He had spent 20 years as a scientist in the Kerala capital, living in a lodge, eating at nondescript eateries, generally keeping to himself but at the same making friends with ordinary people. The question now is: whether they would get to see the half-son of the city as he goes on his final journey to Rameswaram.
There is a glint of hope in the horizon about the 'people's President' returning to the city with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy urging the Centre to facilitate public viewing of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's body in the State.
Mr. Chandy communicated the State's desire to Home Minister Rajnath Singh over phone late last night. Mr. Singh told the Chief Minister said the government would consult Dr. Kalam's family before taking a decision on Kerala's request.
Dr. Kalam, a member of the first team of scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), had spent two decades in the Kerala capital, working at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), driving around in a Standard Herald car and filling the hearts of the few who knew him with that disarming smile of his.
The Kerala Assembly, currently in session to discuss and adopt the Budget proposals for 2015-16, dispersed for the day this morning without transacting any business in deference to Kalam.
