The 'Kalam suit'

When he walked into This Karol Bagh shop almost 20 years ago, his demeanor was that of a regular customer and was also treated like one.

During his days as a scientist and science administrator, The Missile man of India was known for his trademark dark coloured trousers and a sky blue shirt. He was a man of simple taste and basic needs. He got his office wear made from this shop in Karol Bagh owned by Mr. Aman Jain and they gave him exactly what he wanted and suited his needs, Mr Kalam became a regular customer. So much so, that when Mr Kalam became the president, Mr Jain and his people were called at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to discuss Mr. Kalam’s new office wear.

He expressed his concern to Mr Jain, telling him that he was supposed to wear a bandhgala but felt like it would choke and constrict him. He felt like he wouldn’t be able to speak up his mind if felt obstructed by his attire. To solve his problem, Mr. Jain came up with the design of what later went on to be called the ‘Kalam suit’. It was a bandhgala but slightly open from the front.

Mr. Kalam and Mr. Jain had much beyond than just a business relationship, so much so that when Mr. Jain invited him to his daughter’s wedding, then Mr. Kalam who did not attend any social meetings by any of his officials, made an exception. That was in fact his last meeting with Mr. Jain. He spent his 30-45 minutes there sharing his motivational thoughts and mantras with the young kids present there and gave his blessings to the newlywed couple. Mr. Kalam’s presence made this day extremely special for the Jain family.

He still fondly remembers the best compliment he ever received from Mr. Kalam who said that he had clothed him. At first Mr. Jain did not understand it but then Mr. Kalam told him about its biblical reference and it made Mr. Jain very emotional.

Mr. Kalam’s last order, three suits which were supposed to be delivered to him on July 31, will now never be able to make it to their requisite owner. When Mr. Jain received a call informing him about Mr. Kalam’s demise, he didn’t believe it initially because he had received many such similar hoax calls in the past. But later when the news got confirmed, the entire staff at the shop were devastated.

Even though Mr. Kalam is no more, Mr. Jain and his employs still cherish him as their most valued customer. He made those open bandhgalas as popular as the Nehru jacket and people still place orders for the Kalam suit at Mr. Jain’s shop.