dear friends
Please read the story that appeared in American media today about the visit of Dr Abdul Kalam. A senior American says,
"It is a once in a lifetime chance to hear someone like him, who has such knowledge or world issues."
Please read the story in full
srinivasan
Moderator
Former president of India to speak at Eastern
Former president of India to speak at Eastern
Jennifer Hutcheson
When A.P.J. Abdul Kalam arrives on campus next week, he will likely be the most significant world figure to visit Eastern in decades.
And yet many students may find themselves wondering: "Who's A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?"
Kalam was the 11th president of India, the world's second most populated nation, from 2002 to 2007.
"It is safe to say, this is the biggest appearance Eastern has had since Colin Powell," said Jerry Wallace, director of communications at Eastern.
Kalam is expected to speak on alternative energy development. His speech, entitled "The Future of Energy: Energy Independence and the Importance of Alternative Energy," has parallels to some projects that Eastern is involved in, namely the university's involvement in a project to use algae in the production of alternative fuels.
While that topic directly touches on Eastern, his other appearances at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville will feature different topics, such as space exploration, said Marc Whitt, associate vice president for public relations and marketing at Eastern.
"He is very engaged in the development of India and very interested in students," Whitt said, adding that Kalam "doesn't see himself as a political leader, but as an innovative leader or scientist."
Kalam has received many recognitions in his lifetime such as the prestigious Hoover Medal, America's top engineering prize. And he was described as the "people's president" when he led India for five years. He is also recognized for helping India transition from a third world nation and emerge into an economic powerhouse.
While he currently lives in India with his family, Kalam continues to travel worldwide.
"Kalam takes it as a personal mission to ignite the young minds of the next generation, often meeting with groups of high school students all across India," Whitt said. "Kalam is now 78, and has the energy of an 18-year-old."
Kalam first visited Kentucky in 2008, and he decided to make another visit, this time including Eastern on his list of scheduled appearances.
Kalam was the 11th president of India, the world's second most populated nation, from 2002 to 2007.
"It is safe to say, this is the biggest appearance Eastern has had since Colin Powell," said Jerry Wallace, director of communications at Eastern.
Kalam is expected to speak on alternative energy development. His speech, entitled "The Future of Energy: Energy Independence and the Importance of Alternative Energy," has parallels to some projects that Eastern is involved in, namely the university's involvement in a project to use algae in the production of alternative fuels.
While that topic directly touches on Eastern, his other appearances at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville will feature different topics, such as space exploration, said Marc Whitt, associate vice president for public relations and marketing at Eastern.
"He is very engaged in the development of India and very interested in students," Whitt said, adding that Kalam "doesn't see himself as a political leader, but as an innovative leader or scientist."
Kalam has received many recognitions in his lifetime such as the prestigious Hoover Medal, America's top engineering prize. And he was described as the "people's president" when he led India for five years. He is also recognized for helping India transition from a third world nation and emerge into an economic powerhouse.
While he currently lives in India with his family, Kalam continues to travel worldwide.
"Kalam takes it as a personal mission to ignite the young minds of the next generation, often meeting with groups of high school students all across India," Whitt said. "Kalam is now 78, and has the energy of an 18-year-old."
Kalam first visited Kentucky in 2008, and he decided to make another visit, this time including Eastern on his list of scheduled appearances.
About a year ago, former Gov. Martha Layne Collins met Kalam on her trip to India.
"From her and his first visit to Kentucky, he became enamored over Kentuckians," Whitt said. Whitt, along with Robert Rogow, Dean of the College of Business and Technology, have spent the past three months organizing Kalam's visit to university.
"It may seem strange that a former President of India would want to speak at Eastern's campus, and it is, so we are extremely honored," Whitt said.
Whitt said Kalam has enjoyed his time in Kentucky, saying the people here are genuine, friendly, and affectionate.
"His excellence," as his advance teams call him, will speak at Eastern at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, in the Brock Auditorium. The appearance will be a university excused absence from classes and is free for anyone to attend, but everyone must have a ticket to get in. Tickets are available at the Student Government Association Office in Powell or at Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at 9:15 a.m., and it is asked that every attendee be seated by no later than 9:45 a.m.
"It is a once in a lifetime chance to hear someone like him, who has such knowledge or world issues," Whitt said.
"It may seem strange that a former President of India would want to speak at Eastern's campus, and it is, so we are extremely honored," Whitt said.
Whitt said Kalam has enjoyed his time in Kentucky, saying the people here are genuine, friendly, and affectionate.
"His excellence," as his advance teams call him, will speak at Eastern at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, in the Brock Auditorium. The appearance will be a university excused absence from classes and is free for anyone to attend, but everyone must have a ticket to get in. Tickets are available at the Student Government Association Office in Powell or at Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at 9:15 a.m., and it is asked that every attendee be seated by no later than 9:45 a.m.
"It is a once in a lifetime chance to hear someone like him, who has such knowledge or world issues," Whitt said.
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Please visit the website http://www.indiavision2020.org to read inspiring articles of eminent personalities
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