Nation will always miss Abdul Kalam: TN Governor

Chennai: Tamilnadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today said the the nation and the humanity will always miss the unique man- former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

On the death anniversary of Kalam today, Purohit paid floral tribute to his portrait at Raj Bhavan and participated as chief guest at the function ‘Digital Tribute to 11th President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

‘It is a privilege to be a part of this fifth commemoration of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. A meaningful journey was terminated five years back with the demise of a noble soul. The nation and the humanity will always miss the unique man.’

‘Looking at the glorious chronicles of the life of our beloved Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, it comes as no surprise that he had the chance of passing away while doing what he loved to do – teaching. In this connection, we can fondly recall his words, and I Quote, “If people will remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me.” He had said this in an interview to a national daily on Teacher’s Day, the year before his death.

Born as Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, Dr. Kalam has many extraordinary achievements to his credit. After India found its Missile Man in his scientific genius, the poet, and writer, he was chosen to head the nation as the 11th President of India and conferred “Bharat Ratna” the nation’s highest honour. However, his journey as a teacher went on unabated, as he continued to touch the lives and ignite the minds of everyone he came across,’

Purohit added: ‘He was lovingly called ‘The People’s President’. He had a penchant for interacting with the young minds of the country with whom he connected so well, raising issues that may appear even beyond the capacity of the youngsters to solve.

Famously, once Dr. Kalam posted a question on Yahoo asking, what we should do to free our planet from terrorism. That post showed his innate faith in the young generation’s worth to lead the humanity in the future.

Visiting innumerable schools around the country, Dr. Kalam actively engaged thousands of children with whom he often shared anecdotes from his own childhood as a boatman’s son in Rameshwaram, citing examples from the struggles and experiences of his life. A man who rose to hold the highest office in the nation by the sheer virtue of hard work and intelligence he always encouraged the students to give better than the best for the fulfillment of their goals.’