Because despite retiring as India’s eleventh President last year, his popularity remains high and he, not the current incumbent of Rashtrapati Bhavan, is the more sought after speaker. Because he is the chief mentor of major initiatives that include providing emergency care for accident victims and also inculcating leadership qualities among schoolchildren.

Because even in his erstwhile specialisation, space technology and missiles, he continues to take an active interest and is spearheading a movement to form a world council in space that would result in cooperation among nations in technology and exploration. Because he shows that he is not just a man of words but of action too by vigorously pursuing his Vision 2020. Because he remains the only ex-President who engages in an active public life instead of retiring to oblivion. Because he embodies an effervescent can-do spirit.