NEW DELHI:Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been selected unanimously by the Royal Society for awarding the King Charles II Medal.
The Society is an independent scientific academy of the U.K. dedicated to promoting excellence in science.
The prestigious medal is awarded to foreign Heads of State for extraordinary contributions to the promotion of science. It has only been awarded once in the past, to Emperor Akihito of Japan in 1998. The Council of the Royal Society, after discussions in February this year, was unanimous in wishing to award the medal to Mr. Kalam in appreciation of his service to science. In a recent letter to the President, the Society noted that only a few Heads of State around the world have an active interest in science and are promoting science national and internationally.
"Under your office, Science and Technology investment in India has radically increased, as have science popularisation activities. As a scientist yourself, you made significant contributions to the Indian space and defence programmes. As Chairman of the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council, and in your role in producing India's Technology Vision 2020, you built a road map for transforming India from developing status into a developed nation. It gives the Society great pleasure to see a Principal Scientific Adviser rise to the level of President," the Society said.
