Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and anguish on the demise of Dr APJ Kalam. The Chief Minister said that Dr. Kalam was a dear friend and one of the noblest human beings he had met in his life.
“I’m deeply saddened. My deepest condolences….Dr. Kalam & I shared a great bond. His achievements as a fine scientist, scholar, teacher and a mentor were immeasurable. He will remain in our hearts,” the CM said.
Naidu said during the NDA rule in the country under Vajpayee’s Prime Ministership, they had collectively proposed his name for the country’s first citizen – that of the President.
“No adjectives can highlight the exemplary contribution of Dr. Kalam to India’s space and defence programs. His humility and the generosity have won every Indian’s heart. India has lost a legend of a man,” the Chief Minister said, recalling his memories of Dr. Kalam.
The Chief Minister recalled the former President’s gesture of setting aside the protocol and visiting him in October 2003 at his residence, soon after he survived the Alipiri blast.
“I remember Dr. Kalam talking to me about leadership qualities that are essential to serve people and the society,” the Chief Minister remembered.
One cannot forget instances of Dr. Kalam’s humility where he had invited a cobbler as one of the Presidential Guests to Raj Bhavan in Kerala nor can one overlook the fact that Dr. Kalam spent more time with kids, allowed them into the Rashtrapati Bhavan and listened to what they said. “He is a gem of a person. An icon India has lost,” the Chief Minister added.
“Even in the most recent experiences, Dr. Kalam had launched the Primary Sector Mission in Ananthapur with me last year,” the Chief Minister recalled, adding that he made all the farmers in the village recite a poem along with him.
Naidu recalled Dr. Kalam’s famoud quote: “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”
