Close Quarters with Dr. Kalam

Memories have life lasting impact on our minds and hearts. It's like an imprint, a gentle one especially if it's pleasant, a motivational experience if it's inspiring, and a life changing experience if it comes in from a hero. Today, i carry one such memories of the great man. Sharing as it happened, and as i witnessed it from a close vicinity.

Dr.Kalam was really fond of the youth, the children of our country. He used to be embracing and generous when it came to meeting them. I happened to witness one such occasion when a group of preschool children went to visit the President House.  The visit started with the tiny tots lining up in their bright and warm colours, a little clueless, yet curious to go on this adventure, their trip to this large estate spread over several acres. The teachers and the care takers by their side, children seem to be enjoying the outdoors more than the indoor. Just when the line was gaining some rhythm of movement, it got flustered, the children noticed an elderly person coming towards them with a bright smile and beaming embrace. As he came his excitement multiplied seeing this bright group of children, and he walked faster, almost as if he sprint to embrace them. What happened next will remain etched in my memory of him, forever. As he approached the children, he bent and then soon sat down on one knee to meet and greet children. There was a bright smile on all the faces, children and the adults alike. Of so many other virtues to learn from him, one I wish all of us may take is, to talk to a child, we need to come to the child's eye level, bend and embrace their company. This memory of him is etched on my heart forever and shall continue to inspire the bright and warm line of children, who shape the future.

Image Courtesy: photodivision.gov.in