On July 27, 2015, Shillong made the headlines of international media.
It was a rare moment for the city, which hardly gets featured even in national mainstream media. But the reason for Shillong hitting the headlines was poignant - the death of "People's President" - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
At 7.45pm, Kalam was pronounced "dead" at the Bethany Hospital at Nongrim hills. He was rushed to the hospital from IIM Shillong where he collapsed while delivering a lecture to the students.
The "Missile Man", who ignited minds and provided wings of fire to generations, indeed died a "teacher's death".
A sea of humanity surrounded the hospital soon after news spread that Kalam was no more. As his body was taken out from the hospital, chants of "Abdul Kalam amar rahe" (long live) reverberated in that July evening. The next morning, his body was flown to New Delhi.
As Shillong wished goodbye to the eternal teacher, Kalam left indelible imprints in the minds and hearts of the people, which would stand testimony to his illustrious humble, humane, and gracious being.
The words "Thank you, buddy!", which emanated from Kalam minutes before he collapsed on that fateful evening at IIM Shillong, would remain indelible as far as Meghalaya police constable Flint Sandy Anderson Lapang is concerned.
As part of Kalam's security team that accompanied the Missile Man from Guwahati, Lapang, was asked to meet the "People's President" minutes after the convoy halted at IIM Shillong.
Srijan Pal Singh, author and adviser to Kalam, had narrated this episode in a Facebook post few hours after the former President had passed away.
Lapang, holding his gun, had stood atop the open Gypsy vehicle while his colleagues were sitting on either side. Kalam, who was perturbed by what he saw in front of him, had wanted to meet and thank Lapang.
"Thank you, buddy. Are you tired? Would you like something to eat? I am sorry you had to stand so long because of me," Kalam had said these words to the police constable. The Bharat Ratna had also told Lapang to "work harder and live well".
