After five eventful years in Rashtrapati Bhavan, outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam favours building of India as a developed nation where governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.
In his farewell address to the nation, he said his mission in life would be to bring connectivity between billion hearts and minds of people in the multicultural society and to embed the self confidence that 'we can do it.'
"I will be always with you, dear citizens, in the great mission of making India a developed nation before 2020," 75-year old Kalam said.
Describing his tenure in Rashtrapati Bhavan as 'five beautiful and eventful years,' he said, "Today, it is indeed a thanks giving occasion."
The missile-scientist said that he 'enjoyed every minute' of his tenure with his "wonderful association" with people from different walks of life including politicians as also those associated with business, judiciary, academics, youth and special children.
While outlining a 10-point vision for turning India as a developed nation, the President said a developed India should have a divide between urban and rural population reduced to a think line and there should be equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and quality water.
"A nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free; a nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership," were among the 10 points listed by Kalam.
The developed nation, according to Kalam, should also include ensuring health care to all, education with value system to the meritorious candidates irrespective of societal or economic stature and where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.
Sharing his experiences during his travel within the country and abroad, Kalam said empowering of over six lakh villages for development in the country and establishing nearly 7000 Providing Urban amenities in Rural Area centres across the country will help in bridging the rural and urban divide.
Kalam, as the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces of the country, did not forget to mention about the forces in his farewell address.
"Our defence forces are in a beautiful mission. When the nation sleeps during night, members of our defence teams are awake to guard us and remain vigilant to counter any threats."
Being the first Head of the State to undertake arduous defence adventures, Kalam recalled his visits to 'Kumar Point' at Siachen Glacier, underwater journey in Sindhurakshak submarine and taking a flight in Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.
"In these three experiences, I personally felt proud of our ever vigilant soldiers, sailors and air warriors performing their task beyond the call of their duty even in the most adverse circumstances -- natural or man made."
Kalam did not forget to mention the 100-million dollar pan-African E-Network Project, designed to help bridge the digital divide in Africa, a project considered as his brain child that was cleared by the Union Cabinet earlier this month as a parting gift.
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