The day is still fresh in my mind. That was the day when a moment in time froze and President A P J Abdul Kalam waited for me. Literally!
This was how it happened. B R Hills in Karnataka wore a festive look. Frenzied preparations were afoot to receive the President, who was arriving to participate in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), an NGO working for the upliftment of tribals.
 The state police had turned out in strength to ensure safety for the President. A large shamiana with an elaborate stage was erected for the function.
A separate place was set aside for people who were to participate in the function. Our organisation had written a book about 25 years of VGKK and Dr H Sudarshan, the founder had very graciously invited me to receive the first copy of the book from the President. I sat in my appointed place and waited nervously for the function to begin.
Before long, a burly policeman came up to me brandishing a stick and brusquely asked me to move to a seat several rows behind. There were several bamboo barricades in between these two places. I showed him the ID card I had been given to wear. “I have to sit here as I have to go up to the stage to receive a book from the President.”This space is reserved only for MLAs and ministers. You cannot sit here.” he said very firmly.
Even as the function progressed, I looked ahead and despaired of ever being able to cross all the barriers. When my name was finally called, I dashed, Kanjeevaram saree hitched up almost to my knees, ducking below, jumping above the barricades. The President stood, book in hand, smiling gently and waiting for me. When I huffed and puffed my way up to him, he did not utter a word of protest. He gave me the book; he spoke to me and then gamely waited some more for the moment to be frozen by the camera!