Condolence Message: Dr Abdul Kalam

The University of Wolverhampton is sad to announce the death of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away on Monday, 27 July 2015.  

Dr Kalam’s distinguished career in academia and politics earned him a highly respected reputation and resulted in many awards and titles of recognition of years of hard work.

He was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Science by the University of Wolverhampton’s Chancellor, Lord Swraj Paul in 2007 in a ceremony at the University’s Wolverhampton City Campus.  Dr Kalam’s presence attracted much interest and many students and people from across the City attended.  

Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Lord Swraj Paul said: "APJ Abdul Kalam was a great President and a very distinguished world-renowned scientist who made an immense contribution to India. All of us Indians are very proud of the achievements for which he was responsible.

“In addition to being one of the most popular Presidents of India, he was also a very approachable man and a great personal friend.

“I met him just three months ago when I was in India in April and he was his usual warm and hospitable self.

“I had the pleasure of presenting him with an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton in 2007. It was an honour for me and for the University and everyone at the University of Wolverhampton sends their condolences at this sad time.”

“May he live in the memory of the country forever.”

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “This is a very sad time for the people of India; our deepest condolences go out to all who were close to Dr Abdul Kalam.

“The University of Wolverhampton was very proud to award Dr Kalam with his Doctorate of Science after years of immense dedication to the international community as a scientist, educationalist and statesman.

“Students who were fortunate enough to be present during his visit to Wolverhampton will have precious memories from their time here”

Dr Kalam’s renowned career followed dedicated time in further and higher education in the state now known as Tamil Nadu. He attained his first degree from St. Joseph’s College in Madras and then embarked on scientific pursuits in academia becoming an aeronautical engineer specialising in satellite launch technology.

Dr Kalam then began to develop research for the Indian Space Research Organisation from 1963-1982 which led to him becoming even more influential in the governance of the Indian nation with his work on defence capabilities. It was in 2002 that he was then elected as the 11^th President of India until early retirement in 2007.

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