New Delhi: Former President and noted scientist of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam have been awarded an honorary degree by the Queen's University, Belfast.

Dr. Kalam has been conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Laws for distinction in public service.

The event was the latest development in Queen's ever-strengthening connections with India, with which the University has recently forged several dynamic academic partnerships.

Dr. Kalam has a leading role in many of India's most recent technological breakthroughs, including the landing of India's first unmanned lunar spacecraft in November last year.

"Millions of people not only in India but around the world get inspiration through Dr. Kalam's exceptional as a world statesman, scientist, educator and visionary," said Prof. Peter Gregson Queen's Vice-Chancellor.

"It is a significant honour for Queen's to host this visit for the former leader of one of the world's most thriving and exciting countries. A number of distinguished Indian institutions hold a special place within the Queen's family of academic partners and Dr Kalam's visit is a tangible example of the educational, research, business and cultural links between India and Northern Ireland," added Prof. Peter Gregson.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning, said, "The conferment of an honorary degree on Dr Abdul Kalam, a pre-eminent scientist and a widely respected former President, reflects the breadth and depth of the collaborations between Queen's University and India. My Department strongly supports the collaborations being forged in seeking to further strengthen the vital bridge between India and Northern Ireland."

Dr. Kalam as President of India is considered as one of the greatest holders of this office who led the country's continuing emergence as a developed nation and developed policies for sustained economic growth.

In 2007 he was awarded the prestigious King Charles II medal of the Royal Society and in April this year, he became the first Asian to receive the Hoover Medal, America's top engineering prize, for his outstanding contribution to public service.

Dr. Kalam is also a gifted poet and writer, and has authored a number of inspirational books, including his autobiography, 'Wings of Fire', which is a household name in India and has been published in many languages, including English.