The Hindu 15.08.2009
Fight corruption: Kalam
Special Correspondent
| Youth is the most powerful resource on earth, he says |
Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy 
Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam releasing a special cover at the Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Coonoor on Friday. –
Udhagamandalam: Corruption can be fought with a strong youth movement, said former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Coonoor on Friday. Replying to query posed by presspersons, he said that corruption was a serious issue and added that children should fight it. If a child knows that his father is corrupt he should confront him.
Describing youth as, “the most powerful resource on earth, above earth and below earth,” he said that the mind of the youth should be ignited.
He felt that in about 30 per cent of the 200 million houses in the country there would be corrupt persons.
To another question, he said that in about ten years India would not have to depend on other countries for nuclear fuel.
Preserve environment
The role of the youth in preserving the environment was emphasised by former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam while participating in an interactive session with students of the Providence College for Women in Coonoor on Friday. Adverting to the movement started by Wangari Muta Maathai of Kenya which was responsible for planting about 43 million trees, he said that if the 350 million youth of the country plant four trees each a billion trees can be grown.
The need of the hour was leadership with compassion, he said. Even hardcore prisoners respect leaders with compassion.He underscored the need for such leaders for the voiceless.
Recalling his childhood days and the sacrifices made by his mother, Mr. Kalam said that the youth should have an aim in life and strive to achieve it. Pointing out that female infanticides can be checked if the people are more vigilant, he said that a movement should be started to put an end to it. A young students brigade comprising girls and boys should come into being. Tribal uplift can be ensured if education was provided to them. Use should be made of mobile vans and satellite education. Highlighting the role of teachers in the enrollment of students, Mr. Kalam said that in private or government schools if the teachers are good the students will be attracted.
The Principal, Sister Maria Goretti Martis welcomed the gathering. Among those present was the Vice-Chancellor JSS University B. Suresh.
Mr. Kalam donated a few books to the College library and inaugurated three exhibitions.
Become job providers
Youth should aim to become employment generators and not employment seekers,said the former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam while bringing the curtain down on the 150th year celebrations of the Stanes Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School at Coonoor on Friday.
Youth power can create a value system which can make India a developed nation.
Pointing out that the youth of today need not fear about their future if they have an aim,Mr.Kalam said that it was upto teachers to create enlightened human beings.
“Being taught by a great teacher is considered to be a God given gift,” he said and added that teachers should don the role of beacon lights.
Stating that the 21st century needs persons with integrity,he said that people should not allow problems to defeat them. To check the decline of morals in society, moral science classes should be held.
The Principal, Llewallyn Xavier, welcomed the gathering.
Mr.Kalam released a special cover and unveiled a statue of the schools founder Thomas Stanes.
