The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Women who inspired Kalam

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Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Women who inspired Kalam

Anasuya Menon

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

COIMBATORE : For President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, inspiration came from two women: his mother and M.S. Subbulakshmi.

While his mother was his muse, an epitome of kindness and love, M.S's golden voice was a constant source of motivation. "I heard M.S for the first time in 1950 when I was a student in Tiruchi and since then have been a great fan of hers," he said.

Sharing rose-tinted memories of his mother with hundreds of Avilashilingam University students, the President delighted the gathering by allowing them a glimpse into his childhood.

He narrated how during World War II when his family went through difficult times his mother always showed him a little more affection than she did to his brothers and sisters. He also recounted how his mother gave him a special tiny kerosene lamp so that he could study till 11 p.m. "I still remember my mother in a full moon night," he said. He recited a small poem he had penned on her.

The President said that one of the most memorable events in his life was when M.S.Subbulakshmi was honoured with Bharat Ratna in 1998. "I was sitting beside her and she touched my head and blessed me," he said. He recalled the words of M.S that still resonated in his memory: "Any raga has the purpose of directing the mind of the listeners to God."

"As M.S said, if we are devoted to the divinity within ourselves, we are bound to develop the same attitude towards others," Mr. Kalam said.

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