Can an ordinary citizen of this Country give a surprise to the Supreme Commander, the President of India?
In 2005, I received a call from one of my clients informing me that Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India, would be visiting Kerala in December to inaugurate a Medical college. The event was to be held at a medical college being established in a hilly area on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram.
By that time, I had already managed several high-profile events, and my experience gave me an edge. The client decided to appoint my company as the official event manager.
In high-protocol events, the event manager’s role is to design and coordinate the event, working closely with various government departments, including the police and the district collector, while ensuring the infrastructure adheres to strict protocols. It’s a tiring and meticulous job, involving many security and safety instructions from the protocol officer.
As I was driving back from the client’s office to Ernakulam, I began reflecting on how a government event might differ in its conduct and content. Since this was the President’s event, we had no control over the formal proceedings. Then, a thought struck me: why not make the event more engaging by adding a surprise element?
I spoke to the client, a supportive lady coordinating from their side, and asked if it would be possible to get in touch with the President’s office. We wanted to learn his favorite color and what he liked most. Despite being at the helm of India’s nuclear and space missions, Dr. Kalam was known for his simplicity. He lived an ordinary life, spending much of his time reading, practicing the veena, traveling across India, and interacting with children.
When we contacted the President’s office, we learned that his favorite color was navy blue and that he occasionally wrote poetry. That was the hook. I decided to use navy blue as the theme color for the event, incorporating it into the backdrop and other branding. We also requested the President’s office to share one of his favorite poems — without informing him. The poem they sent was challenging, much like his work, filled with technological jargon that sounded more like prose than poetry. But we were determined.
I reached out to a musician to set the poem to music. First, I approached the famous musician Bala Baskar, but he was unable to take on the project due to time constraints. Then, I thought of a young, talented musician who had been performing on television — Afzal Yousuf, a blind musician known for his albums and TV presentations. I sent my colleague to his house with the details. Afzal accepted our invitation with enthusiasm, and the very next day, he came to the college with his associate, carrying his keyboard.
We selected 25 students from the college, and over the next 10 days, they rehearsed the performance. Excitement built as the President’s arrival drew near.
On a sunny evening, Dr. Kalam arrived to inaugurate the medical college and then proceeded to the grand marquee, where thousands of students and visitors were gathered. The event unfolded as planned: a welcome speech, addresses by elected representatives and college officials, and an interactive session with children. Then, the Master of Ceremonies announced the most anticipated part of the day: “A dedication to the President of India by the students of the college.”
I could see the astonishment in Dr. Kalam’s eyes as the students began to sing his poem, set to music. He seemed to savor every moment. As planned, the client informed the President that the composition was the work of a young musician.
The program concluded with the national anthem. I noticed the President giving instructions to his aide, who quickly relayed the message to the police. Moments later, the police approached Afzal and invited him to the front of the stage. Guided to meet Dr. Kalam, Afzal greeted him with his “inner eyes,” as he often described. The President warmly embraced him and praised his work.
I was overjoyed. Everyone congratulated me and my team for the unique idea and for giving the President of India such a memorable surprise.
The next day, newspapers covered the event, publishing photos of the President congratulating Afzal.
I felt immense happiness and pride. Over the years, I’ve managed many events involving Presidents, and central ministers, including the defense minister, and chief ministers, but this one remains special.
It was special because it was the story of an ordinary citizen surprising the People’s President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.