Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam is renowned for his contributions to the field of science. Serving as India’s President from 2002 to 2007, he holds a place as one of the most beloved presidents in the nation’s history. A recent incident recounted by an IAS officer sheds light on Kalam’s unwavering integrity and values.
MV Rao, the IAS officer who formerly headed NIRD and NFDB, shared the incident on social media. In 2014, during an event where Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was the chief guest, a company named ‘Saubhagya Wet Grinder’ sponsored the event and presented Kalam with a gift, a wet grinder. However, Kalam respectfully declined the gift, despite the sponsor’s insistence. The sponsor explained that it was merely a grinder and encouraged him to accept it. Kalam, without engaging in further debate, accepted the gift.
The following day, Kalam sent someone from his team to ascertain the market price of the grinder. He then wrote a check from his personal account, covering the market value, and sent it to the company. Curiously, the company chose not to deposit the check.
In response, Kalam persisted. He pursued the matter with his bank, and when the expected deduction didn’t occur within the expected timeframe, he communicated to the company that they should deposit the check. He hinted that if they failed to do so, he would have no choice but to return the grinder.
Kalam’s determination had an impact. The company, recognizing his resolve, deposited the check. Yet, they also preserved a photocopy of the check, framing it and placing it on display as a testament to Kalam’s character.
Here is the officer’s tweet:
What a Great Person 🙏💐
— M V Rao @ Public Service (@mvraoforindia) August 12, 2023
Ethics in public life!!
In 2014, a company called
'Saubhagya Wet Grinder' was a sponsor in some event where
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was the chief guest.
The sponsor presented a gift to him which he respectfully declined to accept. The sponsor… pic.twitter.com/qyqVa5dmfs
Dr. Kalam, affectionately known as the “people’s president,” played a vital role in elevating India’s missile technology to impressive levels. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles, bolstering India’s defense capabilities and solidifying its stature in the global scientific community. His most notable achievement was the SLV-III, India’s inaugural indigenous satellite launch vehicle, a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of space exploration.
