General Photographs
 

with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Having served with the Indian Navy for 14 years and with the Piramal group for past 21 years, have rarely come across humble souls such as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. I would like to mention two incidents which left a deep mark on my mind and heart. Former Prime Minister Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee called Dr Kalam in Chennai and said, "Kalam sahab, the Government would like to request to to give your consent for becoming the President of India." Dr Kalam listened to Mr Vajpayee. I later learnt that there was no excitement in his voice. He simply said, "its ok sir". The second incident was equally amazing and thought provoking. Dr Kalam shifted to Delhi and stayed briefly at Sri Fort guest house rill the formal announcement and formalities etc. Few days later, the Government sent a truck so that Dr Kalam could shift his luggage. Dr Kalam brought out ONE SUITCASE and that too with a broken handle. What's more, i learnt that Dr Kalam climbed the truck and sat on the front seat till the embarrassed staff requested him to board the waiting car. Dr Kalam told the staff, " I am carrying one suitcase to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Five years later, I shall leave the palace with this suitcase only. So there won't be any need for big trucks. But would want this handle to be fixed". Dear friends, we have politicians and former Presidents who filled their own coffers & Swiss banks and almost emptied the Rashtrapati Bhawan. And here was a man, s true Bharat Rana who went in with one suitcase and emerged with truck load, nay ocean loads of good wishes from the masses. Given the pravailing 'Kalmadi Syndrome' most of our noble politicians won't learn at all, can't be expected to either for the skin has become thick, very thick. But Dr Kalam left a lesson for rest of us to carry home a thought. .of India First, of service before self, of living in simplicity yet extremely rich on thoughts. Jai Hind This picture was taken at the Rashtrapati Bhawan when Mr & Mrs Piramal called on the President. Dr Kalam signed the picture and told Mr Piramal, you're doing a noble work for the nation by imparting education to the poor". President Kalam later inaugurated our research centre at Mumbai which today has a rich inventory of patents.