The Hindu : Front Page : Bridge urban-rural divide: Kalam

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Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007
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Bridge urban-rural divide: Kalam

Special Correspondent

India can become developed nation well before 2020, he says

— Photo: PTI

TIME FOR GOODBYE: Outgoing President Abdul Kalam with President-elect Pratibha Patil during a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday.

New Delhi: On his last day as President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Tuesday bade farewell to the nation, spelling out his mission “to bring connectivity between billion hearts and minds of the people of India in our multicultural society and to embed the self-confidence that ‘we can do it.’ ”

Calling it a “thanksgiving address to the nation,” Mr. Kalam catalogued 10 experiences as he travelled across the country in the last five years as President, and described the lessons from each of these encounters. Each of these carefully chosen lessons, according to him, has nationwide importance and relevance.

Paying a tribute to the “richness of our traditions,” Mr. Kalam said that “even while pursuing our economic growth, we need to do a lot to preserve the rich and diverse treasures of our culture and civilisation. He reiterated his favourite theme that “India can become a developed nation well before 2020.”

Contrary to the expectation in some quarters and apprehension in some others, Mr. Kalam did not make any critical reference to the political class. The closest he came to expressing his disappointment was when he said that he desired that India should be a nation “where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption-free.”

He also wanted India to be a nation “that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.”

Other than this indirect, if at all, indictment of the political leaders and parties, Mr. Kalam stressed bridging the rural-urban divide, equitable distribution of and adequate access to energy and quality water, harmonious working of the agricultural, industry and services sectors, and total eradication of poverty and illiteracy.

The President said he wanted India to be a nation “where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious candidate because of societal or economic discrimination.” At the same time, India should become “the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists and investors,” and where the “best of health care is available to all.”

The President, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, was appreciative of the jawans: “The nation cherishes the valour, commitment and devotion to duty of our defence forces.” He also applauded the paramilitary forces and Central and State police personnel “who are making immense contribution in augmenting the safety and security of our citizens under difficult conditions.”

Describing his stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan as “five beautiful and eventful years,” he said he enjoyed “every minute of my tenure enriched by the wonderful association from each one of you.”

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