Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri delivers 3rd Dr A P J Abdul Kalam memorial lecture

Oct 16,2021

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today delivered the 3rd Dr A P J Abdul Kalam memorial lecture. Mr Puri said that Dr Kalam represented the best of India who was able to successfully bring along diverse traditions, disciplines, and peoples to create a life story that inspired the 1.3 billion people of India. He said that wherever he went and whomever he spoke with, he exuded optimism and positivity. In today’s environment of cynicism and hyper-polarisation, it may do us all some good to remember Dr. Kalam.

Mr. Puri said that Dr Kalam was a humble man, who achieved great professional success that helped shape the nation and chart its course in the 21st century. At the same time, his personal story of integrity, intellect, and charm influenced the lives of so many Indians directly and indirectly. Dr. Kalam received the admiration, respect, and love from all, and continues to receive even today.

Describing Dr Kalam as embodying the idea of India, Mr Puri said that he was a role model for the world. He represented the multitudes that encompass the diversity of this great nation.

The Minister said that Dr Kalam redefined the role of the President by aligning himself to unifying causes that motivated and empowered India’s citizens. Even after his term, he contributed significantly to our developmental agenda as a statesman through his advocacy for better infrastructure and greater access to healthcare. He inspired millions of young Indian students towards national service through his ‘What Can I Give’ movement.

Mr Puri said that today, in India, the Modi Government, guided by the philosophy of Antyodaya Se Sarvodaya is delivering direct cash transfers and subsidies for food, cooking gas, ration, and displacement and disaster relief, among other social benefits. Using the shared digital infrastructure of JAM Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile, this Government has revolutionised social welfare programming by creating leakage-free mechanisms that promote delivery to the needy.