LOS ANGLES, CA: Lead INDIA 2020; USA chapter in cooperation with the University of Southern California (USC)-Association for Indian Students (AIS) arranged a LEAD INDIA 2020 meeting at USC campus on Sept 15 2009 at 12:30 PM said LEAD INDIA 2020;USA coordinator Ravi Koneru.
Bharata Ratna, People’s President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam visited University to Inspire Indian students with the LEAD INDIA 2020 VISION “Aap Badho Desh Ko Badhao”
More than 400 students gathered to meet Dr. Abdul Kalam and listen to what he says and know about LEAD INDIA 2020. A formal welcome by Varun Soni, Dean of Religion for Life preceded the much awaited address by Dr. Kalam.
LEAD INDIA 2020; USA chapter Secretary, Gopinath Gopalam did a power point presentation about LEAD INDIA 2020 VISION, MISSION, OBJECTIVES, GOALS, ACHEIVEMENTS and BENCH MARKS. He also talked about INDIA’s YOUTH workforce strength and how it can be utilized to LEAD INDIA if properly channelized. He talked about the “Aap Badho Desh Ko Badhao” Human Development training programs that are being conducted in Andhra Pradesh in the areas of Career Development, Social Development, Physical Development, Mental Development, National Development and Spiritual Development. He requested the Students at USC to take part in LEAD INDIA 2020 by adopting a school, village, mandal, district in INDIA to sponsor the training programs.
Students gave standing ovation to Dr. Kalam several times during his speech. Looking ahead to 2020 Dr Abdul Kalam asked the congregation of students to visualize with him, India at the head of the world, transformed into a nation where rural and urban has been reduced to a thin line, where there is equitable distribution of water and energy, where education is not denied to anyone, where poverty has been eradicated, where government is transparent, where its people are happy, secure and feel safe from terrorism and violence.
This he said can be achieved by a concerted movement by the youth of today who can propel India to the top of the world. To accomplish this, he told the students, apart from academic excellence they need to develop qualities of creative leadership which are, vision,-the driving force of a nation, a passion to realize the vision, the ability to take on and accept responsibility, travel un-tread paths, the courage to take decisions and finally to work with integrity and to succeed with integrity.
Dr. Kalam requested every one to participate in the INDIA’s 2nd National Movement “LEAD INDIA” Oath by Dr. Kalam Human Chain on 11/11/11 at 11:11:11 AM to eradicate illiteracy and corruption
Following his speech, Dr Kalam was gracious enough to respond to several questions from the students which resulted in a highly interactive and entertaining dialog. On behalf of the Indian students of USC, Kailash Gajara expressed their gratitude to the leader for his gesture to come and meet the student body.
LEAD INDIA 2020; USA chapter felicitated Dr. Kalam with a Shawl. USC-AIS board also presented a Memento to Dr. Kalam.
After the meeting Dr. Kalam enthusiastically mingled with students, signed their autographs and took pictures with them.
DSC Faculty members Mr. Varun Soni, Arvin Verma, NATS members Ravi Aachanta, Ravi Kolli and Vijay Annapareddy were among others who attended the meeting while Harnath Doddapaneni did the MC for the event.
After the Meeting Dr. Kalam and other Dignitaries had Lunch at Chakra Indian Cuisine, Beverly hills.
LEAD YOUTH to LEAD INDIA to LEAD the WORLD by 2020
