MLA to Kalam: Confer Bharat Ratna on Sonia

Today’s session at the Assembly was no different for Kalam from the ones he has held with children, with questions pouring in from all around. The youngest member in the Assembly, G. Leelavati of Congress, wanted to know the ‘‘moment of pride’’ in Kalam’s life. ‘‘Long ago, I developed a lightweight caliper for child patients at the orthopaedic ward of NIMS in the city. I will not forget the joy when I saw children dance with the calipers,’’ said Kalam.

To a question on globalisation from Congress MLA D. Sridhar Babu, Kalam said: ‘‘Globalisation is nothing but opening up our economy. We can face it only if we become efficient.’’

Kalam also stuck to his stand on India joining the nuclear race. ‘‘Alexander invaded our country because of our weakness. Strength respects strength. You know the answer,’’ he told TDP’s P. Keshav who wondered if nukes are necessary when India is fighting poverty and hunger.