Kalam makes case for knowledge platform

The World Knowledge Platform is needed for 8220;synergising the core competence of the European Union and India in critical areas providing solutions to problems of water, healthcare, and capacity building8221;, he said. Describing Europe and India as 8220;natural partners8221;, the Indian President pondered, 8220;Do we share a common history and heritage, possibly in the future, a common destiny?8221; Kalam found an 8220;inter-connectedness8221; between the two. The bond between Europe and India has matured through a sustained trade and intellectually satisfying collaboration in areas of science and technology, he said.

Elaborating on the idea of World Knowledge Platform, the president said bio, nano and information technology are going to touch every area that is a concern of the humanity. Such a platform can make the world a safe, sustainable and a peaceful place to live in. In water, for instance, he suggested desalination of seawater using solar energy, networking of rivers and cost-effective safe drinking water.

In healthcare, diagnosis, drug delivery system and production of vaccines were of prime importance.

Other areas of cooperation on the common platform could be knowledge products, agriculture and food processing, transport systems, habitat, disaster prediction and management and capacity building, he suggested and stressed the need for a joint strategy on ensuring a 8220;three dimensional approach for energy choice towards realising a clean planet earth8221;. Talking about India, the President observed that its economy was poised for an ascent.

But even though the GDP growth indicates economic growth, people8217;s participation is essential for achieving the targets. It was essential to 8220;ensure that the citizens are empowered with good quality of life encompassing good food, good habitat, clean environment, affordable healthcare, quality education and productive employment.8221;