Print industry pays homage to Kalam

Muralidhar Nalli of TGS, based in Hyderabad said PrintWeek India should pay homage to the "People's President" by featuring him on the cover. Faheem Agboatwala, president of BMPA who was in the midst of brain-storming for the Association's flagship Print Summit 2016; said Parliamentarians should listen to the speeches of Kalam as a mark of respect.

A printer from Salem who did not want to be named said, he recalled a speech in Salem which Former President APJ Abdul Kalam suggested that all families should have a small library in their homes with a minimum of 10 books to encourage the reading habit in children.

In that speech, Kalam cited the importance of education. He recalled he had a driver while he was President who was a keen book reader. The man on being queried told him he had studied till the 10th standard and was keen to pursue his studies

"I made arrangements for his study through open University. He passed his 12th standard exams, did his BA and MA and also Phd. He is now a Professor at Mayloor college," the president said.

The Salem-based printer said, the Indian print industry should pay homage to Kalam's vision by celebrating, National Book Day on 15 October (Kalam's birthday) by donating ten books each to needy students.

Here’s what top members of the print fraternity had to say.

A great Muslim died on an auspicious day of Hindus in a Christian city. He maintained secularism and democracy in his death, too.

Dev Nair, president of the All Indian Federation of Master Printers

The greatest man of our time. Born and raised in Rameswaram, he studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts.

Kiran Prayagi, Colour Guru

RIP, Abdul Kalam sir. I admire the ‘Missile Man’ of India for his work on the development of launch vehicle technology. I recall two of his mantras: Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life. And: Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.

Tushar Dhote, director, Dhote Offset

Dr Abdul Kalam is no more. May his soul RIP. Please don’t declare a holiday on his passing away, instead work an extra day, if you love Dr Abdul Kalam. And read the book he penned in which he laid the foundation to see a developed India by the year 2020.

Manoj Mehta, director, Manipal Utility Packaging Solutions

Let's salute the pure soul, that sacrificed its life for us, let's tribute the strong mind that determined to do anything for us, let's show our joy for his great heart, let's shed tears for his love toward our country, and finally, let's strengthen our heart to bid farewell to the great soul. Salute to our former President, Dr Abdul Kalam ji.

O Venugopal Anaswara, director, Anaswara Offset

It's a great loss to the nation and a true leader of the century. RIP.

SR Sharma, former president, All Indian Federation of Master Printers

It time to remember a quote by him. It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone - Abdul Kalam. I salute him.

Virender Malik, editor of Digital Impressions

As someone tweeted today, RIP, shall not be read as ‘Rest in Peace’ for such a legend but it should be read as RIP: Return If Possible.

Anand Limaye, honorary general secretary, All Indian Federation of Master Printers