Kalam unique blend of statesman, scientist and poet:EU

Strasbourg, France, Apr 25 (UNI) The European Parliament(EU) today hailed President A P J Abdul Kalam as a unique blend of a ''statesman, scientist and a poet''.

As soon as Dr Kalam finished his address to the EU Parliament on the topic of 'Dynamics of the unity of Nations' with an English poem composed by him, the Members stood up to applaud his ideas and EU president Hans-Gert Pottering described his speech as the most extraordinary one ''we had ever heard''.

''From a scientist to a statesman, and to a poet, This is a unique blend!'' said Mr Pottering.

Dr Kalam's address was the first ever to the European Union by an Indian head of State. He has come to Strasbourg on an invitation of its former President.

He said Dr Kalam belonged to the minority Muslim community and his election to the top post of India, which was a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation and the largest democracy in the world, was no trivial success.

He said they were very impressed by the message of Dr Kalam, and what was most important was to listen, respect and cooperate with each other.

Appreciating India's relations with the EU, he said India was one of the first countries to recognise the bloc.

He said he was happy that India was benefiting from the scientific and technological cooperation with the EU.

The EU president said Dr Kalam was a scientist and architect of India's nuclear programme and worked hard to find a technological solution of its most pressing problems.

He hoped India will set up a Lok Sabha special delegation for relations with the European Parliament just as the latter last month set up a special delegation for relations with India.

''We are of the firm view that our relations with you are of the greatest importance for us in the dialogue of cultures,'' he said before wishing Dr Kalam all the best.

UNI