Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam Visits Edina

According to U.S. Census data, Edina’s Indian population tripled from 2000 to 2010. Amid this surge, many Indians hope to give back to their native country even as they continue to create new businesses here in the Twin Cities.On May 23, in response to Sri Venkateswara Temple president Madhu Reddy’s efforts to strengthen ties between Minneapolis and India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of India, visited the community and spoke, urging the next generation to continue the legacy of making a difference.Reddy’s relationship with Abdul Kalam began a few years earlier, when he visited India to see how his employer, U.S. Electronics, Inc., could help distribute low-cost medical equipment in India.“Our goal is to bring affordable health care to India,” Reddy says. “And as a whole, the Indian community in Minneapolis just wants to give back to India in any way we can.”