Every year on 27th July, India pauses to remember one of its greatest sons—Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the revered scientist, visionary, teacher and the People’s President. While the nation remembers his remarkable contributions to science and nation-building, I feel especially fortunate to have known him personally and to have met him on several occasions.
Dr. Kalam visited Symbiosis many times for various programmes, and every interaction reflected his humility, warmth and unwavering faith in India’s youth. However, one visit remains etched in my memory forever.
My father, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, knew Dr. Kalam very well. When my father requested him to inaugurate the Symbiosis School established for village children in our ancestral village, Harali, located over 300 kilometres from Pune, Dr. Kalam readily agreed. He often said, “India lives in over six lakh villages. Only when our villages develop can India truly become a developed nation.” He did not merely speak these words—he lived by them.
There was no convenient way to reach Harali. Dr. Kalam travelled from Delhi to Pune by air and then undertook the long road journey from Pune to the village without the slightest hesitation. His commitment to rural India was inspiring.
The excitement in Harali was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. As Dr. Kalam’s motorcade made its way to the village, people lined both sides of the road for kilometres, offering him a spontaneous guard of honour. Villagers from Harali and neighbouring areas, along with people from Kolhapur district, gathered in thousands to welcome him.
As he stepped out of his car and walked towards the school building, the air resonated with thunderous applause. There were children with sparkling eyes, proud parents, elderly villagers and teachers—all united by the privilege of welcoming one of India’s most loved leaders.
On 2nd August 2005, Dr. Kalam inaugurated the Symbiosis School for village students. That day became a defining moment in the history of Harali. Even today, the villagers commemorate 2nd August as “Kalam Day,” a lasting tribute to the man who believed that education was the most powerful instrument for transforming rural India.
Another cherished memory reflects a different facet of Dr. Kalam’s personality—his deep appreciation for art and friendship. After retirement when he visited Symbiosis he even stayed in our Vishwabhavan guest house. This shows his simplicity
The legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman was also a close friend of my father. During his later years, he lived in Pune and spent considerable time with our family. I vividly remember one afternoon when Mr. Laxman was having lunch with us. The telephone rang, and it was a call from Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the other end was President Kalam himself, warmly inviting Laxman Uncle and Kamala Aunty to stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan as his personal guests. We too had the privilege of visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan during that time, an experience that we cherished.
Though celebrated as one of India’s finest scientists, Dr. Kalam was, above all, a teacher at heart. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with young minds, encouraging students to dream big, think differently and dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. His optimism, simplicity and accessibility endeared him to millions across generations.
After his passing, several institutions established awards in his honour to celebrate individuals who embodied his ideals. It was a matter of immense pride for our family that my father, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, received the very first Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award instituted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
On his death anniversary, I remember not only the scientist, the President or the Bharat Ratna awardee, but also the gentle human being whose humility matched his greatness. He inspired people not through power or position, but through character, compassion and an unwavering belief in India’s future.
Dr. Kalam may no longer be with us, but his dreams continue to inspire generations. The best tribute we can offer him is to nurture young minds, strengthen our villages, pursue excellence with humility and work together to build the developed India he so passionately envisioned.
His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in how high we rise, but in how many lives we inspire along the way.