragic news, I didn't know how to react. I wept a lot. It was like loosing somebody very near and dear to me.

The death of Kalam Sir has been a great loss to India in the recent times. Though we are hurt by his death, I believe he is a lucky gentleman. It is very fortunate to take the last breathe while doing what you like the most. Kalam Sir always loved to be among the students and he liked imparting knowledge. He passed away while he was following his passion.

I am sure, along with me, the entire nation would have wept for such an irreparable loss. Below, I am quoting few of the famous quotes of Sir, that I like the most.

• If you want to leave the footprints on the sand of time, do not drag your feet.

• We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with glow of its goodness.

• Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.

Though Sir has left us, his teachings and philosophy will always be a part of our lives. He will always be a true source of inspiration among the youth of India.

We are lucky enough for having been under such a great president. Kalam sir, no salute would be enough for you. The whole nation will miss you.

Rest in peace wherever you are! Though your loss cannot be replaced, we would definitely try to follow your path. You have left a void space in the heart of every true citizen of India.