Tuesday, July 28, 2015

A tribute to the late Dr Kalam.

There are many things to learn from people around, but who better to learn from than the former President Dr. APJ Kalam.

He passed away yesterday 27-7-2015 while lecturing students on 'Creating a livable planet earth' . May his soul rest in peace and his life and its stories continue to inspire us.

His quotes have been repeated over social media several times and I don't intend repeating that here.

Several years ago,I had the privilege to peep into what used to be his office at Anna University in Chennai (he was at Rashtrapati Bhawan then) leading our country as its President. And what a remarkable President he made. At the campus, I heard his admin staff talk about him and his humility in a fashion unparalleled. Their love and admiration for Dr Kalam was far too obvious and I dare say mutual. The late  'Missile man' and educationist left a indelible mark on his team there.

Several months ago I browsed to a YouTube video where I heard him speak right before his lecture at Wharton on topics of leadership.  His message was clear as a leader you take the flak and allow the team to take all the adulations. I am so struck with the simplicity of his narration when he was with DRDO and of how his boss the late Dr Vikram Sarabhai dealt with a failed space mission and the successful one with Dr Kalam in charge. Protecting him for the former and throwing the limelight on Dr Kalam for the success. In that interview Dr Kalam describes 6 characteristics of a successful leader ( and I dare say a good human as well).

To quote the narration ( from FB) of Mr Srijan Pal Singh a close aide of Dr Kalam, one of the things worrying Dr Kalam was the frequent disruptions of our Parliament while in session. He wanted to do something about it. So here I urge on behalf of several millions of Indians who vote and pay taxes to do your job of responsible Governance (opposition is part of this Governance for me) and that's is the best honor we can give to this leader who is no more. instead of declaring a national holiday for his passing away, and in line with his wishes, pl rise above your partisan and opportunistic tirades to progress this nation. I am sure there is a way to protest against all scams or issues, but by spending several crores of tax payers money on keeping the lights on at Parliament and not even attending or meeting is a disgrace and disservice to our democracy. And no I am not saying the ruling party is above all laws. Those guilty must be brought to the books.

My respects to an inspiring leader. And his noble soul.