Kalam calls for responsive, corruption free governance

Outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam today called for a responsive, transparent and corruption free governance, and termed his five years in Rashtrapati Bhawan as five beautiful and eventful years.

New Delhi, July 24 : Outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam today called for a responsive, transparent and corruption free governance, and termed his five years in Rashtrapati Bhawan as "five beautiful and eventful years".

The 'missile man' who became country's most informal President, today in his thanksgiving address to the nation outlined his ten cherished dreams for the country that included, a nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line, where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious candidates because of societal or economic discrimination, where the best of health care is available to all, and a nation which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and investors, amongst others.

"I would like to narrate how I enjoyed every minute of my tenure enriched by the wonderful association from each one of you," the septuagenarian scientist, who unexpectedly became the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002 when almost all major parties BJP, Congress, barring Left parties, supported his election to the country's top constitutional post.

Today as he spent his last day at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Kalam reiterated his 2020 vision for the country and pushed for making the country developed even before the Year 2020.Recounting a question asked by a student of a Haryana village, Kalam said: "This question (Why India cannot become a developed nation before the year 2020?) reflects how the desire to live in developed India has entered into the minds of the youth. The same feelings are echoed by over fifteen lakh youth, whom I have met so far and who represent the dream of the 540 million youth of the nation."

From empowering villages, connectivity for societal transformation to his pet subject of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas), which has become synonym of Kalam's tenure, the outgoing President today touched upon various issues of development.

He said that 7000 PURA would be required to bridge the rural-urban divide and called for initiating a second green revolution.

In his speech, which was interspersed with his motivational quotes, experiences of overcoming defeat and tales of courage, the man, who is widely respected for making the Rashtrapati Bhawan accessible for the common man, pitched for using the benefits of communication technology to bring a sea change in the society's development.

Sharing the benefits of his cherished project of Pan African e-Network for the 53 countries of the African continent, which was recently realised, Kalam said, "I am extremely happy that Indian experience in bringing the benefits of technology to the people has enabled us to work with Africa to bring societal transformation in the African continent."

As the Supreme Commander of the country's armed forces, Kalam today also recounted his experience of flying a Sukhoi aircraft, his memorable underwater visit in INS Sindhurakshak and meeting the soldiers at the world's highest battlefield- Siachen Glacier.

He praised the valour and commitment of the defence forces and also urged the youth of the nation to play a pivotal role in the country's development.

"Even while pursuing our economic growth, we need to do a lot to preserve the rich and diverse treasures of our culture and civilization," Kalam concluded.

ANI