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Indian Industry has Lost a Visionary Guide and Mentor: CII on the Demise of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Jul 28, 2015

The Confederation of Indian Industry expressed deep loss at the demise of former President of India and Bharat Ratna recipient, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. “Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was a great motivator, a constant inspiration, and a unique mentor for India and Indian industry. His vision for a developed and technologically superior India motivated industry’s engagement in leveraging technology for competitiveness,” said Mr Sumit Mazumder, President, CII.

CII was privileged and honored to enjoy a long association with Dr Kalam through the years. Dr Kalam graciously agreed to assume the office of the first Chairman of the CII National Council on Technology set up in 1998. Leading the Council, Dr Kalam guided CII in setting up the Technology Division to engage strongly with technology adoption in industry. This imparted huge impetus to CII’s initiatives for inculcating technology in the DNA of Indian Industry.

Dr Kalam inaugurated CII-Naoroji Godrej Green Business Center (GBC) in 2004 and remained closely engaged with the CII movement for green buildings, energy efficiency and resource management. With the association of Dr Kalam, the GBC has emerged as a pioneer and leader of the ‘green building’ initiative in India.

CII was proud to engage with the late President’s vision of Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas, or PURA, and undertook several initiatives in this program under his guidance.

“Emphasizing that technological achievements are the foundation for industrial strength, Dr Kalam always encouraged and guided Indian industry’s initiatives in innovation and R&D. He also led and inspired CII in many ways, offering new ideas and initiatives,” added Mr Mazumder.

As President of India, Dr. Kalam addressed CII platforms on many occasions. CII recalls with pride Dr Kalam’s inspirational words on the occasions of the Green Building Congress 2005, The Partnership Summit 2006, and other CII events. During these interactions, Dr Kalam exhorted Indian industry to engage purposefully and in a socially and environmentally relevant manner for India’s inclusive growth.

The CII statement noted that Dr Kalam inspired the common citizen and particularly the youth with his humanity, humility, and scientific temper. As a People's President, Dr Kalam forged an instant and strong connect with all sections of society, leading by example and igniting minds. His rich legacy of taking India into the Space Age will reverberate long into our future. With his demise, the world has lost a truly noble and inspiring guiding spirit.

28th July 2015 
New Delhi

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