Kalam to be awarded Hoover Medal

APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, whose name signifies inspiration and nation building, has been chosen for the prestigious 2008 Hoover Medal for his outstanding service to humanity.

Given away since 1930 for "outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity", Kalam’s name as the latest recipient of Hoover Medal was announced in New York on Friday.

The medal is a recognition to those whose professional achievements and extra service to the well being has brought great changes to the wellbeing of humankind.

The award lauds Kalam’s contribution of making possible affordable healthcare to the common man, and bringing quality medical care to rural areas by establishing telemedicine projects which connects rural healthcare units with super-specialty hospital.

Regarded as the father of India's missile program, Dr. Kalam is an eminent scientist, a teacher, and a true visionary in the development of modern India. He guided Indian defence and space research programme to develop country’s indigenous satellite launch vehicle.

Hoover Medal is administered by a board of members representing five engineering organisations: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

The award will be presented to Kalam at a special ceremony on April 28.