Next month, President Kalam who has been rightly acclaimed as people's President would be vacating Rashtrapati Bhawan. The search for a suitable bungalow for him has already begun. A particular bungalow is being discussed. As far as he is concerned, a duplex will do.

Surprisingly, even after filing of nomination papers by Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil, an opinion poll has shown overwhelming preference of 63 per cent for President Kalam, 20 per cent for Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and just 13 per cent for Pratibha Patil. What makes him that popular? His heart beats and bleeds for India.

It is clear that whatever he has said in the last five years, he has done so with the deepest concern for India and its people. There is always a ring of sincerity and extra-ordinary optimism in whatever he says which today's politician lack either totally or considerably. I do not think that in the absence of persons like APJ Kalam, the 'developed India' dream would have been there at all. In a sense, it is his baby which has been adopted by the young generation. Unfortunately though, the prevailing political climate did not give him a second term.

When UNPA leaders went to persuade Kalam, he gave the same answer which he had given to the BJP leaders. But the words were different. In his earlier response he indicated that if the Government and the Opposition both desired to give him a second term he would accept it. He was not partisan to the UNPA leaders by saying the same thing he added the word 'certainty' of victory in the elections. This too meant the same. But after the UPA candidate filed her nomination papers, he declined the UNPA's request. He felt humiliated by the undignified remarks by some Ministers in the UPA Government.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi stated that the election of the President is not carried out through e-mails and SMS'. A Minister of the Congress, blamed the UNPA leaders for bringing disrepute to Kalam. Even Lalu Prasad Yadav had the temerity to preach political decency to a man of Kalam's stature. He advised him to step down gracefully. Sharad Pawar's remarks though mild, were also hurtful. When asked about his comments on UPA candidate Pratibha Patil, he said, "fantastic".

Last week, he had a talk with mediapersons. Drawing attention to his point on the totality of Indian scenario, he pointed out that Delhi is not the only happening place in India and Yamuna is not the only polluted river. Slightly critical of media approach, he said that even though the cartoons on the front page brings a smile to the reader, stories of rape, theft and robbery make people unhappy. He cited a Punjab story where a river was cleaned voluntarily by the public. Years back, he had gone to Betiah in Bihar. He was happy to see the area where per acre production was much higher. He was engrossed with the issue of improving productivity. He suggested several methods. For the farmers of Betiah, these were the happiest moments.

He has made changes at Rashtrapati Bhawan too. It now has a herbal garden. He has compassion for animals in Rashtrapati Bhawan. A couple of them which developed cataract were operated upon. Butlers were trained at various hotels for better service to the guests visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Last week, he addressed a global conference of the Indian Institute of Science where he said: "I am reminded of the scene of a ship moving from Yokohama, Japan, through Vancouver to Chicago in 1893. That journey became historic for India. Two great souls were aboard the ship, Swami Vivekananda and Jamshedji Tata. A question was asked by Swamiji to Tata, 'For what mission are you traveling'? Jamshedji Tata replied that he was going to USA to bring the steel industry to India. A very important suggestion came in at that point. Swamiji said, while bringing the technology of steel to the nation, you will get to know only how to produce steel. You will not get the science of it. What you need is the knowledge of material science for steel development in the country. Swami Vivekananda suggested that Jamshedji, while progressing with the steel production, must think of an institution that will promote research in material and other sciences. This vision led to birth of Indian Institute of Science in 1909."

A scientist par excellence, Kalam dealt with science and technology in the global IISC meet in a masterly manner, which makes for interesting reading. While he will cease to be President soon, he will continue to ignite young minds and his dream of thought transforming into action will go a long way in making India a developed nation by 2020.

Courtesy: www.dailypioneer.com, July 01, 2007