Kalam flies along LoC, checks quake-hit villages

In his trade-mark style, he tutored schoolchildren about the importance of education, especially science. ‘‘Only 3 per cent people in J&K live below poverty line as against the national average of 26 per cent but literacy rate among women needs to be improved,’’ he said and told the schoolchildren to help educate women. Kalam then announced five computers for each of Uri’s 16 high schools and suggested that the State government open a polytechnic in the area.

Replying to a query, Kalam said credible quake prediction would be a reality in the next five to ten years. ‘‘I visited Iceland and they have developed a big and validated mathematical model. They can predict earthquakes in their country a week ahead. In Russia too, there has been some movement. Now Russia, Iceland and India are having a conference on this,’’ he said.

A student asked Kalam his post-retirement plan. ‘‘My term ends on 26th July, 2007. l will become a teacher,’’ he said. Another student asked Kalam who was his favourite actor. ‘‘I am still searching,’’ he laughed. ‘‘I haven’t watched a film in 30 years.’’

At Udoosa, Kalam witnessed a colourful cultural programme by children from the adjoining villages, which were worst hit by the quake. ‘‘We have lost several of our school mates sir, but we have not lost the hope to live,’’ Tasneem Aslam, a student told Kalam.

These villages have been adopted by the Indian Air Force, which has set up a temporary hospital, and reconstructed a school building.

‘‘You are living in a very important area because you are close to the border. Thus your contribution to the country is immense,’’ Kalam told the villagers. ‘‘We will do everything to help you’’.