When APJ Abdul Kalam Was Gifted a Grinder — What He Did Next Became a Lesson for India

When APJ Abdul Kalam Was Gifted a Grinder

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the beloved 'People's President' and 'Missile Man of India,' is remembered not just for his monumental scientific achievements but for the simplicity and unwavering integrity that defined his character. Long after his passing, new stories continue to emerge that beautifully illustrate the principles he lived by. One such anecdote, brought to light by a civil servant, offers a powerful lesson in ethics that resonates deeply in today's world.

The story comes from IAS officer Shri M.V. Rao, who shared it on social media. It dates back to 2014, when Dr. Kalam, then a former President, was the chief guest at an event. The function was sponsored by a company named 'Sowbaghya Wet Grinder.' As is customary, at the conclusion of the event, the hosts, as a gesture of gratitude and respect, presented Dr. Kalam with one of their wet grinders as a gift.

True to his nature, Dr. Kalam immediately declined the offer. He was known for his strict personal code of conduct, which did not permit him to accept gifts for his official or public engagements. However, the company representatives were insistent, pleading with him to accept the token of their appreciation. After much persuasion, and perhaps not to disappoint his hosts, he reluctantly agreed to take the grinder.

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For most, the story would have ended there. But for Dr. Kalam, this was where his personal protocol began. The very next day, he sent an aide to the local market with a specific mission: to find out the exact market price of the wet grinder model he had received. Once the value was ascertained, Dr. Kalam did something remarkable. He personally wrote a cheque for the full amount from his private account and mailed it to the company, effectively purchasing the grinder he had been gifted.

The company, touched by his gesture but perhaps feeling it was unnecessary, decided not to encash the cheque. They likely saw it as a cherished memento. But Dr. Kalam’s integrity was non-negotiable. Upon learning that the cheque remained undeposited, he sent a firm message to the company: they were to deposit the cheque immediately. The alternative, he stated, was that he would return the grinder.

Faced with this ultimatum, the company finally honoured his wish and deposited the cheque. The story goes that they then photocopied the cheque he had sent, framed it and displayed it proudly in their office.

This simple act speaks volumes. In a single gesture, Dr. Kalam showed that true integrity isn't about grand public declarations, but about the consistent, private choices we make when no one is watching. He upheld the sanctity of his position, ensuring that a gift could never be misconstrued as a favour. He believed in a transparent and accountable life, where even a small kitchen appliance was not above the law of his own conscience.