TGTE (Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam) offers its heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the passing of their 11th President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. An inspiring leader, visionary and patriot, Dr Kalam’s death is a great loss for millions who saw him as a teacher and mentor in the truest sense of these terms.
Dr. Kalam was born into a poor family in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. His father rented a ferry to fishermen working the waters between India and the island of Sri Lanka. His passion for learning earned him respect as a man of knowledge. Despite his social and economic handicaps, he rose to become the head of important Indian defense programs and then the President of India. He did not forget his Tamil roots, and maintained a love for Tamil literature and music. In 2004, it was Dr. Kalam who declared the Indian government’s official recognition of Tamil as a classical language.
He was venerated in India for his contribution to the country’s missile development program, which he viewed not as an instrument of domination but rather as a means of ensuring India’s freedom. He was also a source of inspiration for many Indians due to his relentless promotion of education as a means of lifting people out of poverty. His advocacy of new technologies and innovation for the development of India made him a household name throughout the country.
Dr Kalam found inspiration in the energy, imagination, and vigor of India’s younger generation. He maintained a youthful spirit and outlook throughout his life, and made it his goal as president to meet face to face with half a million of his young constituents.“My message,” he said, “especially to young people, is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards.”
His exhortation to “dream, dream, dream!” will remain an encouragement to present and future generations.
TGTE salutes this great son of both India and Tamil Nadu and prays that his soul may rest in peace.
