CPI(ML) condoles the passing of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. Coming from a humble background Kalam had struggled hard to secure higher education and rise through India’s scientific establishment. His emphasis on science and technology, work ethic and unassuming persona endeared him to the Indian youth as a welcome departure from the traditional image of an Indian President. The Indian state of course used him predominantly as a military scientist and nuclear hawk while ignoring his inconvenient views on issues like abolition of death penalty. While remembering Kalam, we strongly reject the RSS attempt at appropriating Kalam to serve its jingoistic and majoritarian agenda.
