Take part in movement against corruption: Kalam

June 26, 2011 11:52 pm | Updated June 27, 2011 12:07 am IST - KRISHNANKOIL (Virudhunagar District)

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam interacting with students at inauguration of New Academic Blocks at Kalasalingam University in Virudhunagar district on Sunday. Photo: S. James

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam interacting with students at inauguration of New Academic Blocks at Kalasalingam University in Virudhunagar district on Sunday. Photo: S. James

The fight against corruption got a further momentum on Sunday with former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also launching a mass movement and appealing to the youth in particular to participate.

Calling upon the people to defeat the evil of corruption, he announced his mission of propagating the ‘What Can I Give?' movement to infuse youth with ethics and great families with value system.

While the fight against corruption will be the central theme of Dr. Kalam's mission, it will also cover a wide array of social, environmental and ethical issues of urgent importance to India.

“I am propagating this ‘What Can I Give' mission to my country, especially for the young students, young officers, young legislators and youth of our nation. I want you to participate in this movement and you can write to me your ideas or visit the website - >www.whatcanigive.info - because corruption and moral turpitude are evils that need to be defeated by the goodness of youth,” he appealed.

The former President was addressing a huge gathering of school and college students after declaring open the new buildings at Kalasalingam University in Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar district, on Sunday.

Evil of corruption

“Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘What Can I Give' spirit. As students, scientists and professionals, we need to ask ourselves one question of what can I give to this nation,” Dr. Kalam said.

Apart from corruption, the movement focuses on environmental degradation and building a compassionate society.

“I will be happy to read your ideas and commitments about the mission What Can I Give? You also spread the message that we will work with integrity and succeed with integrity. Be an environment giver, care giver, smile giver or a rural reform giver. Think on those lines,” the former President told the students.

Urging the youth to become unique personalities, Dr. Kalam informed that he had so far met 11 million youth in India and abroad in a decade's time.

“Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place, that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard and have perseverance to realise the great life. These are four essential criteria,” he advised.

Referring to his famous Vision 2020 goal, he said that India should become a nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in harmony. By the year 2020, India should be a nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.

Integrated action

Dr. Kalam stressed that an integrated action is needed in five areas where there is core competence.

Agriculture and food processing, education/healthcare, information and communication technology, reliable and quality electric power, surface transport and infrastructure for all over the country besides self-reliance in critical technology are essential for leading us to food, economic and national security, he observed.

After the inaugural address, Dr. Kalam answered questions from school/college students on various subjects such as safety of nuclear reactors, joint family system, success in competitive examinations and chemical weapons.

K. Sridharan, Chancellor, Kalasalingam University, has said that this was Dr. Kalam's third visit to the campus and all his visits and interactions were really inspiring.

“Our university gave importance to physical infrastructure, tie-ups with leading institutions and quality education,” he said.

S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor, Kalasalingam University, T. Vasudevan, Registrar and P. Vishnu Prasad, Chief Educational Officer, Virudhunagar district, were among those present.

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