Mumbai: Results of the just-concluded Lok
Sabha election indicate performers have been endorsed by the
electorate and that developmental politics succeeds in India,
former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday said.
"More Performers have got elected," Kalam said while
interacting with students at the launch of the Malhar Conclave
in St Xavier`s College here.
He told the students aspiring to be political leaders
statecraft can be of two types - political and developmental.
"We should be doing 30 percent political and 70 percent developmental politics. But, we are doing the reverse,"
Kalam said, advising the students not be cynical about the
direction of India`s progress and growth.
He said India was a multi-cultural, multi-lingual,
multi-regional and religious nation. "No where on the planet
Earth, can you find such a unique nation. Problems are bound
to be there. But, the youth should overcome them."
On whether India can be considered a great country at
this juncture, the former President said, "Greatness lies in
the people of the country, if they respect other human beings
and are tolerant and appreciative of each other`s views."
On brain drain, he said, "I don`t believe in brain
drain. India produces three million graduates every year. If
10 percent of them leave the country, it is not brain drain."
Asked why India went nuclear provoking a neighbouring
country to follow suit, Kalam, who played a key role in
Pokhran-II, said the country cannot succeed without strength.
"Only strength respects strength. Our nuclear
programme has a clear doctrine of no first use. It is only a
minimum deterrent weapon. The day 20,000 nuclear warheads all
over the world are destroyed, we too will follow," he said.
Kalam also proposed a National Prosperity Index with
three dimensions - GDP, what percentage of 200 million
families below poverty line (BPL) are lifted from their
present status, and joint family system.
"In a nuclear family, a minor problem becomes a
tragedy while in a joint family, problems are shared and the
happiness index is higher," the noted scientist said.
Kalam said the index will bring down the cultural,
social and economic variations that exist in the society.
"Whenever there is a dream, transform the vision into
a mission. Acquire knowledge from all sources, absorb failure
and taken responsibility," he told the students.
Kalam said in 2020, he visualises an India where urban
rural divide has reduced, agriculture, industrial and service
sectors work in symphony, Government is responsive,
transparent and corruption-free, quality education and health
care facilities are available without discrimination.
"We will be the best nation to live," he said.
Kalam told the students that having low aim was a
crime. "Ignited mind of the youth was the most powerful
resource on earth, above earth and under the earth. The youth
power can change the world, if properly directed and
controlled."
Kalam explained that where there is righteousness in
the heart, there is beauty in character, harmony at home,
order in the nation leading to peace in the world.
"Who will ensure righteousness in the heart?" he
asked, adding this was the duty of the parents and the primary
school eacher.
Kalam also read out a ten-point oath for the youth.
"Have a goal and work hard to achieve it, small aim is a
crime, work with integrity and succeed with integrity, be a
good member of the family, society, nation and the world, save
or better some one`s life without discrimination of language,
caste, creed, religion, region or state. Always think what can
I do or what Can I give to others," he said.
Kalam asked the students to always protect and enhance
dignity of every human life without any bias. "Work with
courage to achieve success and also enjoy others` success," he
said.
Bureau Report
