BANGALORE: “Before becoming the President, I was a teacher. After my term, I became a teacher again. I always loved being a teacher.” That’s APJ Abdul Kalam chatting with students of Greenwood High on Thursday.

And he told mediapersons the same thing when they asked about his candidature this presidential polls. “I’ve given my decision. I prefer teaching.” When asked about who could be a good candidate, he said: “It’s a good question. But you’re putting me into politics.”

The children were bowled over by him. Urging them to be creative, righteous and courageous, he said: “The whole world is trying to make you like everybody else. But you have to fight to be unique. You should have an aim, work hard, acquire knowledge and persevere… Have the courage to think different, invent, travel into an undiscovered path and combat problems.”

He added: “Education gives us wings to fly. Primary education should be conducted in a classroom that is creative and teachers who encourage creativity. Achievement comes with that spark within. Righteousness has to be taught by parents and primary school teachers. You should have the courage to tell even your father, ‘Don’t become corrupt’.”

The students eagerly echoed the oath he read out for them and quizzed him during the interactive session. “When you became the President, did you want to do more?” asked a Class 10 student. “You can always do more. For instance, PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) has to be implemented on a larger scale,” he said. He also asked the school to be part of PURA and help in uplifting rural areas.