The Hindu : International / India & World : `Let us now strive for freedom from poverty'

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

International

International - India & World

`Let us now strive for freedom from poverty'

By Vinay Kumar

CAPE TOWN, SEPT. 15. Lauding the people of South Africa for the peaceful conduct of the third general elections and a smooth transition to the new government, the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, today said the two countries should now embark on a new mission of attaining freedom from poverty.

In his address to the South African Parliament, Mr. Kalam said: "We, the people of India, are willing to walk with you — a long walk to freedom from poverty.''

Mr. Kalam dwelled at length on his favourite topics — economics, development, technology, business and education. He also touched upon the commonalities of the civilisational heritage of the two countries.

"Now that our banners of freedom are unfurled by the sacrifice of our political leaders and people, we should contribute towards happiness and peace in the world,'' he said, wondering that with so many of commonalities why India and South Africa did not get much closer together earlier.

Common values

Elaborating on the common values of the two nations, Mr. Kalam said Mahatma Gandhi's `Ahimsa Dharma' was started from South Africa which he later took to India and the same soil gave birth to Nelson Mandela who stands out as a beacon light for the world.

Referring to India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2020, Mr. Kalam said that total literacy, health for all, enhanced industrial and agricultural productivity and a 10 per cent sustained GDP growth rate were some of India's targets.

"You have a higher per capita income than India. I would like to learn more of your vision and thoughts, as it will enrich us,'' he said.

Describing the recently launched India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Forum among the three nations connecting Asia, South America and Africa as a "valuable tool to further shape our friendship for development of our nations,'' he said the India-South Africa partnership was crucial to the IBSA as it was also nearer to India geographically.

Synergy

Recognising South Africa as a leading supplier of a variety of minerals, gold, platinum, coal and diamonds, Mr. Kalam favoured time-bound missions and new joint initiatives.

He floated the idea of a common marketing philosophy and joint bids for international products to bring about an India-South Africa synergy.

India and South Africa had half of their population below the age of 25 and this human capital could be converted into a knowledge capital to harness their energy for transforming the two countries into developed nations.

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