President A P J Abdul Kalam on Tuesday said that youngsters from India and China dream of living in a peaceful, prosperous and developed nation and the two countries were working towards this goal.

"I have interacted with over one million youth below the age of 17 in both urban and rural environments. One message, I would like to give to the youth from India and China, is that youth irrespective of their nationality has a dream to live in a peaceful, prosperous and happy nation," Kalam said, addressing youth delegations from India and China.

Observing that peace in the world was born out of righteousness in the heart, he said, "What is needed today in the world is the birth of an enlightened society."

The youth of our two countries with vision provided by the leaders of our nations can definitely bring peace, prosperity and happiness to our planet, Kalam said during the address, which was also attended by visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Citing the examples of historian Hieun Tsang and Dr Kotnis, who made his life's purpose to save Chinese World War II soldiers, Kalam said India and China have had a long tradition of friendship.

"The deep historical and cultural association that our ancient civilizations share has made rich contributions in shaping the development of humanity and gives a unique dimension to Sino-Indian relations," he said.