Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Edina welcomes visit from celebrated 11th President of India

Edina, Minn., May 24, 2013 – Edina Mayor Jim Hovland welcomed Dr. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, to the community Thursday, May 23.

Kalam is in the United States to receive the National Space Society’s prestigious Wernher von Braun Memorial Award. The award will be presented tonight during the Gala and Governors Dinner at the 2013 International Space Development Conference in San Diego, Calif. The National Space Society is honoring Kalam for his long-time work in and support of India’s space program, and his support for space development. Kalam, from poor beginnings, became a nuclear scientist and educator. Now in his 80s, he is one of the most revered leaders in modern Indian history, having served as India’s 11th President from 2002-2007. Under Kalam’s leadership, India is now one of the world leaders in space research.

Before going to California, Kalam visited Minnesota at the request of Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple (SV Temple) President Madhu Reddy. Kalam visited SV Temple for one hour May 23 to meet with community leaders, including Hovland and Reddy, and speak to children about the importance of hard work and values and the critical nature of a good education. Hundreds of people were present for the standing-room-only presentation.

“It was a distinct honor having Dr. Kalam in Edina and meeting him was a wonderful life experience,” Hovland said. “He was very curious about our community and hearing about the quality of our education system, he was very impressed. Seldom have I met a man so serene with life and himself and it was a pleasure representing our town at the event.”

Following his appearance at the temple, located at 7615 Metro Blvd., Kalam was the featured speaker at a formal dinner in Bloomington hosted by the India Association of Minnesota and SV Temple.

For more information on the SV Temple, call 952-835-2250, email manager@svtemplemn.org or visit www.svtemplemn.org. 

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Dale Riley

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