Dear Dr. Kalam

The eleventh President of India,

Widely referred as the ‘People’s President’

Noted for integrity and simple lifestyle.

Received India’s highest civilian honour.

Born in Rameswaram, a pilgrimage centre,

As a proud practicing Muslim

One of the devout followers of Islam.

Appreciated the spiritual and cultural traditions of India,

Well versed in Hindu traditions,

Learnt Sanskrit and read the Gita.

Believing in respect for other faiths said

“For great men, religion is a way of making friends

But silly people make it a fighting tool.”

He is a unifier of diverse traditions.

The marvelous miracle

Had an unexpected debacle

Resting in Peikarumbu.