Kalam broke the traditional rubber stamp character of the indian president .....He rarely sit idly as president
may be he can manage even better if he is in control of things rather than make decisions discussing with our politicians with all those redtape, bureaucracy etc
I would love if he can lead a department where he is given all powers to manage, spend to improve the scientific culture in India promoting research in basic sciences in Universities and Labs , Phds, Fellowships, venture capital funds to encourage cost-effective solutions to Indias problems. He was spectacular leading SLV-3 program and then taking charge of missile program.
The reason for nuclear program making great strides is initial strong contribution by legendary Homi J Bhabha. He had influences at highest levels of govt including Nehru, and also good relations with bureaucrats of US and other western countries. May be if Kalam had such power to get any amount of $$ for his projects even if its done secretly. More than often India assigns budget secretly to some of strategic programs. may be like a lokpal of Indias entire research & development establishment. Even if the technology is imported or helped by foreign countries, its should be mastered, indianized and further develop it indigenously.
