New Delhi: Down-to-earth and yet a visionary, A P J Abdul Kalam, the boy from Rameshwaram who made it big, appeared humble but in a hurry to take the nation forward as he briskly entered the hallowed precincts of Rashtrapati Bhavan amidst military fanfare and formalities of assuming the high office.

With his overflowing hair combed backwards, the smile fully in place, the only difference was his black "Bandhgala" replacing for the first time his trademark light blue shirt and a pair of trousers.

Presidential bodyguards had to exert themselves to keep pace as he walked fast to the saluting base in the sprawling forecourt of the Presidential palace after arriving in a six-horse driven carriage (buggy) in the presence of top dignitaries including Vice-President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, the three service chiefs, friends, relatives and his favourite school children were also present as the new Supreme Commander of the armed forces was given a Guard of Honour by personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force.

Wearing the trappings of power lightly on his sleeves, Kalam obliged cameramen as he got back into the waiting carriage and waved at them four times as they kept shouting "once more, President sir".

Even the Sun, which was hiding behind an overcast sky beamed in all splendour as the scientist President's cavalcade entered the forecourt.

PTI