The Hindu : 'Kalam has a team to continue research'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jun 22, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

'Kalam has a team to continue research'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI June 21. The elevation of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as President will not affect projects he has been heading within the Anna University, its authorities have said.

Addressing a media conference here today, the Vice-Chancellor, E. Balagurusamy, said he would not like to go into details of the R and D projects Dr.Kalam was leading before his nomination as the Presidential candidate. ``But they are socially driven R and D projects. Even if Dr. Kalam leaves us to take up the President's office, the projects will not be affected, as he has built up a team. That is the hallmark of a leader - to build a second line of leadership'', Prof. Balagurusamy said.

Dr. Kalam was not an `honorary professor' but was professor for technology and societal transformation.

But he had chosen not to take any pay for his assignment in the university.

He resigned the post before filing his nomination, the Vice-Chancellor noted.

``The academics here would certainly like him to continue his services and use his knowledge for the university. But we have to see if the constitutional post would permit it'', Prof. Balagurusamy said.

The laboratory set up for him would continue with the work.

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