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Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and The Travesty of Indian Pseudo-Secularism

I always like to think of Indian minorities, their status, development and contribution to the development of Modern India. Being part of a majority strata, I always find it a bit difficult to comprehend their situation in a soceity like India, one of innumerable castes, creeds, languages and religions, and most especially when an incident like Gurdashpur terrorist attack taken place just today morning, takes place anywhere and they were blamed for it. I try my best to keep my emotions in check and never blurt something illogical and stupid on the most popular media of self-expression and very often, I succeed. Religion, as we all know is a very sensitive and complex topic in India and policies of political appeasement and reservation make it all the more difficult to comprehend. I then give up all my efforts and try to think of a scenario where a personnel from a distinguished minority group did any good to this country. This is not to say that majorities have singlehandedly made our nation a developed one but the basic idea behind the partition of India was the religious majority and hypocrisy. Ours is a rainbow nation in a real sense and everybody, willingly or unwillingly, every day is making an effort to contribute to its prosperity irrespective of their communal orientation and belief system.

So getting back to the idea of thinking of one man who did tremendously well for the country despite having roots in a most ill-conceived minority, my search stops at the now deceased but the most honored, civilized, studious, loved and respected, the 11th president of India, Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Mr. Kalam, I strongly believe was the very embodiment of our constititional beliefs. He was above everything, petty political and religious discussions et al. His most obvious concern was the lack of interest modern students are showing in studying Maths and Science. Being a scientist par excellence, he knew that only the rational thinking can bring a change and development to our nation. He was a believer, not a quitter and above all, he was a patriot and what a patriot he was. He always thought of the development of India, devising strategies and blueprints for its sake. He never shunned his duties. When he was a president, he was non-partisan and very active. He was the first ACTIVE president of India who wasn't there on Rajpath on 15th August and 26th July to take only royal salutes. He made moves and brought as many constitutional reforms as possible.

Couple of hrs ago, I heard a journalist arguing why we never try to preserve such icons and legacies. Truth be told dear journalist, but we cannot do that for Death is one true friend of every human being. It finally embraced Dr. Kalam too. An unbelievable personality whose death is now being mourned over entire country and by every Indian, this post too offers its most humble, heartfelt tribute.......Sir, you have left us poorer with your absence........God certainly doesn't make the likes of You anymore.

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