The 11th President of India, late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam said, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.” This is probably what inspired Coimbatore-based youth Caleb Steven Raj to croon a song in memory of the former president. A big fan of the late president and an ardent music lover, for 22-year-old Caleb, the song, penned, composed and sung by himself, is his way of paying tribute to Kalam.

“It took me just two days to write the lyrics, compose the music, and the background score. The song was recorded in a city-based studio. The concept behind making this song was from Mohammed Ayub of Purple Seven Studios, Coimbatore. Benny S., of C7 Studio, Coimbatore, is the sound engineer of the track,” Caleb says.

Christened ‘Kalam anthem,’ the bilingual song’s lyrics song clearly reflect what Kalam preached and practiced. They throw light on Kalam’s vision for the year 2020. The song also conveys that Kalam was indeed the people’s president. Its creator tells us that he has included a mix of English lyrics so that the song can be understood by non-Tamils too. “A.P.J Kalam was a Tamilian himself. This is why I have sung a few lines in Tamil,” Caleb tells us. This anthem song is sung in rap format, with few sections of melody in between. The transition from rap to soothing melody is smooth and it gels well with the lyrics.

Caleb shares with us that he had used funds from his pocket to bring out the song. Listening to it makes it hard to believe that it is Caleb’s debut work. He also adds that in the past he has lent his voice for the soundtracks for various NGOs. He also is a regular stage singer, performing during cultural events and shows in his college.

Kalam Anthem was created about eight months back. However, it was officially launched by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Vijay Karthikeyan yesterday, at the inauguration of Kalam memorial library.

Overwhelmed by the response the anthem song had received, Caleb is now planning to convert it into a music video. However, he chooses to remain tight-lipped about this for the time being.