Autographs : A passion
"Autographs present a slice of history " and as an autograph collector since 1984; I have been witness to historical events and have pursued to meet famous personalities from all walks of life. Meeting these personalities and hunting for their autograph has given me thrills in life. I have got to learn many lessons of life from these varied personalities. Each autograph has a story behind it, and these stories live in memory forever.
My Autograph Collection
I am deeply indebted to my parents, brothers,family, friends and fellow collectors who have helped me in all possible ways and contributed in helping my collection grow.
My collection includes autographs of personalities from all walks of life.
My Best Autograph Moment
One evening in the month of March as I was driving past the Rashtrapathi Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, I thought I should meet a friend of mine who was serving in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. I was told that this friend of mine was on duty and would be able to entertain me only after some time and that I should wait in the lobby. I kept waiting in the lobby, till I got a telephonic call from this gentleman who apologised for the delay as the President was still working and asked me to come to his office and wait till the time he would be free. As the friend and I were meeting after six years we were catching up with old times.We conversed on varied topics, including my hobby of collecting autographs. Jokingly, I made a request for the Presidents' autograph. Initially the gentleman was wary of my request, but later as I convinced him of the serious nature of my collection, he agreed to get an autograph. At the same moment he was summoned by the President. Minutes later a messenger came to my friends chamber and told me that the President of India wanted to meet me. I was dumbstruck, I was ushered into the chamber of the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, the President of India's office and the Rashtrapathi granted me an audience of nearly 10 minutes wherein he asked me about my schooling and family and appreciated my efforts towards nation building.
At the end of the audience he said that he normally signs autographs only for children, but he was making an exception for me.He took out a card which had a quote by him. He asked me to read the quote aloud and follow the saying in letter and spirit. The quote said
"Learning gives creativity
Creativity leads to thinking.
Thinking provides knowledge
Knowledge makes you great."
I read the quote at the top of my voice.
He took back the card and wrote "Dear Capt Shankar ....... A P J Abdul Kalam, 26/3/04."
A truly memorable autograph moment.
I would like to thank my friend, for the greatest autograph moment of my life. The autograph is on of my most treasured ones.
A glimpse of my collection of Presidential autographs and autographs of personalities of other fields can be found at the link below.
INDIAN PRESIDENTIAL AUTOGRAPHS
OTHER AUTOGRAPHS
The only Presidents autograph missing is Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, so if anyone can spare an autograph photograph of Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma please
CONTACT ME
Exhibitions
