The Hindu : International / India & World : `India, Pakistan will become friends one day'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

International

International - India & World

`India, Pakistan will become friends one day'

By Vinay Kumar

CAPE TOWN, SEPT. 15. Beginning his visit to South Africa, the land where Mahatma Gandhi launched his "Ahimsa Dharma" movement years ago, the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would become friends like the European nations.

Mr. Kalam's remarks came at a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian High Commissioner, Shiv S. Mukherji, here. He was responding to a question if India and Pakistan would ever become friends.

"Pakistan and India are sitting across the table to discuss various issues. Like European nations which have come together and have even common currency after so many years of fighting, one day we will all become friends,'' he said amid applause from the select gathering.

Asked what he would like to do if given another chance in life, pat came the reply from Mr. Kalam: "I will become a teacher again."

`Harness youth force'

The President said "youth force and energy" should be harnessed into a tremendous source of "positive energy" as it was the most "powerful resource on planet Earth."

Ceremonial reception

The President was given a ceremonial reception at Tuynhuys this morning where he was greeted by the South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Mr. Kalam visited the Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela had been imprisoned for 27 years.

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