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Abdul Kalam, the professor, evokes huge applause at ISB

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

Unmindful of the new tag that he is carrying these days as the presidential candidate, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam acted every bit as a professor, drawing huge applause from the gathering at the first convocation of the Indian School of Business on Sunday.

Even when he was escorted to the dais by the ISB dean and other officials, as well as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in the ceremonial convocation gown, Dr Abdul Kalam stood apart from the crowd. Given his inimitable hairstyle, he was the only one on the dais without the ceremonial convocation cap.

In his 30-minute convocation address, Dr Kalam spoke to the graduate students of the founding class of ISB with the passion of a professor.

He handed over the degrees to each of the 128 students who graduated from the school. He walked down from the dais to give away the degree to a girl student who came on a wheelchair, having injured herself in a minor mishap.

After the convocation function ended with a vote of thanks from the outgoing dean Pramath Sinha, Dr Kalam called out the graduates to the dais and administered them a brief pledge that they would all work for transforming India into a developed country.

The amused graduates lustily cheered him and he himself had a hearty laugh when he finished with the pledge.

He took the references to his new stature -- as the candidate who would soon be the President of India -- in his stride.

Pramath Sinha said the ISB was indeed honoured with his gracious presence. Praising the unique qualities of Dr Kalam, Chandrababu Naidu said, "It is indeed an honour for me and for the state to have you in Hyderabad."

When the media persons mobbed him after the ceremony ended, Dr Kalam hastily answered a few questions and walked away with other dignitaries.

What will he do as President, a scribed asked. Pat came the reply: "If I am elected, I have a lot of things do to." When will he go around campaigning? He smiled the question away. How he feels to be in Hyderabad? Extremely pleased to be back in the city where he had spent almost a decade.

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