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Memorable term

President Abdul Kalam’s tenure was eventful and memorable. His farewell address to the nation — a touching one indeed — will be remembered and cherished by Indians for many years to come. His call “to bring connectivity between billion hearts and minds” of the people of India and to embed the confidence that “we can do it” speaks volumes of his vision. Let us all do our humble bit to make his dream Vision 2020 a reality. We wish Mr. Kalam a healthy, peaceful, and happy retired life.

Kavi Suresh,

Shimoga

Often, it is the office that brings prestige to the person occupying it. Very rarely, a person holding an office adds to its prestige. Mr. Kalam is one such person. His love for children, and his readiness to inspire them, is something the countrymen will always remember. Setting aside protocol on multiple occasions, he endeared himself to all sections of society. We have seen rubber stamp Presidents and proactive Presidents, but Mr. Kalam was the first people’s President. Here is saluting a simple man of high thinking.

S. Sudhir Kumar,

Hyderabad

Mr. Kalam’s address to the nation was highly thought provoking, covering many facets of Indian culture, values, and systems. Many Presidents will come and go but it will be long before a person like Mr. Kalam occupies the high constitutional post. The students of Anna University are fortunate to have a former President as their teacher.

V.N. Nataraajan,

Chennai

The adulation showered on Mr. Kalam speaks volumes about his popularity. His most significant achievement is that he stirred the nation’s imagination, especially of the youth, and brought the development agenda to the forefront of national discourse. His unassuming character, disarming simplicity, and accessibility endeared him to all and made him stand apart from his contemporaries.

Sibani Sankar Samantaray,

Bhubaneswar

The nation bids adieu to Mr. Kalam. Though political equations did not allow him a second term in office, he has clearly emerged as the people’s President and lives in the hearts of millions across the country. He will be remembered for his Vision 2020 and the encouragement he provided to children.

V.R. Ravikumar,

Chennai

Many of our former Presidents have excelled as heads of state. But here is a President who has won the hearts of millions besides doing a remarkable job. It will be very challenging for future Presidents of India to live up to the standards set by him.

K. Purshotham,

Tanuku

A few days ago, Mr. Kalam said he would leave Rashtrapati Bhavan with two suitcases. But I am sure he can count many suitcases of love and affection from the people in his luggage.

S. Prasanna Venkatesan,

Tiruchi

Ever since Mr. Kalam assumed office, he brought in a new wave of optimism. He inspired every Indian, particularly children — the citizens of future — to rise to the challenge of building a new India. Rashtrapati Bhavan will never be the same without Mr. Kalam.

As he walks out of Raisina Hill, a grateful nation will stand up and salute a true son of the country.

K.A. Solaman,

Alappuzha

Mr. Kalam’s inimitable style made him the favourite President of children. Apart from his motivating speeches and poems, he was known for his innumerable escapes from the security cordon to meet children. He also brought Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to children by including a ‘Children’s Corner’ in his website http://presidentofindia.nic.in.

Midhun Manamel,

Kochi

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