Dr. Kalam with IAC Board members speaking to Civics students.
(Photo by Dr. Bapu Arekapudi)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam shares his words of wisdom with Chicago
Chicago, IL
April 26, 2011

Dr. Kalam’s messages of righteousness and giving resonated during his visit to Chicago this past week, particularly upon the occasions of his public addresses to the clients of the Indo-American Center (IAC) and to the guests who attended the public reception hosted by IAC that was held in his honor.

On Saturday, April 23, IAC clients gathered in the Center’s Main Hall to eagerly listen to the thoughts of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as he spoke to them on the topic of “Creating a Better World.” Govindbhai Limbachia, Seniors Program assistant, led a traditional Indian welcome for Dr. Kalam. “We are delighted that Dr. Kalam could visit our Center today – he is of great inspiration to all of the Center’s clients who admire all that he has done for their home country of India and internationally. Now, after so many years, Dr. Kalam continues to teach the world what the next step forward is and how to take it,” he said.

During his visit to the Center, Dr. Kalam learned more about the Center’s programs and services – he witnessed what he called “the mission of sharing knowledge” in a unique way he had never seen before. About the Center’s role in the community, Dr. Kalam said, “I was very much impressed with Indo-American Center’s contribution to the community and I am delighted to be here in the beautiful city of Chicago and to get the opportunity to address and interact with the members of the Indo-American Center.”

The next day, over 500 guests gathered at the Oak Brook Marriott on Sunday, April 24 for an evening with Dr. Kalam hosted by the IAC. In his introductory remarks, IAC Executive Director Jay Luthra stated, “Dr. Kalam has already visited the Center, but many of you have not – I would like to encourage all of you to come visit the Center at your convenience to see its programs and services in action.”

During his address, Dr. Kalam spoke to the important question of how to build “happy, prosperous, and peaceful societies across the globe” as related to education, spirituality, and economic development. He spoke of the potential that is found in “integrated global cooperation,” particularly in the two of the largest democracies of the world, India and the U.S., who “have much potential to be harnessed for the welfare of the entirety of humanity.”

Dr. Kalam emphasized the importance of youth playing a pivotal role in the advancement of nations worldwide. “What we need today is a number of creative leaders who collectively enrich the planet and the human condition,” he explained. Additionally, he recognized the Illinois high schools students that were winners of the essay contest that was held in his honor: Maya Holay, Vinod Punyani, Shivankar Raghu, Sathvika Ashokkumar, and Shivam Malik.
Shivankar Raghu, a senior at Lincoln Park High School High School, won third place in the essay contest honoring Dr. Kalam. One of his favorite books and most inspiring stories to date is Dr. Kalam’s 'Wings of Fire.' About his essay, Raghu commented, “I believe my essay will help propagate awareness about the wonton wastage of water, and some practical, yet easy, methods to minimize the wastage of water. I plan to work at always spreading awareness about environmental degradation, as I believe that is the most important component of societal problems.”
Dr. Kalam engaged in question and answer sessions during which he interacted with his audience. To questions he received both during his visit to the Center and at his public reception, he offered his listeners tokens of advice that were the fundamental framework of his contributions and aspirations for advancement worldwide. First, he discussed the importance of the philosophy, “What can I give?” in terms of contributing knowledge and kindness free of cost to community members.

Secondly, he shared the following declaration that he felt all people should be cognizant of: “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is an order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”

At the end of Sunday evening, IAC President Prem Balani was smiling because Dr. Kalam had answered a question he had wanted to ask. “When I asked Dr. Kalam what it is that we as the IAC could do to better serve the community, he said to the IAC Board and myself, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing, keep giving to the IAC, and you will continue to succeed and further the growth of the community.’”

The Indo-American Center is a not-for-profit community service organization serving the South Asian immigrant population. The mission of the Indo-American Center is to promote the well being of South Asian immigrants through services that facilitate their adjustment, integration and friendship with the wider society, nurture their sense of community, and foster appreciation for their heritage and culture.

Contact:

Jay Luthra
Executive Director
Indo-American Center
Phone: 773.973.4444 ext101
Fax: 773.973.0157
E-Mail: JLuthra@IndoAmerican.org
Web Address: http://www.indoamerican.org
 

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