Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Meritorious Award at the University of Edinburgh

The Award honours Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, who was an inspirational figure for many, particularly young people in India and across the Indian diaspora. From modest beginnings, he became a noted scientist, engineer and public servant, and was widely admired for his commitment to education, knowledge, tolerance, simplicity and care.

Dr Kalam received many national and international honours, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. He was also a valued friend of the University of Edinburgh. In 2014, he was the chief guest at the inaugural conference of the Edinburgh India Institute, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate. His visit left a lasting impression, and this Award is intended as a small but meaningful way to honour his association with the University.

The University of Edinburgh has strong and growing links with India, including through research collaborations, staff and student exchanges, and partnerships with Indian institutions. The University is also home to a vibrant Indian student community, with a long history that includes the Edinburgh Indian Association, founded in 1883 and recognised as the first South Asian student association in the United Kingdom.

The Award will be based in the School of Social and Political Science and will recognise the highest-performing Indian student from across the School’s on-campus postgraduate taught programmes each year. Selection will be based on academic performance, confirmed through the School’s usual examination processes, and the recipient will have been domiciled in India immediately before joining the University.

Funds raised through this page will support an annual certificate and £1,000 prize for the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Meritorious Award. Funds will be managed by the School of Social and Political Science and used to support the Award and its future development.

The Committee representing the Indian diaspora in Scotland and the wider United Kingdom is assisting with fundraising for the Award. The Award reflects the diaspora’s commitment to recognising and encouraging the success of the next generation.

Thank you for supporting the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Meritorious Award.

Committee members:

Professor George Palattiyil, Personal Chair of Social Work and Refugee Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh
Mr Jasvir Singh, Managing Director, Spice Lounge Kitchen
Dr Poonam Malik, Co-Founder, Microplate Dx Limited
Mr Rajnish Singh, IT Consultant
Mr Puneet Dwivedi MBE, President, Indian National Students Association, Scotland
Mr Karthik Subramanya, Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group
Dr Mridula Chakraborty MBE, General Secretary, Association of Indian Organisations
Mr Gopalan Rajagopalan, Country Head, Tata Consultancy Services Scotland

For further information, please contact Professor George Palattiyil, Personal Chair of Social Work and Refugee Studies