Police-People Bhai Bhai!

Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam

Jayaprakash Rao, Director-PRCI Natonal Executive, who was associated with Dr Kalam since 1996 as  his  protocol officer and PRO at DRDO, addressed the students of Manhgalore University narrating his fond memories recently. The address evoked loud applause.

Kalam - simplicity pesonified

A former colleague recalls Kalam's days at DRDO, Bengaluru

It    is with   heartfelt condolences, that I recollect my association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam while he was the director general of DRDO, Bangalore.

He was  human to the core in nature and simple in his attitude. He never wished to behave like a VIP, and moreover, his requirements were simple. He used to travel in an ordinary Ambassador car without red beacon or a VIP sign and even with no air-conditioning. He led a simple life in his with two-room hostel accommodation in DRDO  campus. His food habits were equally simple - he was fond of  Mendhu-Wada, Idli-Sambar , Dosa and buttermilk. 

He had the skills to extract  the best out of the scientists, taking them into confidence and rewarding them suitably,  always. He had a great hope in Indian scientists who, he would say, could make India self-reliant in the country’s defence needs. 

I  have been associated with Dr Kalam since 1996 as  his  protocol officer and PRO. He  would often inquire about the  welfare of drivers, foremen  and others persons and would always sport his characteristic smile. He was kind to his fellow staff, irrespective of their position.

I   met  him few months ago, during a programme of at J S S  Institutions,  Mysore.  Time permitting, he was to visit my home. But he couldn’t make it and as he saw me  while getting down from the dais, he said: “Jaya not this time. I will come next time.” Little did I realize that these would be last words to me!

I  had  the privilege of  translating his autobiography Wings of Fire into Kannada (Agniya Rekkegalu) that was reprinted 13 times  and chosen as  non-detailed text book for a colleges at Belguam.

--       Jayaprakash Rao K

Agni Rekhagalu - Kannada version of Wings of Fire