Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of India, visited the McConnell Scholars and the University of Louisville on April 12th, 2010. Dr. Kalam served as the president of the world’s largest democracy from 2002 to 2007. He stands as one of India’s most beloved and renowned figures. Kalam spent the majority of his professional career as aeronautical engineer developing the space and missile programs of his country. His nickname as the “Missile Man of India” exemplifies his advocacy for the development of a strong nuclear weapons program to aid India in its growth as a world power. As a politician, Kalam reached the highest office of his nation by supporting expanded access to education and information technologies. He is known as a leader with compassion for the voiceless. In 1997, Dr. Kalam received the Jewel of India, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
The “People’s President” of India met the McConnell Scholars for a luncheon in Grawemeyer Hall. The former president discussed his vision for a peaceful, developed world and the importance of youth within that vision. Kalam explained that most wars precipitate from poverty and economic inequities. By working together as a global community, these inequities may be remedied. Dr. Kalam charged that greater access to water, food, and healthcare would ease political tensions and decrease the likelihood of states entering conflicts for commercial gain. He insisted that politicians should work to develop their communities, rather than focus on issues which benefit them solely on the ballot.
Dr. Kalam emphasized the importance of education in the development of a peaceful world. He told the Scholars that parents and teachers should couple the education of the youth with a value system. This value system would provide morality within the education and promote service to the community. Kalam espoused that a righteous heart beating in the chest of our youth will expand to create a peaceful world. He impressed upon the Scholars that a strong education begins in the home.
Kalam advised the Scholars to set incremental goals and to face adversity by becoming “the captain of your opponent.” The former president’s optimism and faith in youth inspired comments from several Scholars. McConnell Scholar Eric Kiser stated, “Dr. Kalam’s intelligence, friendly demeanor, and relentless optimism explain his political ascension and global following.” McConnell Scholar Kurtis Frizzell said, “I am proud to have met a man so confident in the world’s youth. His belief that the imagination of youth will unite the world in peace is an inspiration.” Dr. Kalam presented a hopeful view of global politics and development.
Dr. Kalam’s luncheon with the McConnell Scholars constituted only a single facet of his visit to U of L and the city of Louisville. Later that day, the University of Louisville presented Kalam with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Dr. Kalam then delivered a public speech on U of L’s campus entitled “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power of Youth.” This speech paralleled his discussion with the McConnell Scholars. Following this event, Kalam attended a program at the Hyatt Regency called “U.S., India and the World: 2020 and Beyond.” U of L, the Greater Louisville International Professionals, the India Community Foundation, and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana partnered to sponsor the event. Several McConnell Scholars attended the event to assist with registration and the collecting of tickets.
The optimistic rhetoric of Dr. Kalam presented a message of confidence for the McConnell Scholars and the remainder of the world’s youth. Kalam explained that a lack of confidence prevents us from finding the solutions for many problems. He completed his U of L public address with the word, “I can do it. We can do it. Our nation can do it.”
The “People’s President” of India met the McConnell Scholars for a luncheon in Grawemeyer Hall. The former president discussed his vision for a peaceful, developed world and the importance of youth within that vision. Kalam explained that most wars precipitate from poverty and economic inequities. By working together as a global community, these inequities may be remedied. Dr. Kalam charged that greater access to water, food, and healthcare would ease political tensions and decrease the likelihood of states entering conflicts for commercial gain. He insisted that politicians should work to develop their communities, rather than focus on issues which benefit them solely on the ballot.
Dr. Kalam emphasized the importance of education in the development of a peaceful world. He told the Scholars that parents and teachers should couple the education of the youth with a value system. This value system would provide morality within the education and promote service to the community. Kalam espoused that a righteous heart beating in the chest of our youth will expand to create a peaceful world. He impressed upon the Scholars that a strong education begins in the home.
Kalam advised the Scholars to set incremental goals and to face adversity by becoming “the captain of your opponent.” The former president’s optimism and faith in youth inspired comments from several Scholars. McConnell Scholar Eric Kiser stated, “Dr. Kalam’s intelligence, friendly demeanor, and relentless optimism explain his political ascension and global following.” McConnell Scholar Kurtis Frizzell said, “I am proud to have met a man so confident in the world’s youth. His belief that the imagination of youth will unite the world in peace is an inspiration.” Dr. Kalam presented a hopeful view of global politics and development.
Dr. Kalam’s luncheon with the McConnell Scholars constituted only a single facet of his visit to U of L and the city of Louisville. Later that day, the University of Louisville presented Kalam with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Dr. Kalam then delivered a public speech on U of L’s campus entitled “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power of Youth.” This speech paralleled his discussion with the McConnell Scholars. Following this event, Kalam attended a program at the Hyatt Regency called “U.S., India and the World: 2020 and Beyond.” U of L, the Greater Louisville International Professionals, the India Community Foundation, and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana partnered to sponsor the event. Several McConnell Scholars attended the event to assist with registration and the collecting of tickets.
The optimistic rhetoric of Dr. Kalam presented a message of confidence for the McConnell Scholars and the remainder of the world’s youth. Kalam explained that a lack of confidence prevents us from finding the solutions for many problems. He completed his U of L public address with the word, “I can do it. We can do it. Our nation can do it.”