He might have been a man of science, but he certainly had a passion for art.

A Ranchi-based visual contemporary artist, Dinesh Singh, recalled how A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who passed away on Monday, sent him a letter of appreciation for organising an art camp in Ranchi in 2003.

The national-level art camp, Palash, was organised by Chotanagpur Art Research and Development Society (CARDS). Along with artists, Singh had roped in 200 schoolchildren to draw paintings on national integration.

"We had informed Dr Kalam about the camp, particularly mentioning about children's participation. A few days later, I received an appreciation letter from Dr Kalam in my name," said Singh, president of CARDS.

Singh received the letter from Rashtrapati Bhavan by Dr APJ Kalam on March 10, 2003. "Dear Shri Dinesh Singh, I am delighted to receive your letter alongwith the art work created by the children... I liked the theme selected by you. My greetings and best wishes may please be conveyed to all the children who participated in the Camp," the letter said.

Singh remembered how they had sent the former president some of the paintings. "He took note of that we were attached," he said.