In 2007, former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam had addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, during the golden jubilee of the European Union. The speech is one of the most memorable ones by Kalam. Read the speech.
I am delighted to be with the Honourable Members of European Parliament on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee year of the European Union. When I am with you friends, I was thinking, what thoughts I can share with you/India as a democratic nation has the experience of providing leadership to over one billion people with multi-language, multi-culture and multi-religious systems I wish to share this experience with you.European civilization has a unique place in human history. Its people were bravely engaged in the adventure of exploring the planet Earth resulting in the discovery of many ideas and systems. Europe has seen the birth of ploneers in science leading to technologies. Europe was the theatre of conflicts for hundreds of years among and between the nations including the two World Wars. European Union has become an example for connectivity among nations, probably with no possibility of war, leading to lasting regional peace.
Before I started out on my journey to Europe. I was thinking, why are Europe and India unique and natural partners? Do we share a common history and heritage? What I found was astonishing: the depth and vitality of our inter- connectedness, by language, by culture, by ancient beliefs, ideologies and the movement of people have stood the test of time. This has matured into a very strong relationship through trade and working together in many areas of science and technology.
India is a country, which has over the years learnt to develop and maintain a unity amongst diversity. Similarly, the greatest contribution of European Union is that, you have shown to the world, that it is possible to build a strong union of nations. It has become an inspirational model and an example for every region in the world. The European Union and india realise the need for growth to respect the environment and strengthen it for future generations. With this valuable experience of centuries behind India and European Union, we can bring together a belief of global cooperation.
With this background, I have brought from India, a message, a message to start three important Indo-European missions which can contribute to global peace and prosperity. These missions, I am putting forth based on India's experience of European Union.