Kalam to deliver Air Chief Marshal memorial lecture

Bangalore, Jan 16: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam will deliver Air Chief Marshal L M Katre Memorial Lecture at HAL-Shri Ghatage Convention Centre here on January 19.

Air Force Association, Karnataka, President Air Marshal Ramamurthy told newsmen here today that Mr Kalam would deliver talk on 'Vision for Space'. The Memorial Lecture was organised jointly by AFA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Society of India (ASI). Lakshman Madhav Katre, who joined the Air Force as on officer cadet in 1944 was graduated as a pilot and was granted emergency commission in the Royal Indian Air Force.

During his career in IAF, with distinction, he commanded various operational squadrons and stations. In 1971 war, because of his meticulous planning and foresight, he successfully conducted uninterrupted operations from one of the farward airfields of the IAF that were constantly under attack by the Pakistan Air Force. As HAL Chairman the prestigious LCA and ALH projects were conceptualised.

Air Marshal Katre assumed charge in 1984 as the Chief of the Air Staff when he breathed last on July One-1985.

This was for the second year a memorial lecture was held. Last Year Chief of Air Staff M S Tyagi had delivered the talk.

UNI