View source for A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre

{{Multiple issues|
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}}{{Infobox organization
| logo = Logo_KC_colour.png
| formation = 2015
| founder = [[Srijan Pal Singh]]
| type = [[Non-governmental organization]]
| location = Delhi (Head Office), Ahmedabad, Agra, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Singapore
| website = {{url|http://www.kalamcentre.com/}}
}}

'''Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre''' is a non-profit organization located primarily in India with branches spread across the country. It was formed in the memory of [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]] (11th President of India) in 2015. The organization is founded by [[Srijan Pal Singh]], an author, social entrepreneur and public speaker. He also worked as the Officer-on-Special-Duty and Advisor for Science, Technology and Policy to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam between 2009 and 2015. The organization aspires to create a sustainable and livable planet Earth for humanity by taking forward the vision of Dr. Kalam. It also aims to promote innovations, especially in governance and social enterprises, to improve youth participation in national and international development so as to improve access to education as well as knowledge in all strata of the society.

== Pillars ==

=== Education ===
Kalam Centre runs a network of free libraries across remote and economically backward regions of India under the banner of [https://kalamlibrary.org/ Kalam Library]. These libraries cater to the reading and learning needs of children in slums, government schools, low-cost private schools, and children [[observation homes]]. Collectively, the libraries serve the needs of over 500,000 children. Another initiative is that of Dreamathon<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/92780/sapno-ka-dibba-metro-underprivileged-kids/|title=All Aboard the Sapno ka Dibba! A Metro Ride Inspires Underprivileged Kids to Reach for Their Dreams|date=2017-03-24|website=The Better India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> which is an annual flagship campaign to ignite the passion for learning among the youth. It supports them by providing relevant skills to help them reach their full potential and go beyond. Kalam Centre also has over 500 auxiliary teachers in Telangana under the initiative of Kalam Bharat<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/news/national-ncr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam-birth-anniversary-writing-of-new-india-with-kalam-pen-jagran-special-19668666.html|title=38 हजार बच्चों को कलाम बनने का सामर्थ्‍य देने का नाम है ‘कलाम भारत’ प्रोजेक्ट|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> to help fill the knowledge gaps in government schools.

=== Governance ===
Kalam Centre annually organizes the India Innovation and Governance Summit where selected deserving individuals and institutions are awarded for their work towards improving governance and delivering value to the citizens. The summit also acts as a forum for plenary discussions. Since 2017, three editions of the summit have been conducted, with the latest being organized on 28 February 2019 where [[Venkaiah Naidu|M. Venkaiah Naidu]] (Vice President of India) was the Chief Guest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ddinews.gov.in/national/vice-president-presents-kalam-innovation-governance-award-2019|title=Vice President presents Kalam Innovation in Governance Award 2019 {{!}} DD News|website=www.ddinews.gov.in|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> Some of the KIGA awardees until now include K. Srinivas (IAS, Additional Secretary, DoPT), [[Nara Lokesh]] (Cabinet Minister, Information Technology, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lokesh-receives-innovation-in-governance-award/article22482806.ece|title=Lokesh receives innovation in governance award|author=Staff Reporter|date=2018-01-20|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-20|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Ashwani Lohani]] (Chairman, Indian Railway Board and former MD, Air India),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/sunday-edition/3-get-kalam-memorial-award.html|title=3 get Kalam Memorial Award|last=Pioneer|first=The|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> Dr. Mahesh Gupta (Chairman & MD, Kent RO Systems), Anuj Dayal (Executive Director, DMRC),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/40-bureaucrats-delhi-metro-official-honoured-with-kalam-award-118012000937_1.html|title=40 bureaucrats, Delhi Metro official honoured with Kalam award|last=IANS|date=2018-01-20|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> [[Dnyaneshwar Mulay]] (Secretary MEA, CPV & OIA), [[Shivraj Singh Chouhan]] (Former Chief Minister),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrika.com/bhopal-news/former-cm-shivraj-singh-chauhan-honoured-by-apj-abdul-kalam-award-4203821/|title=एपीजे अब्दुल कलाम अवॉर्ड्स से सम्मानित हुए शिवराज सिंह, कहा- ये मेरा नहीं मध्यप्रदेश का पुरस्कार|website=Patrika News|language=hindi|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> Lieutenant General Amarjeet Singh Bedi (DGDIA & DCIDS – Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, Government of India), [[Chennai Metro|Chennai Metro Rail Limited]], among many others.

=== Innovation and Technology ===
Kalam Centre works in collaboration with universities and organizations in campaigning research and innovation-led projects to propel growth and development, especially for those at the base of the pyramid. Through its skill development initiatives and startup 'Parikramas' under Kalam Centre for Innovation & Incubation of Startups (K-CIIS), it aims to foster the entrepreneurial mindset and action-oriented thinking among the youth.

=== Environment ===
Every year, on the death anniversary of Dr. Kalam, Kalam Centre organizes an Intentional Youth Conclave on the topic of the last lecture of Dr. Kalam - Creating a Livable Planet Earth, which he was supposed to give at IIM-Shillong.

== References ==
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[[Category:2015 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Non-profit organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Literacy in India]]
[[Category:Educational organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2015]]
[[Category:Foundations based in India]]
[[Category:Child education organizations]]