Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President, a renowned scientist, receipt of highest civilian awards and honours, and was an exceptional human being.  While the entire nation wept for his sudden demise last year, yesterday, i.e. 27.07.2016 was the legend's first death anniversary.  

Dr. Kalam all along his life wanted to be a good teacher and spread the fruits of knowledge and education and endeavoured utmost to reach out to schools and colleges to inculcate his vision for India in the young Indian minds. Dr. A.P.J. Kalam in various walks of his life stood as the tallest teacher, a grand scientist, a visionary icon for youth, a scientific saint - but never ever had any intention absolutely to engage in any electoral politics. Dr. Kalam spent his life in teaching, inspiring youth for positive action, writing, learning, social enterprising, researching, but politics was one thing Dr. Kalam never wanted and hence political party cannot be his lineage. This view was supported by several of his colleagues and students. 

Dr. Kalam had several opportunities to enter or influence politics but he always abstained from electoral politics during his lifetime. In 2012, during the presidential election, when parties were fighting each other over Dr. Kalam's nomination as the President, Dr. Kalam made his student pull out a picture from 2002 nomination where almost all big parties and leaders sat together to sign off his name. Dr. Kalam only wanted politicians to be together for whatever they believed was good for country. The very next day Dr. Kalam chose to walk away from the political strokes stepping out of any race as he did not want to be a point of division among parties or become a crucible of politics. Such was his greatness he was way above, and not only above, he was well beyond the tentacles of politics.

Let his grave be a point of starting youth movements, educational missions, spiritual journeys, scientific expeditions - but it is unforeseen and painful to see Dr. Kalam's name being used by a political party under the pretext of fulfilling His visions.

The question is whether Dr. Kalam would have chosen politics if he had been alive?  The answer would have been a "no", as can be evident from the writings and voluminous literature he authored during his lifetime.

While none can be prevented from using his name, ideologies and vision, as he was people's president and a national treasure, we cannot allow a handful to politicise Dr. Kalam's name for wrongful gains. Careful perusal of pages of political history would show the conduct of political parties.

In view of the above, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's name should not be allowed to be used by any political party, as he was neither a politician nor desired to enter politics when he was alive.  However, the Election Commission of India has now permitted a political party to use his name citing some stone-age rules and precedents involving Indira Gandhi and other political leaders, which squarely does not apply to the Legend, who is no match to anyone but Himself.  

Let us tell the Government of India!