Ever since, Sprawling bungalow,10 Raja Ji Marg , was allotted to Minister of state for tourism and culture Mahesh Sharma,memories of the bungalow emerge like a flashback in my mind as it was not long ago that I had an opportunity to remain closeted with visionary scientist and former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, an embodiment of wisdom and humility.
During the one to one interaction,Dr Kalam spoke gently and discussed threadbare role of young minds in shaping institutions and nations . Tranquility in the bungalow environs was palpable and soothing.vibes emanating in his gracious presence were highly positive. Dr Mahesh Sharma ,known for a controversial remark that “Kalam was a nationalist and humanist despite being a Muslim will be the new occupant there and the dignity of the place has to maintained.The culture minister says he has lot of respect for Kalam Sahib and walls of the house will keep his memories and ideals alive for him.
My interaction with Dr kalam was always a personal one and He had no airs of his achievements as well as high positions he was occupying at point of his life. He was a human being par excellence and down to earth in approach .he never attached any importance to his internationally acclaimed scientist slot .and massive goodwill among masses.
One day,a request was made by a writer of a book from Karnataka that s photographer should be sent to Kalam’s residence at the Rajaji marg for his book release function. The request was heeded ,but the writer entered Kalam’s room with his auto rickshaw driver who was eager to have the former president’s “Darshan”. APJ released the book and was introduced to the auto rickshaw wala .
He obliged with a photograph with him, the news photographer, bowled by the simpleton, could not restraint himself from not to have a picture with Kalam. Sensing that , Kalam posed for the picture with him too.
Interestingly,Another news photographer from Mumbai was accompanying him to several countries tour in 2005, En route, the lens man made a request to fellow colleagues to get Kalam’s books signed by him. he emerged from his cabin,the ever smiling president quickly autographed all books ,being carried by the journalist who was persuaded by her mother in law to get Kalam’s signature. She was his great fan like millions others.Autograph craze was infectious and every on board the special aircraft,Tanjore, lined up autographs.
Without losing cool,he passionately obliged every one . his personal staff stood in attendance.It was typical of a scene that mid air autograph hunters mobbing president. Much to surprise of all,He did not hesitate to append his sign even on small paper slips and no one was left disappointed.
His radiating personality made a big bang presence when he was hailed by scores of scientists at the CERN institute on France-Switzerland borders where experiments were underway to study the Big- bang theory and large Hadron colliders were being put up.
Donning helmet, Scientist Kalam went around the European organization for nuclear research better known as CERN and mingled with scientists at ease,but Indian scientists’s craze for the missile man was at its peak when each of them wanted to have access to him. He was passionately inquiring about their personal welfare as well as research activities.
Kalam evinced keen interest in the experiment ,which he told,would go a long way to unravel universe mysteries.
I was accompanying him on that trip. I frequently recall the simplicity and photographic memory of the president who was always a keen observe and used to ask simple questions to those who accompany on functions and tours.
At a DRDO function when he was boss of that institution, He asked me synonyms of my name as he was told instantly five synonyms, Kalam hugged me and remembered the incident even he had become the President a few years later.
At an auditorium at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne ,dozens of noble laureates had assembled to listen Kalam who gave a power point function ,many renowned scientists raised their hands and hurled questions, a smiling Kalam answered all questions and said “even if you want to ask more please send your query on his website”. He used to quote his website address before folding up ,but his command on subjects floored his fans and critics alike.
Heads of states on such meets heared him in rapt attention and awe. Switzerland had declared May 26 as science day in honour of the President. Bubbling with energy,Kalam during his tour-Russia, Switzerland,Iceland,and Ukraine, but had his frugal South Indian dishes.
On a helicopter flight during the tour for a visit to a defence organisation ,one of his staff was holding a small bag and when inquired it was disclosed that the box contained Idilis & Chutney.Journalists had noticed a crate with vegetables and bundles of curry leaves on board Air India’s Tanjore at the technical area at Palam air port before start of the Tour.
Much to surprise of media group,he used to walk into aircraft inquiring have you people taken “juices” and food. Signalling quote and unquote sign on juices. It was during this trip ,he had signed papers for imposition of President’s rule in a state after having a call from then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh .
Then ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair, who was traveling with him was asked to produce pictures of the Alps taken by an Indian satellite, which were then gifted to his Swiss counterpart on a boat journey in Jungfrau.
Dressed in traditional dresses,locals had gathered to catch glimpse of the much talked about embodiment of simplicity and intellect .He had paid state Visit to Switzerland from May 25-29, 2005and was accompanied by Jagdish Tytler, then Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Milind Deora Member of Parliament, scientists, senior officials. Even after a decade,Milind recently recalled the visit and Kalam’s lively and enriching interactions.
In Berne,Kalam described his visit to the house of renowned scientist and Nobel Laureate Albert Einstein as a "pilgrimage.""For me, visiting this house is nothing less than a pilgrimage," Kalam said after visiting the place where Einstein had lived.Much to surprise of accompanying delegation climbed a very narrow staircase . He went the first floor where Einstein used to work on his famous `theory of relativity`.He admired the things kept on the first floor and took a keen interest.
It was a mesmerizing sight when Kalam had a look at the suit that the great scientist had worn and also some of the photographs depicting Einstein`s life and his work that have been kept in the house.
He quoted Einstein`s words about Mahatma Gandhi -- "generations to come will scarcely believe that such one as this (Gandhiji) ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth".
In Reykjavik,Iceland ,An Indian woman entrepreneur was engaged by the government there for authentic South Indian dinner and he was taking personal interest that contingent , accompanying him ,be given a relaxing time as his tours always were an exhaustive.
PHOTO COURTSEY: PIB
Comments
Post a Comment