NEW DELHI: Though Dr A.P.J Kalam’s nomination had been virtually unanimous, as he had the backing of all political parties, barring the communist parties, there had been widespread misgivings whether, with his apolitical background, he would be in a position to bring to bear responsibilities as the president of the country which required keen insights into political overtones.

To be sure, none questioned his intellectual abilities which had enabled him to have emerged as the spaceman of extraordinary skill and expertize. But the question that observers were asking was: whether these were such that would enable him to grasp the intricacies of political decision-making.

Apparently to set at rest these misgivings, Dr Kalam made it publicly clear that he had worked with several prime ministers and was quite conversant with their ways. Soon after his election he set about proving the point. In doing so he made it clear that he had a mind of his own and that he would be the arbiter of his actions. He had his first opportunity to do so barely a week or so of assuming office.

In the run up to the elections, Kalam had spoken of his anguish over the communal violence that had rocked Gujarat. He had referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Noakhali on the eve of independence and had referred to the need for compassion as a vital element in decision-making.

To prove the point that this was one of the most crucial elements in his own decision-making, he decided that a visit to Gujarat would be one of his first appointments on taking office. And he did just that.

The move could not have had the concurrence of the BJP which had not wanted the atmosphere muddied at a time when it was its own conviction that conditions in the state had returned to normalcy to warrant the poll. But quite unmindful of their self- induced confidence, Dr Kalam visited not only the state, but more specifically the refugee camps which had to be dismantled and he did not hesitate to advise the state government to hasten with rehabilitation measures.

Dr Kalam’s action and the advice he gave to the state is in strange contrast to the attitude of the former president, K.R Narayanan, who had said: “Gujarat is an example of my helplessness.”

Looking back at past presidents, it is easy to discern that Dr Kalam does not seem to have been prepossessed with questions of political propriety which might be interpreted as stepping stones to become another source of authority likely to contest the prime minister.

It is primarily to avoid such an allegation that had impaired the other president. The results appears to have been that most others had resigned themselves to play an ornamental role. For instance Venkataraman believed his role would become relevant only in emergency situations such as in 1975, when Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad had no compunctions whatsoever in signing the emergency proclamation presented to him by then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Against this there was also Zail Singh, who perceived a political role for himself and appears to have toyed with the idea of dismissing Rajiv Gandhi, but had listened to wiser counsel.

K.R Narayanan on the other hand considers himself to have been a proactive president expressed his views on many controversial issues, but preferred to remain discreet — indifferent to act.

In the context of these differing roles played by past presidents, Dr Kalam seems to have adopted an altogether new political role which is on judging issues on their impact immediately on their humanitarian values.

This is often a consideration that is overlooked by politicians, but something which to Gandhi was paramount. This seems to be the ideal which Dr Kalam has placed before himself.

Apart from the political factor, Dr Kalam also appears to have discarded the formalities which have hitherto pervaded his presidential status. For instance, he has ruled out the prescription of official dress on independence day reception or on other occasions.

Nor has he followed the practice of remaining seated for his guests to be presented, but has gone around them.

It has been alleged that his candidature was forced by the RSS because he was considered by its hierarchy to be the most acceptable Muslim — there is no doubt that he is well versed in Hindu mythology and in mores of thought or action. But to imagine that these were assumed postures would be doing gross injustice to him, for he is known to have grown up in an entirely Hindu environment.