Shaista Fatima/New Delhi

The 3rd memorial lecture organised by India Islamic Cultural Centre on 16th October in honor of the 90th birth anniversary of Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam, was presided over by Mr.Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister Urban Affairs Petroleum and Natural gas.

In his 20 minutes long lecture Mr. Puri shared anecdotes of his meetings with Dr.Kalam and how his tenure as a joint secretary involved the work as an interpreter.

“The visions Mr.Kalam had for the country are slowly and steadily being achieved..”, he said. Mr. Puri went on to mention that in over 4-5 days India would have crossed a 100 crores vaccination mark which was a moment of pride for all Indians. He worked with Dr.Kalam during 1997-99, “It was a pivotal period in the history of India, we were not only emerging as a nuclear power but also a clarity in the leadership was brought..”

He shared an incident when he was working as the joint secretary and how during a meeting between Mulayam Singh Yadav and Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam, he was chosen as the interpreter as the latter knew only English, “I am sure Mr.Mulayam speaks fluent English but somehow he chose to converse  in Hindi…”

He further listed the importance of works of Dr.Kalam, from RATO to SLV to Prithvi, Agni and Pokhran Test, how every little step towards integrated technology moulded India’s future. “Dr. Kalam’s discoveries shaped India’s Foreign Policies..”, he was quoted saying. In his closing remarks Mr.Puri remembered an event in Geneva when he was the permanent representative from India to UN and how Dr.Kalam during his state visit to Switzerland made a stop at Geneva and requested a meeting with kids.

“SM Khan, the then media representative for Dr.Kalam and I were flabbergasted, we didn’t know how to make time in an otherwise jam packed schedule…”

A quick 30 minute slot was created and kids from the ongoing conference and missions were collected for a quick meet.

“Dr.Kalam didn’t want us around, he sat with kids and made conversation at their level, he loved kids and loved making long conversations in and around them..”

He parted off saying Dr.Kalam believed that kids were the future of the country and focused upon the quality of education. M.SM Khan was supposed to give the thanksgiving and opening address but was unable to attend the meet due to his failing health.