The Hindu : Oath for children

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 26, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

Oath for children

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 25. It was an unusual event, but then the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is an unusual man.

As Mr. Kalam recorded his message to the nation on the eve of Republic Day today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he administered an oath to children — more than a hundred had gathered there for the event. He gave them a task to perform, a goal to achieve.

They are: I will pursue my education or the work with dedication and I will excel in it; From now onwards, I will teach at least 10 persons to read and write those who cannot read and write; I will plant at least 10 saplings and shall ensure their growth through constant care; I will visit rural and urban areas and permanently wean away at least 5 persons from addiction and gambling; I will constantly endeavour to remove the pain of my suffering brethren; I will not support any religious, caste or language differentiation; I will be honest and endeavour to make a corruption-free society; I will work for becoming an enlightened citizen and make my family righteous; I will always be a friend of the mentally and physically challenged and will work hard to make them feel normal, like the rest of us, and I will proudly celebrate the success of my country and my people.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News Update

Stories in this Section

Peace vital for attaining growth, says Kalam

David was a Goliath of generosity

Oath for children

Padma Vibhushan for Amrita Pritam, Venkatachaliah, Narlikar

Cracks appear in J&K coalition

Two Tirupati blast suspects killed