“The inner strength and grace of some souls can illuminate an entire galaxy. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam was one such soul. People remember him as their former President, scientist, writer and even Missile Man. For me, he was a complete teacher,” artist Vijender Sharma told The Hindu a day after the former President collapsed during a lecture at IIM-Shillong.
Mr. Sharma has had the distinction of painting two portraits of Dr. Kalam as part of the Rashtrapati Bhawan tradition and these are on display at the President House.
“I have done two portraits — a half and another 8 x 5 feet — of the former President in 2007 on invitation from the President’s House. For the paintings, I had the opportunity to interact with the President during the photo shoot, which was an enriching and unforgettable opportunity,’’ said the artist.
“He was co-operative during the photo shoot and never once complained about me fussing around and constantly clicking him from various angles according to the light,” recalls Mr. Sharma.
Adding that it was during the shoot that he got a glimpse “of the man who was admired and loved as the President”.
“He was so down-to-earth. He had the curiosity of a child and wisdom of a sage. And the beauty of it all was the fact that he could hold the interest of a four-year-old and a 90-year-old with equal ease.” “He is the only President who touched so many lives at some many different levels. For some, he was an inspiration and for others an aspiration. He came from a humble background and rose to occupy such a high office. The ‘People’s President’ will be deeply missed.”
Mr. Sharma also recalled a meeting between the former President and his family.
“I took along my entire family for presenting the portraits of Dr. Kalam. My children, my son was about 4-5 years old and daughter a bit older, were standing with a flower in their hand to greet the President. My son dropped the flower just when the President walked in. Dr. Kalam stopped, bent down, picked up the flower and gave it back to my son and asked: ‘Is this for me?’ My daughter pitched in and said ‘yes’. He smiled and asked: ‘Do you know who I am?’ My daughter smiled and replied to his question and he blessed her.”
“He was an amazing man and I will miss him,” said the artist.
