What brands & industry can learn from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Accepted, we are a day late in paying our tributes to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, our former president, a scientist to reckon with and a human being par excellence.
To be honest, it was Zee News’ black & white avatar yesterday, no news channel trying to make a breaking news out of his demise and the intense coverage given to him – worthy of the man Mr President (former) was, that inspired us. Add to it, sensitive tribute paid by Amul and many other brands.

A number of industry stalwarts took to Social Media to pay their tributes to the man, and some displayed their pictures with the man with deserved pride.

There are a number of ‘Abdul Kalam’ quotes that are worth putting into practice in our industry as much as any other and the same can be read on this Facebook link

We spoke with a few industry stalwarts to understand if they believed that Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s life, achievements and words can teach the industry a thing or two. This is what they have to say:

Partha Sinha, Managing Director, South Asia at Publicis

Among all the people who occupied a public office in the recent past, Dr Kalam was easily the most loved one. The primary reason for it was humility and the habit of not taking himself very seriously. Now brands always talk of the need for consumer love. In that quest, if brands have to learn something from his life let them learn those two qualities. Yes, it's extremely difficult for a brand to show humility and not take itself seriously. But who said being loved was easy?

Prasoon Joshi, CEO, McCann World group India and Chairman (Asia Pacific)

Each of us was privileged to have APJ Abdul Kalam as a leading mind of our times and President of our Country. He was a man of science who taught us the art of leading a worthy life. We must keep striving for the work ethics, zeal for learning and humanness he stood for.  Only then will we be worthy of having him as a beacon.

Ambi Parmewaran, ED, FCB Ulka Advertising

APJ Abdul Kalam's obsession with the kids and youth of India is something all of us in every industry can emulate. RIP

Pradeep Dwivedi, Chief Corporate Sales & Marketing officer, D.B.Corp

The eternal spirit of innovation, research and bringing up new talent through teaching and coaching are values cherished by Late President Kalam, which, though universal, are also values that have special emphasis for media industry. As an industry, we are the messengers to the nation and world at large, and hence our role in sustaining and spreading his thoughts to public at large is extremely crucial. At Dainik Bhaskar Group, our emphasis at “No Negative News” has been aligned to Dr. Kalam’s vision of a positive, energetic and positive nation. We may have lost him, but his ideas and value will live on eternally”