New Delhi, Aug 14: In a strong disapproval of politics of religion, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said future Indian generations will not remember the present for constructing temples or mosques and called for a moratorium on issues that impede nation's development. Making use of the Independence Day eve address to the nation, he also cautioned against divisive forces using terrorism as a tool in the name of ethnic groupism, religious fundamentalism and sometimes political ambitions. Posing a question as to 'what should we be remembered for', Kalam asked "Will be remembered for how many churches our generation has added, will be remembered for how many mosques our generation has added, will be remembered for how many temples our generations has added or will be remembered for how many Gurdwaras our generation has added?" "No, not at all. We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with our resources on non-productive issues."
The President appealed to political leaders, religious leaders, opinion makers, media personnel and citizens to place a moratorium on all issues, which are impediments to development from now and pledge to make the missions of developed India a reality.

Apparently referring to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent peace initiative with Pakistan, the President said, "India has definitely taken a significant peace initiative with all its neighbours. The recent visit of our Prime Minister to China definitely paves the way for resolving certain outstanding issues."

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In a veiled message to Pakistan, he said in a situation where there will be acute shortages of water, energy and minerals which no single nation will be able to handle by itself, the neighbouring countries should see this perspective and have a bigger vision. "No, not at all. We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with our resources on non-productive issues."

The President appealed to political leaders, religious leaders, opinion makers, media personnel and citizens to place a moratorium on all issues, which are impediments to development from now and pledge to make the missions of developed India a reality.

Apparently referring to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent peace initiative with Pakistan, the President said, "India has definitely taken a significant peace initiative with all its neighbours. The recent visit of our Prime Minister to China definitely paves the way for resolving certain outstanding issues."

In a veiled message to Pakistan, he said in a situation where there will be acute shortages of water, energy and minerals which no single nation will be able to handle by itself, the neighbouring countries should see this perspective and have a bigger vision.
Bureau Report