Former president of India to speak

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 2.30 p.m. in Maxwell Dworkin G115, APJ Abdul Kalam , former president of India and current chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, will discuss science, technology, and India’s policy as they relate to energy, nuclear power, space, and IT. In particular, his focus will be on how the diaspora can be better engaged in the process of enhancing research and higher education in India.

The talk is sponsored by the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Harvard South Asia Initiative.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, born Oct. 15, 1931, Tamil Nadu, India, usually referred to as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is the 1th president of India, serving from 2002 to 2007. During his term as president, he was popularly known as the “People’s President.” Before his term as India’s president, he worked as an engineer with Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and was awarded India’s highest civilian honor in 1997 for his work with ISRO and DRDO and his role as a scientific advisor to the Indian government. He is also known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam has written several inspirational books, most notably his autobiography “Wings of Fire,” aimed at motivating Indian youth. His focus is on transforming India into a developed nation by 2020. More information can be found at www.abdulkalam.com.