RGIIM, MLCU fondly remember contributions of People’s President on his 84th birth anniversary
Shillong: Renowned scientist and former Chief Controller of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Dr. W. Selvamurthy on Thursday termed former President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Kalam, as a true human despite being a scientist.
Dr. Kalam who as a Scientific Adviser during the Vajpayee Government at the Centre, brought forth numerous initiatives by using modern technologies to help the common man in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and health care, said Dr. Selvamurthy.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on ‘Science and Humanism for National Development’ organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, in memory of late Dr. Kalam on the occasion his 84th birth anniversary, Dr. Selvamurthy eulogized the People’s President as a rare personality who could bring about fusion from science to serve the common man in this populated country.
Dr. Kalam was a true teacher and great leader, who would never show his anger at anyone, if there were failures he would own responsibility for them, Dr. Selvamurthy said, adding, Dr. Kalam was a multi faceted personality who was able to combine science and spiritualism because he believed that two factors would help reaching the truth.
“It was during Dr. Kalam’s time that the blue print for Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme was prepared and Defence Research and Development Organization witnessed the Golden Era,” Dr. Selvamurthy, said, adding the former President was doing all those things to ensure the safety and security of the people of India.
Dr. Selvamurthy said the Missile Man was engrossed to use modern technologies for the good of humanity and in this endeavour he developed low-weight calipers using space age materials to help polio-affected patients and amputees.
“Dr. Kalam and Dr. Soma Raju developed the low cost coronary stent to provide access to health care. “Dr. Kalam also developed a drug known as Deoxy-D-Glucose, titanium based implant for treatment of teeth and hybrid cows to help the farmers in the far flung areas in the country,” Dr. Selvamurthy added.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of IIM Shillong, Prof. Amitabha De said the legacy of Dr. Kalam would be cherished dearly by the institute in the years to come and an auditorium would be dedicated in the name of the former President at the new campus at Umsawli locality in Mawdiangdiang in the New Shillong Township.
Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, also observed its first Students’ Day, which was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour by the students on Thursday.
The day was jammed packed with fun activities for all the students including collage making, essay writing, treasure hunt, art piece, skit and fancy dress.
The Vice Chancellor, Robert G Lyngdoh also commended the students on organizing a successful Students’ Day and congratulated the winners of all the different categories.
The programme was followed by prize distribution to the winners of the different events.