We express our profound grief at the death of former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam. Regarded as "People's president in his own country", he endeared himself in a special way to Bangladeshis by his inspiring and dream-stirring words during his visit to Dhaka in October last year.

Although his loss is irreparable in terms of pushing the borders in science and technology, knowledge and enlightenment, and leadership and enterprise, his life and works will remain an undimmed source of inspiration for generations to come. Undaunted by his humble origins and unshaken in self-belief to reach the high goals he set for himself, his attainments in physics, aeronautical
engineering and aerospace engineering came in quick succession. His close association with civilian space programme and military  missile development efforts earned him the sobriquet: "India's Missile Man."

The rest is history - he served as the head of state from 2002 to 2007 having been elected from outside the political spectrum overwhelmingly, with BJP lending support to him. Popular as president as he was, he literally bloomed on his return to a life of education, writing and public service. He excelled in the art of public speaking with his inimitable interactive rapport-building skills. Thus, he remained powerfully connected with the people,
especially the youth.

We fondly remember his dynamic flair and inspiring words at the inaugural of the 110th anniversary of Dhaka Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry last October. He urged his hosts to dream, think and act for Bangladesh. 

His conversations with the students were simply 
mesmerising: "If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun"; "Dream is not that which you see while 
sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep."

The sheer power of his words to spur the youth on to scale new heights will pay a lasting homage to his memory.