A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is a distinguished professor as well as a beloved politician. He served as India’s president from 2002-2007. | Wikimedia Commons
Esteemed scientist and former president of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam will be making stop at the University for a colloquium today at 9 a.m. in the UH-Conrad Hilton Ballroom.
Kalam’s address, titled “What I Can Give,” will discuss a movement he’s started that focuses on teaching people to better the future by giving to others and society.
The discussion will detail the initiative and explain how today’s youth can help transform imbalances in society. The event will feature a cultural dance performance as well as a short question and answer session.
Kalam will also be given a presidential medallion as a token of appreciation, which is given to all heads of state that visit the University.
Sponsored by the Graduate Indian Student Organization and the Indian Student Organization, the visit came to pass after UH President Renu Khator extended an invitation to Kalam.
Jerald Strickland, the assistant Vice President for International Studies and Programs, said that the University is fortunate to have him visit.
We’re excited about him being on campus, and we’re looking forward to hearing him share some of his wisdom concerning social issues,” Strickland said. “We’re glad he’s found the time. This is the first opportunity for many of us to meet him.
Abdul Kalam served as the 11th president of India from 2002 through 2007, and his humanitarian work in office earned him the name the ‘people’s president.’”
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, and honorary doctorate degrees in microbiology, science and engineering. He has also written an extensive collection of books covering a variety of topics that range from his scientific work to his more humanitarian pursuits.
Prior to his work in government, Kalam worked extensively with the Indian Space Research Organization and the Defense Research and Development Laboratory as an aeronautic engineer.
Kalam is currently serving as the chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and works as a professor in a number of universities around India.
GISO vice president Akshatha Murthy said that Kalam’s resume and educational background makes him an important speaker for the campus.
“He is the perfect blend of education and politics. Students will be enlightened by the knowledge and inspiration that a person with such a stature can provide,” Murthy said.
creepy pic. only good things to say. he must be a saint.