Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Farewell, Mr. Kalam

The change of guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan is usually a political event, but this time round it is going to be different. The nation’s youth and children will miss A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who inspired them to dream and earned the tag of the people’s President. He led the nation with vibrancy and enthusiasm, unveiling a vision for the future.

It is certain that in 2020, the children and youth of today will remember Mr. Kalam fondly for he has sowed the seeds for transforming the country into a developed nation.

Nicholas Francis,

Madurai

Mr. Kalam will be remembered for his humility, dignity, and scholarship. His act of leaving the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan with two small suitcases is worthy of emulation.

Radhanath Behera,

Koraput

“I will go with two small suitcases” — these are not just the words of a retiring President but a clarion call for moral rectitude in high places. These words should adorn every office to remind people of the importance of simplicity, honesty, and transparency. What distinguished Mr. Kalam from others is not easy to answer. Whether it was his Vision 2020, scholarliness, earnestness to motivate everyone to strive for nation-building coupled with his cordiality, or informal nature of setting aside all protocol to make a forceful point (it was moving to see him sitting at the edge of a stage during a televised discussion recently) is difficult to tell. It will perhaps be long before we have another President with such a fine blend of mind and heart. I join the millions in wishing him a peaceful and academically rewarding retired life.

Joshua Kalapati,

Chennai

President Kalam’s farewell address to Parliament is a classic vision of futuristic India. His vision of a developed India by 2020 is a mandate for not just our elected representatives. Every right thinking citizen should work towards creating a bright India. We, the people, wish you well, Mr. President.

A.R.K. Pillai,

Mumbai

Behind Mr. Kalam’s simple and unassuming persona was a unique personality endowed with great intellect, knowledge, values, and integrity. His ideas and words of wisdom inspire all of us to work for a better tomorrow.

C. Lakshmi Prasanna,

Hyderabad

The outstanding scientist and statesman has predicted that India will emerge as a developed nation by 2020. May his laudable prophecy bear fruit!

K. Gopakumar Menon,

Thrissur

Mr. Kalam’s greatest achievement was inspiring millions of children to dream of the country’s progress and strive for it. I wish India produces more Abdul Kalams.

S. Charuhasan,

Chennai

Missile man Kalam has remained in the news for five years for reasons ranging from social work to hairstyle. He not only empathised with the people but opened the doors of Rashtrapati Bhavan to them. He always found time for children in the midst of his busy schedule. Like Nehru, he also can be called ‘chacha’ Kalam.

Bimal Sanwariya,

New Delhi

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