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Former President of India His Excellency
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam visited the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
USA on April 28, 2009 and interacted with the students.
Dr. Kalam recalled the visionary action of K. M. Munshi who
created several institutions for inculcating the value systems
among the youth as a part of education process. “In Dr.
Radhakrishnan ji’s words, the Bhavan is the greatest monument
of Munshiji’s life.” he added. He also expressed his happiness
about the Bhavan, USA’s cultural activities.
Dr. Kalam spoke on ‘Indomitable Spirit’ and enthralled the
students as only he can. Quoting Greek philosopher ‘Plato’ as
well as Tamil poet Saint Thiruvalluvar he stated the need for
righteousness in the heart which will be followed by beauty of
character, harmony in the home, order in the nation and
ultimately peace in the world. In conclusion he said youth has
got the power of ideas, ambitions, enthusiasm and ability.
This resource of the youth is an important building block for
development of any nation. Very befittingly he said
“When you wish upon a Star,
Makes no difference who you are”-Mario Capecchi.
Chairman Dr. Dinker B. Rai, Vice Chairman Mr. H. R. Shah Dr.
Jayaraman ji and Immediate Past Chairman Dr. Navin Mehta
received Dr. Kalam at the entrance and escorted him along with
the guests to the bhavan where Secretary Mr. Kenny Desai
welcomed him and introduced the Bhavanites to Dr. Kalam.
Welcoming Dr. Kalam, Dr. Dinker Rai- Chairman- Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan said ‘Dr. Kalam was the most productive and an
effective administrator holding the highest office, the
President of the Nation. During his tenure he gave a new
direction to the country. Even the seasoned politicians looked
up to him, those who were ignorant he remediated them away,
those who were ardent became his students and those who were
wise and sleeping woke up to act’
Message from the Bhavan President Mr. Surendralal G. Mehta was
read out by Ms. Sneha Mehta. Dr. Kalam was offered flower
bouquet Vice Chairman Mr. H.R.Shah & Shawl by Secretary Mr.
Kenny Desai
Introducing Dr. Kalam, Immediate Past Chairman Dr. Navin
Mehta, highlighted Dr. Kalam’s words "We must think and act
like a nation of a billion people, and not like that of a
million people, dream, dream, and dream! Conduct these dreams
into thought, and then transform them into action." Further he
added “Dr. Kalam is exactly what he appears to be: humble,
polite, and above all, patriotic and idealistic. He inspires
everyone around him to give just that little bit extra.”
On behalf of the Bhavan family Chairman Dr. Dinker B. Rai,
Vice Chairman Mr. H. R. Shah, Secretary Mr. Kenny Desai and
Immediate Past Chairman Dr. Navin Mehta presented Dr. Kalam -‘BHARAT
JYOTI’- a citation (A token of love and appreciation on behalf
of entire bhavan family) Citation was prepared by Padma Shri
Dr. P. Jayaraman and was read by Ms. Siddhi Vaishnav. Vote of
thanks was given by Secretary Mr. Kenny Desai.
Former
President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam with children at
Bhavan’s USA Centre.
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