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Kalam calls for national movement for developed India

Scientific advisor to the defence miniser, A P J Abdul Kalam has appealed to the people, particularly the youth, to launch a national movement for a developed India.

Delivering the first Lachit Barphukan memorial lecture at Guwahati University on Saturday, he said India's progress depended on how its people think.

Kalam exhorted everyone to contribute to the national movement that could strengthen the country in all respect.

"It is also necessary to be focused on the core strengths. The key areas of thrust of this national movement for developed India should be agriculture and food processing: a target of 360 million tons of food and agriculture production per year can bring prosperity to our rural people and speed up economic growth.

This should be followed up with reliable and affordable electric power to all parts of the country so that both industry and agriculture were aided, he said, adding that education and healthcare have to be dealt with too, since these ensure a better quality of life.

Finally, he made a pitch for information technology, a high tech area of significant indigenous strength that could be used to promote education and entrepreneurship all over the country and create national wealth,'' he said.

UNI

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