University of Wolverhampton confers Kalam with Doctorate of Science

Oct 23: The University of Wolverhampton of United Kingdom conferred former India President A P J Abdul Kalam with an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Monday. This honour has added another feather in his much-feathered cap. This coveted title takes his tally to 33 in terms of getting honorary degrees in various fields, which have been bestowed to him thus far.

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This degree was accorded to him in recognition of prominence in the international community as a scientist, educationist and statesman.

Lord Swaraj Paul, Chancellor of the University presented the Doctorate to this towering personality, who loves teaching from the core of his heart.

While conveying a special lecture on "Creative Leadership" Kalam evoked the vision and leadership of Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan in nuclear and space programmes, Sir C V Raman in Science, Jamshedji Naroji Tata in Industry, and said India is in the process of transforming into a developed country before the year 2020.

"This transformation requires the synergy and team work of private sector, public sector, state and central governments, NGOs and citizens for providing an equitable growth in all the sector of economy namely agriculture, manufacturing and services."

Lord Paul said "Dr Kalam's accomplishments are an inspiration to all,” and suggested that if India want to become a Developed country it should develop its educational programme, he said “I am of the opinion that politics and business should be kept away from the field of education”.

Reading the citation, University Vice Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps said "Dr Kalam has achieved eminence in his own academic field and he has also educated and inspired others.

"I have the honour to present Dr Kalam for the award of Doctor of Science honoris causa of the University of Wolverhampton, in recognition of Dr Kalam's eminence in the international community as a scientist, educationist and statesman."

While addressing Kalam bring out a ten-point outline of India by 2020. He envisaged, among others, a nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line, where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and quality water and where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.

"For a prosperous and developed India, the important thrust will be on the generation of a number of creative leaders from our educational institutions,” he added.

The peoples President, who never forget to interact with students, tell of his faith in the young leaders who will help India march ahead in the world scenario.

There are several titles that one can add to his name and Kalam justify each and every tag with great accomplishment. He is a poet, a scholar, a musician, a great orator, a scientist with vision who inspired millions with his simple yet magnetic lifestyle.

He wrote "Wings of Fire", "Ignited Minds", "India Vision 2020” which has got a prominent place in each and every household for his words has known to ignite many sleeping minds.

Kalam has been honoured with many awards including Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award and the King George medal for Science and Technology by Royal society of Britain.

The award is recognition for the services and vision he has unfolded for the benefit of millions.