Date:23/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/23/stories/2007102358531200.htm

National

British honour for Abdul Kalam

Hasan Suroor

He is awarded the King Charles II medal for his contribution for promotion of science

LONDON: The former President, Dr. Abdul Kalam, was awarded the British Royal Society’s prestigious King Charles II medal on Monday for his contribution to the practice and promotion of science.

He is only the second head of state to receive the honour, instituted in 1997 to recognise excellence in science. Emperor Akihito of Japan received it in 1998.

The award, comprising a medal and a scroll, was presented to Dr. Kalam by Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, at a ceremony attended, among others, by industrialist Swraj Paul, economist Meghnad Desai and India’s Acting High Commissioner in London Asoke Mukerjee.

Lord Rees hailed Dr. Kalam as an “ideal recipient,” saying that he had been “tireless” in promoting science and technology in India.

Dr. Kalam said he deemed it an honour to receive the award from the world’s “pioneering scientific academy studded with eminent scientists of the world since its inception in 1660.”

“Mission potential”

In an address titled “Missions for societal transformation,” Dr. Kalam ,who has resumed scientific work after laying down office earlier this year, disclosed that he was working on two areas that had a “mission potential to have a positive effect on societal development.”

These were “energy independence” and “world knowledge platform.”

Dr. Kalam also received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Applied Sciences in recognition of his many achievements.

Lord Paul, Chancellor of the University, said: “Dr Kalam’s accomplishments are an inspiration to all and we are very pleased that he has chosen to accept an honorary award from the University.”

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps, said: “Dr Kalam has achieved eminence in his own academic studies and he has also educated and inspired others.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Dr. Kalam to the University and to have this opportunity to honour his significant contribution to science and education.”