President APJ Abdul Kalam on Friday met retired scientist MB Verma, a former colleague, during his visit to Bihar's Darbhanga district.
It was a nostalgic moment for both as they held each other's hands and talked.
Verma, who worked with Kalam at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in Bangalore, was overjoyed at meeting the president.
Official sources said Kalam, after addressing Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LMNU) convocation, met Verma and introduced him to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Kalam advised Nitish Kumar to take Verma's help for Bihar's development.
He said Verma could be a role model for the country as even after retirement he was doing exemplary work for improving literacy and healthcare facilities in the state.
Verma, who lives in Rasiyari Baur village in Darbhanga, did not hide his happiness by saying that Kalam's gesture showed the greatness of the man.
He was the project director of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), 'Tejas', manufacturing programme from 1993 to 1996. Kalam, who designed the LCA, was the ADA's director general during the period.
Verma recalled that Kalam was very friendly with his colleagues. "We enjoyed working under his leadership," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Verma recalled that Kalam was very friendly with his colleagues. "We enjoyed working under his leadership," he said.
{{/usCountry}}After retirement, Verma returned to his village and opened an adult education centre by investing his own money.