Great men like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be remembered by their deeds. True to his character he recalled the famous sayings of Swami Vivekananda: "My name should not be made prominent but it is my ideas that I want to be realized". 

These days it is little realized that statues, memorial arches, cutouts and umpteen other things that are sought after to perpetuate one's memory are simply ephemeral unlike the great writings, deeds and real sacrifices that will carve a niche and enduring impression in the minds of people.

Like a deity moving away from the sanctum sanctorum of a temple Dr. Kalam will move away from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan on 24th July, but it is doubtful whether there are persons like Kalam to fill his place in future. He donated to the nation every gift he got as the president and has exhorted all men in public life to avoid gifts made obviously to curry favour.

More than 90 percent of the people wanted him to continue for a second term but legislators, so called our representatives willed otherwise. Knowing pretty well that if he contests and loses the majority of the people who kept him near their hearts will be heart-broken he, as a statesman, refused a second term for him unless elected as a consensus candidate. As there cannot be another Gandhi; there cannot be another Kalam either.

V. E. Venkataramani                                    
Bangalore