NEW DELHI, India --India's new president-elect A.P.J. Abdul Kalam not only received the majority of votes during polling, but was also given some beauty tips by the electorate.
"Cut your hair," the message on one ballot read, in response to the mass of graying unkempt hair that forms the trademark of one of India's most famous technocrats.
Kalam's 'do' captivated India during presidential campaigning, as it formed one of the main points of press speculation in the lead up to the poll. (Profile of Kalam).
"Will he or won't he cut his hair?" has been high in the theme of discussions, rather than the platform Kalam came into power on.
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Indian media have been reporting that the presidential staff have become increasingly concerned about his clothes and appearance.
The Hindustan Times said that Kalam has a haircut once every four months, but refused to tell the staffers when his next trim was due.
A separate report claimed that Kalam even sought the services of a top coiffeur to maintain his unkempt style.
Either way, Kalam now competes with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi for the prize of most remarkable head of hair among international politicians.
Koizumi still takes the cake among many observers with his distinctive wavy mane.
