Today (April 29, 2009) former President APJ Abdul Kalam received Hoover Medal, the first Asian to get this Award in the 73 years of the award (given 59 times so far). The award ceremony was held in Columbia University in New York.
Administered by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) on behalf of five societies (ASME, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Chemical Engineers (ASChE) and American Society of Mining, Metallurgical & Petroleum Engineers), Hoover Medal is given to engineers who serve the larger humanitarian cause.
The award was endowed by Conard McLauer who was inspired by the outstanding and super efficient relief services rendered during 1914-23 by Herbert Hoover (who became the 31st President of the United States).
By receiving Hoover Medal Dr Kalam does India proud once again; he has done so many things to the country.
Interestingly, both Hoover and Kalam represent the case of exemplary engineers becoming Presidents of their respective countries; both are “rank outsiders” and had tough time handling the “political class”! Dr Kalam is lucky though; the “current great depression” was after he laid down office; President Hoover saw the great depression of 1928 within months of his taking over and he lost the1932 Election!
Tags: Herbert Hoover, Hoover Medal, President APJ Abdul Kalam
