Chennai: Amid the raging debate over intolerance, a book released here has highlighted former president APJ Kalam's message that tolerance is the foundation for sustainable development.


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"Tolerance is the foundation for sustainable development and it will be appropriate to have introspection by all of us about the social awakening needed for the national and international development," the book said quoting Kalam.


The book, "Prosperity and peace for the 21st century" - a compilation of a series of lectures and interactive talks given by Kalam during his visits to Canada in 2008 and 2010 -- was launched here yesterday.


Eminent agriculture scientist Prof MS Swaminathan released the book and its first copy was received by former Chief Election Commissioner of India, TS Krishnamurthy.


Kalam's aides V Ponraj, and Major General (late) R Swaminathan, besides V I Lakshmanan of the India Canada Foundation have edited the book.


Reminiscing Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to bring peace and harmony in the wake of partition which witnessed communal riots, Kalam had said, "Gandhiji was of the firm belief that tolerance for diversity will be the binding force which will keep India together as a nation."


Kalam had expressed his views on tolerance on September 26, 2010 at the Sringeri Community Centre at Toronto in Canada, says the book.


The address coincided Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations and his chosen topic was "Tolerance is the foundation for sustainable development," it said.
Kalam's visits to Canada was organised by Canada India Foundation.


"The idea for compiling a book form the lectures and talks given by Dr Kalam during his visits came after numerous queries from students, academics and general public," the introductory note to the book said.