Dr Kalam being greeted by IAC officials, CG Tomar and others
CHICAGO: Greek philosopher Plato once said that if philosophers were made kings, the world would be a better place to live in. “Philosophers [must] become kings…or those now called kings [must]…genuinely and adequately philosophize,” he said.
If one were to choose a ruler in the present world epitomizing Plato’s thoughts, former Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam would easily top the list. Dr Kalam paid a visit to Chicago last week at the invitation of Indo American Center (IAC). The underlying message he gave during the three days of crowded meets – from IAC to Fermilab, University of Chicago to University of Illinois and Council on Global Affairs to the Indian Consulate – was that imparting of righteous values at the family-level was the sin qua non for global peace, prosperity and harmony.
The scientist turned philosopher felt that the threat of global terrorism could be nipped at the family level, the rampant corruption in India also could be eradicated if children had ethnical upbringing and even poverty globally could be abolished with righteousness all around.
Dr Kalam’s messages of righteousness and giving to the society resonated during his visit to Chicago beginning with his address to the gathering of seniors and newsmen at the Indo American Center on Saturday, April 23. He was talking on the topic of “Creating a Better World.”
Govind Limbachia, Seniors Program Assistant, offered a traditional Indian welcome and observed that “Dr Kalam is a great teacher showing the world what the next step forward is and how to take it.”
Dr Kalam was taken round the center and was briefed about the Center’s activities by Executive Director Jay Luthra and Sher Rajput. He lavished wholesome praise at the various educational and recreational activities undertaken at the Center, especially its learning programs for children and seniors. He witnessed the unique “mission of sharing knowledge” which he had never seen before. In response to a question from IAC President Prem Balani, he said “Keep doing what you’re doing, keep giving to the society, and you will continue to succeed and further the growth of the community.”
In his brief address and during the question answer sessions that followed he observed that:
*Corruption in India could be eradicated if children were taught to discriminate between right and wrong
* Empowerment of women is a must for the betterment of society and they should be given a higher percentage of seats in the Parliament
* If the European nations could bury 150 years of wars and differences, why not India and Pakistan end 60 years of skirmishes
* India is set to be a global power in the next one decade
* Nuclear energy is among the cleanest and needs to be tapped.
Dr Kalam was at Oakbrook Marriott addressing 500 guests. The event was hosted by 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 took up 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 US, who “have much potential to be harnessed for the welfare of the entire 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.
Dr Kalam engaged in question and answer sessions during which he emphasized the need to give – “What can I give?” in terms of contributing knowledge and kindness free of cost to community members. Secondly, he felt all people should be cognizant of: “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in character. When there is beauty in character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”
Dr Kalam visited Fermilab, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois the next day and addressed a well attended meeting at Chicago Council on Global Affairs in Chicago Downtown. He ended his three days sojourn to Chicago attending a dinner reception.
Ramesh Soparawala & Nisha Sutaria
