President A P J Abdul Kalam spent his penultimate day in office meeting the families of his staff, opening an imperial-style auditorium and reciting a Hindi poem about his quest for wisdom and peace.

Kalam said he believed every President has "enriched" Rashtrapati Bhavan [Images], which he now calls the People's Bhavan.

Self-confidence in every Indian was the crux of his message to the nation.

"I want to bring self-confidence in every Indian," Kalam, 75, said as he planted a shrub in the sprawling estate after inaugurating an auditorium.

Image: Kalam bidding farewell to Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.
Photographs courtesy: Rashtrapati Bhavan

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