India’s new President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be sworn in this Thursday, July 25, one week after his election.It is possible that he is the right person at the right time. A man of surface contradictions, he may have the inner understanding for this critical period.
A Muslim, well versed in Hindhu Scriptures, he is also a scientist and is often called “the father of India’s nuclear capability”, although he is vegetarian and claims to respect all life.
His election was welcomed by India’s Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf who expressed hopes that he and India’s new President will work together for "tension-free relations between our two countries".
President Abdul is the third Muslim President of India, the second most populous country, after China and the world’s largest Democracy.
His election was welcomed by India’s Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf who expressed hopes that he and India’s new President will work together for "tension-free relations between our two countries".
President Abdul is the third Muslim President of India, the second most populous country, after China and the world’s largest Democracy.
Although constitutionally,
India is a secular State, it also represents virtually all the religions of this planet. Hindhus are the vast majority but Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Jews, Bahais and others all add to an unique cultural mix, along with those of no particlular tradition or belief.
President Abdul Kalam is well known for his jovial casual demeanor and his efforts to reach out to everyone.
When asked his opinion of his rivals in the election, he replied, “I don’t have rivals. They are all my friends.”
India is a secular State, it also represents virtually all the religions of this planet. Hindhus are the vast majority but Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Jews, Bahais and others all add to an unique cultural mix, along with those of no particlular tradition or belief.
President Abdul Kalam is well known for his jovial casual demeanor and his efforts to reach out to everyone.
When asked his opinion of his rivals in the election, he replied, “I don’t have rivals. They are all my friends.”