Adieu..

Yesterday was a sad day, as India's most famous president, renown missile scientist and beloved teacher, Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam passed away.

While the whole country is still in shock and grief, its worthwhile noting that he is unanimously loved by all, with almost no detractors - a terrific achievement in itself, for any public figure. In his decorated career, surprisingly, he is less remembered for his great achievements as a:

1. Scientist - where he has done marked contributions to India's missile project in its infancy, and to India's nuclear tests
2. Statesman - where he has brought repute to the office of President and he is perhaps the first and only president to be remembered, inspite of the titular post
3. Author - where he has penned several literary works like books and poems, which are still in demand like his 'Wings of Fire' or 'India 2020'.

Rather he is remembered for his role as an Educator and Mentor to the people and youth of the nation, a role which he continued until the final moments when he was lecturing the students at IIM, Shillong. Particularly striking and endearing is his humility and simplistic approach to things. Currently there are a thousand anecdotes doing the rounds of how he abrogated any special treatment, cut off the ceremonial entitlements, and maintained strict distance from all other luxuries that one could easily get addicted to. An even tougher ask, when one has occupied high offices, been in influential circles and is entitled to amazing perks. 

This, is my cherished learning from Dr. Kalam. I'm sure he'll stay in the hearts of the billion people and continue to drive us towards positive change.