Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 3: Asking the students to inculcate scientific temper for persuing higher knowledge, the former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam has said that by doing so they would be contributing their bit in nation building and making India one of the most developed countries in the world.
He was interacting with students at Police auditorium, Jammu soon after his arrival here in connection with the 101st All India Science Congress, being held at University of Jammu.
Dr Kalam shared his experiences of his earlier interactions with children. He drew examples from the lives of eminent scientists like S Ramanuja, Albert Einstein and others.
“Mission of life should be based on creativity and innovation so that you can do better for your country and the society,” he said.
Terming knowledge as a tool to empower, the former President said knowledge empowers people to undertake big missions. He asked youth to focus on issues like energy, water, agriculture, rural life, value system etc to build a strong country. He identified five areas including agriculture, health, industry, infrastructure, rural connectivity in which growth can lead India to the state of a developed nation. He stressed on improving electronic and knowledge connectivity between rural and urban areas.
After a lecture, Dr Kalam replied to some questions posed to him by the students. These included importance of teaching, digital divide, space medicine, India’s 2020 mission etc.
Earlier on his arrival, the former President was given a colourful reception by the tiny tots. He received a bouquet from a group of kids representing the dress and cultural ethos of the three regions of the State.
The Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof Mohan Pal Singh Isher in his introductory remarks, detailed the achievements and contributions made by the missile man for the country.
Principal Secretary, Planning, B R Sharma; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. Shantmanu; Secretary Education, Hirdesh Kumar; IG Jammu Range, Rajesh Kumar; Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, A K Sahu; DIG, Jammu, Shakeel Baig; Director Information Tasaduq Jeelani and other officers were present on the occasion.
At Airport, Dr Kalam was received by Ministers Raman Bhalla and Ajay Sadhotra besides some officers.
The former President is scheduled to inaugurate Children’s Science Congress tomorrow at Jammu University at 11 am.
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