People’s President

I wrote this article a year ago before the President elections in July 2012, checked it couple of days ago, and thought of sharing with everyone.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Just finished watching ‘I am Kalam’ – the movie. Impressed by its subject – genuine, emotional, touching – as it really had that feel of ever inspiring aura named ‘Abdul Kalam’.

Looking at the present situation of the President election, I am pained and fear that we might have to wait another 50 years before any new Kalam shall emerge in Rashtrapati Bhawan, to be able to inspire us. Thought I don’t have any contempt for any of the personalities to have occupied Rashtrapati Bhawan or those who are in electoral battle for this post.

My idea of the first citizen in a Westminster based parliamentary democracy is of having someone who is capable of garnering that respect, command aspiration to greater heights, and has aura to inspire millions to whom a PM, tens of Ministers, hundreds of MP & MLA could feel honoured to work under. He must be person whom even politicians too find a source of passion to work for its people. A president is not suppose to run cabinet, not suppose to legislate in parliament, not suppose to fight on borders not even suppose to run ministries in New Delhi; he is suppose to make us dream bigger and shall make us believe ‘all shall be fine’ when crisis are overlooking us.

Who else, in my dreams I have seen doing?

Kalam, certainly; still same skinny, old man but young at heart, shining grey hair but childlike curiosity, in the system but un-fazed by the corruption ridden system, on duty 24x7 to spread his ideas for a vibrant nation.

Post Script: Now, after a year or so, when I look at the present Rashtrapati Bhawan, it is same as pre-Kalam era Rashtrapati Bhawan. And, Kalam is still visiting schools, colleges inspiring youth to dream big and dream for our nation. What I can conclude here is a question in front of us. Is it the post he didn’t regain or the love or affection which he commands across length and breadth of India, which makes him the ‘People’s President’.

Photo Credit: greatindiannews.wordpress.com