Abdul Kalam was a president who actually added a hitherto unknown dimension to an otherwise powerless chair. As a scientist who spearheaded India's missile and space plans, it was only apt that he could serve as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. With his energy and vision he could define how India could shape herself as a power in every sense. I thank the NDA for giving us Mr.Kalam as president.
Cut to the present scenario, the lady waiting in the wings is just the opposite of Kalam. Here is a person having a pure political background. Her CV says she tended to Indira Gandhi's kitchen during the death of Sanjay. Where as the outgoing president is a man of extensive reading including religious texts, Pratibha has displayed her pathetic knowledge of history and cannot read minority sentiments. Kalam is a scientist of repute, Pratibha has invoked spirits and talked to them. Add to that the line of ugly charges and court orders against her family members.
As a people and its aspirations, India took a major leap during President Kalam's tenure. I feel that feeling will take a major beating in the next five years with an ornament of a president. One step forward, 10 steps backward. Way to go.
