Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's Address to the European Parliament

Introduction

• President of the Republic of India addressed the European Parliament
• Occasion: Golden Jubilee year of the European Union
• Focused on cooperation between India and Europe
• Indian democracy's leadership experience with over 1 billion people

Historical and Cultural Ties

• Europe: Birthplace of pioneers in science, exploration, and the theater of historical conflicts
• Establishment of the European Union with a vision of peace and prosperity
• The interconnectedness between India and Europe through trade and scientific collaborations
• Example: Italian satellite Agile launched by India's PSLV rocket

Mutual Development Models

• India and European Union's social economic development models emphasize growth with equity
• Shared experiences to benefit future generations

Proposed Indo-European Missions

Evolution of an Enlightened Society

1. Value-Based Education
   • Education with values to foster righteousness
   • Prime learning ages: 5-17 years
   • Inspired by ancient and historical figures shaping young minds
2. Transforming Religion into Spirituality
   • Commonality in theological and spiritual components of religions
   • Example: Collaboration between Indian space research and Saint Mary Church
   • Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions
3. Economic Development for Societal Transformation
   • Core sectors: agriculture, education, healthcare, IT, infrastructure, self-reliance
   • Empowering citizens with quality of life improvements
   • The aim for National Prosperity Index (NPI)

Energy Independence

• Critical due to fossil resource depletion and environmental degradation
• Proposed increased efficiency and renewable resources
• Cooperation: India and EU in renewable energy R&D

World Knowledge Platform

• Joint initiative for global applications
• Convergence of Bio, Nano, and IT technologies
• Addressing issues like water, healthcare, agriculture, knowledge products, disaster management

Conclusion

• Call to action for cooperation between EU and India
• Inspiration from Maharishi Patanjali on achieving greatness
• A poetic message from Mother India to the European Union promoting collaboration and peace

Closing Remarks

• Gratitude towards Dr. Kalam
• Importance of listening, understanding, and cooperation
• Well wishes for the EU-India partnership

Key Quotes

• Dr. Kalam: “When you are inspired by some great purpose... you find yourself in a new Great and Wonderful World.”
• Dr. Kalam's Poem: “A message from Mother India to European Union”