Kalam tribute: Sir never had a TV at home, recalls secretary of 24 years

Harry Sheridon, the Man Friday of the former President for over two decades, paid his respects to the great man and stated how the country needs more leaders like APJ Abdul Kalam

Harry Sheridon (53), who had been with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as his personal secretary for the past 24 years, can't believe the former President is no more.

Also Read: Former president APJ Abdul Kalam passes away in Shillong

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Illustration: Uday Mohite

Speaking to mid-day from Delhi, Sheridon said, "Sir (Kalam) left around 12.20 pm on Monday and was supposed to return on Tuesday evening. His health was fine, when he left Delhi. Around 7 pm, I received a phone call from one of our staffers. He said that sir had fainted while addressing the gathering at IIM Shillong and had been taken to the hospital. A few minutes later, I received yet another phone call, stating that the military doctors had arrived and they had declared Mr Kalam dead."

Obit: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam -- India's missile man, an indomitable spirit

APJ Abdul Kalam interacts with students of Jain Vidyaniketan School at Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College in Bangalore in 2002

He added that the former President's mortal remains will arrive in Delhi on Tuesday and that the funeral would take place at Mosque Street in Rameswaram. The funeral will take place in the presence of Kalam's elder brother, Mustafa Marakayar (99).

Sheridon worked with Kalam since the latter joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and was later Secretary, Department of Research and Development.

Official press release about Dr Kalam from Bethany Hospital Shillong

The secretary recalled that Kalam never had a television at home and would start his day between 6.30 am and 7 am and stay awake until 2 am. He would listen to the radio, mostly news on All India Radio, and would personally check his emails on a daily basis. He would be invited for some seminar or the other every week. Kalam's personal physician would visit him regularly, but he had not complained of any ailments. His last book titled 'Target 3 Billion' co-authored by Srijan Pal Singh, was published in December 2011.

Profile: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931-2015)

"APJ Kalam sir was a very, very good human being in all aspects. The country needs more leaders like him" was all Sheridon could say in conclusion.

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