Kalam’s mantra for kids, nukes only for peace

He was responding to a question from a student who wanted to know how nuclear weapons could be used for peace. ‘‘All around, nations have nuclear weapons. When two of our neighbours have nuclear weapons, naturally for India, to protect peace, we have to have it,’’ he said while pointing out that nuclear technology is being used for generating electricity, increase in agriculture production and nuclear medicines.

The atmosphere at the function was charged with spontaneity as Kalam left the stage and mingled with the children in the audience to answer their queries. With this, the President completed interacting with 1,00,000 schoolchildren from all over the country today.

The function began with A.R. Rahman’s rendition of Kalam’s poem Ignited Minds sung by a choir of schoolchildren.

Addressing the function, Kalam explained his ‘‘vision for India’’ to the children. His vision included a GDP growth between 5 to 10 percent, 100 percent literacy, health for all and self reliance in critical sectors. Replying to a question on whether the government could use the funds spent on testing missiles in Chandipur for the poor, the President said that India spent very little on defence and it was for the defence and security of the country.

Another student who wanted to know how insurgency in the North-East could be be controlled, he said only development can root out the problem. Stating that he had visited almost all the north-eastern states, Kalam said that the region possessed tremendous resources. Arunachal Pradesh itself produce 30,000 MW of power.

To a question as President how he would contribute to the ‘Vision 2020’, he said, ‘‘India 2020 is a vision. I would mark it to the Government…’’

On being asked whether he was a satisfied man, now that he had become the President, he said, ‘‘I will be satisfied when by 2020 we will live in a secure, prosperous and developed India.’’