NEW DELHI, India -- Just when Indo-Pak tension is making headlines raising the threat of a possible nuclear conflict, political parties in India have nominated the Missile Man, APJ Abdul Kalam, to become the country's 12th president.
The 70-year-old Kalam is the architect of India's nuclear program and has played a key role in developing its missile systems. His elevation to the highest office may raise eyebrows around the world. But Indian sentiment appears overwhelmingly in favor of his nomination.
"I am overwhelmed," Kalam said, responding to widespread support from politicians, academicians, scientists and the public at large.
Kalam began his career with India's space program in 1962. His first major achievement came in 1980, when he helped establish India as one of the nations with satellite launching capabilities when SLV3 was fired in space. As the head of India's missile development program since 1982, Kalam led the team that developed a range of missiles over the next 10 years.
But these achievements do not impress the leftist parties who stand behind 87-year-old Lakshmi Saigal, a social worker. Kalam is sure to win since these political parties account for less than 10 percent of the total votes. Besides, Saigal does not command the respect that Kalam does.
The president is the titular head of the government, which is run by the prime minister. Besides a salary of Rs.50,000 (US$1,020), Kalam will get perks like a 345-room house amid a 400-acre garden and 350 officers, besides more than 500 support staff. Great fringe benefits -- but for a man who opted to stay in a two-room house rather than a palatial bungalow he was entitled to, this may not be the lure.
The role of the president is considered crucial in the formation of the new government because India is witnessing an era of coalition governments. For the president, a close understanding of Indian politics is a bare necessity. Kalam, a career scientist and an aeronautical engineer by training, does not have that experience.
The left-wing parties see that as a disqualification. "He should concentrate on what he knows best -- science and technology," AB Bardhan, of the Communist Party, said. The left-leaning parties also say that someone with experience in public life would make a better president.
The reasons for Kalam's popularity varies.
The right-wing BJP, which is leading the coalition government in Delhi, has been facing strong criticism for its failure to control sectarian riots in the western state of Gujarat. The riots have killed nearly 1,000 people, mostly Muslims.
Being a Muslim, Kalam is seen as a politically correct candidate for BJP. Congress, the largest opposition party, which has garnered Muslim votes, had little option but to support him. "Clearly, Dr. Kalam is one person who can inspire most Indians," says Jairam Ramesh of the Congress party.
For the masses, Kalam symbolizes hope. The majority of Indians see him as a man of integrity, committed to the nation. His spartan habits and humble origins(as a child he sold newspapers while his sister pawned her own jewelry for his engineering education)are something that Indians identify with.
But Kalam was unable to resurrect India's dream to build a light combat aircraft (LCA), airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), main battle tank or even a nuclear submarine.
Since 1992, Kalam's interests broadened and he headed the Technology, Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC). This afforded him the opportunity to study the application of technologies that could influence agriculture, information technology, science, biotechnology and other areas.
"His dream is to see India among the five most-developed nations in the world," says YS Rajan, a colleague at TIFAC who has known Kalam for 37 years.
Can that dream be realized? A majority of the billion Indians believe Kalam offers a ray of hope.
