Lt. Governor Folsom Hosts
Former Indian President Kalam
World renowned
scientist and statesman visits educational , technical sites
(Montgomery, AL)
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. and Mrs. Marsha Folsom led a
delegation that hosted former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Addul Kalam during
his recent visit to Alabama October 27-28.
Dr. Kalam served as President of India
from 2002 to 2007. During his term, he
was popularly known as the People's President.
“Dr. Kalam’s
accomplishments as a scientist and engineer propelled the Indian aerospace
industry to the forefront of international aerospace design and development.”
Governor Folsom said. Dr. Kalam’s
commitment to education, human rights, and the development of his nation’s
youth secured his legacy for generations to come.”
In Alabama, Dr. Kalam visited laboratories and
research facilities at Alabama State University in Montgomery, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
Additionally, the delegation met privately with Alabama Governor Bob
Riley and attended a press conference where Governor Riley announced plans for
a May, 2010 trade mission to India.
Before his term as India's president, Dr. Kalam worked as an
aeronautical engineer and is recognized as the Missile Man of India for
his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology.
His visit to Alabama included a special event at the U.S.
Space and Rocket Center and a presentation by NASA officials at
the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
Kalam played a pivotal organizational,
technical and political role in India's historic nuclear tests in 1998, the
first since 1974. He is a professor at Anna University (Chennai) and adjunct/visiting faculty at
many other academic and research institutions across India.
In April, Dr. Kalam was awarded the Hoover Medal, America's
top engineering prize, for his outstanding contribution to public service.