Dr. Kalam: A President who set an example of morality
- A unique example of personal expenditure and simplicity in Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Dr. Kalam's strictness in judicial appointments and legislative process
- Differences with the UPA government and not getting a second term
- Rameswaram's house: A symbol of simplicity and self-respect
- Dr. Kalam's passion for teaching and life after retirement
- Special appearance in Pongal-Sankranti celebrations
Why is Dr. Kalam still a source of inspiration?
Justice Markandey Katju's memoir on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's death anniversary - the story of a President who epitomised personal integrity, constitutional values and devotion to teaching. Know why people still remember him with respect.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
By Justice Maarkandey Katju
Yesterday, 27th July, was the death anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, ( 15.10.1931-27.7.2015 ) former President of India, who was highly respected by all.
Dr. Kalam set the highest standards of public life in India.
When he was President of India, he insisted on paying from his own pocket the travel, food and other expenses of his relatives and friends who stayed in Rashtrapati Bhawan ( the President's official residence ), since they were his private guests.
When the relative or friend arrived at Delhi railway station, no official car came to receive them. Instead, a private taxi hired by the President from his own pocket received them.
No other President of India, before or after him, ever did this
Whenever a name was recommended to him for appointment of a Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court he would get a secret enquiry made about the person, and if anything adverse was found, he would return the file to the government with his objections. He also returned some bills passed by Parliament which he thought were unconstitutional.
This made him unpopular with the UPA ( Congress Party-led) government, which refused to give him a second term as President, and instead chose Pratibha Patil, who was a rubber-stamper.
When I was Chief Justice of Madras High Court, I went to Rameshwarm, his hometown. I visited his home and was received by his elder brother.
The house was a simple cottage of a few rooms, with no ornamentation whatsoever. I thought that if it would have been another President, the house would have become a palace by now.
Even after retirement he continued teaching students, which was his passion.
He was the Chief Guest at the Pongal-Sankranti Day, which was a function organised in 2012 at my residence, whose picture one can see on my Facebook page.
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman of the Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own.)
