Exactly what we need in a President.

My heart swells with prideI’m glad that people like Kalam definitely suit the role of the Highest Office of the country. While Kalam’s appointment as President was seen again in the myopic light of political manoeuvreing–the BJP backed him because he hails from the minority classes, etc, in retrospect, it was an exceptionally good choice (or manoeuvre, if you will).

The President is all but there. An unthinking object of artifact to dress up and present to the world. Past Presidents barring few notable exceptions–Rajendra Prasad and Radhakrishnan–have merely decorated Office, contributing little or nothing. Others were indignities personified:

Fakruddin Ali Ahmed: who sealed the totalitarian document that enabled Indira Gandhi to impose Emergency.

Zail Singh: who claimed to change his attire every few hours and swore loyalty to the Unchallengable Heiress, Mrs.Gandhi.

Seen in this light, Kalam is a fresh, welcome departure from these nonentities.

Kalam will fly to the Thoise air force base in an IAF plane on April 2 and then take a helicopter to the forward logistic base in the Siachen sector for an interaction with troops.
The President will come back to the base camp, take a trip to the Siachen battle school and mingle with soldiers based there.
He will also take time off to visit the medical centre and return to the capital by evening the same day.
Rashtrapati Bhavan sources said the President felt this was a good time to meet the brave soldiers doing their duty for the nation.

I’m reminded of what my close relative (who works as a senior office in IAF) frequently says: the Airmen/Soldiers/Jawans live in conditions that you cannot imagine. Yet they expect nothing, no thanks even, and don’t curse their political bosses as they feel deeply for their country. Just a visit by these very political bosses delights them, and makes them feel cared for. And George Fernandes happens to be the first Defence Minister who does that repeatedly. George apparently refuses to lodge in the palatial accommodation that his position entitles him to. He similarly doesn’t lodge with the Officers either. Instead, he shares the bunk in the tents where the Jawans are housed. For this, the Jawans will give their lives to him.

Kalam’s visit will further boost the morale of the defenders of India’s freedom. Not just this.

Ever since the Model Code of Conduct came into force from February 29, Kalam cancelled
all his public engagements outside Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Since the President mostly dwelt on developmental issues and his presence generally warranted the attendance of Chief Ministers, MPs and local legislators who could take advantage of such occasions to further their political ends, he chose to call off all such engagements.

Wish other political honchos take some cues from Kalam.

My humble salutations to this gentle patriot.