Brain drain not a problem for India, says Kalam

Madikeri, Apr 7: President A P J Abdul Kalam today said migration of scientists and engineers to other countries would not be a problem for India as it produced lakhs of such professionals every year.

Interacting with the student community here, he said India generated lakhs of scientists and engineers every year and if ten per cent of them move away to different countries, ''I don't think there is any problem.'' Replying to a query from U R Prithvi, an eighth standard student he said ''People who go abroad have their connectivity at home and with the educational institutions where they studied. This connectivity enriches us with their experience.'' On students role in fulfilling his Vision 2020, Dr Kalam said ''Students should excel in their studies. During their spare time they can plant five trees and nurture it. They can also educate five people who cannot read and write during their holidays.'' Asked about the change in curriculam, he said he was satisfied with the initiatives of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as it had resulted in the formulation of the National Curriculum Framework - 2005.

The Framework aimed at connecting knowledge to life outside the school, ensured that learning shifted from note learning methods, enriched the curriculum to provide for overall development of children rather than remain textbook-centric, besides making the examination more flexible, non-threatening and integrated into classroom life.

Dr Kalam was here to take part in the birth centenary celebrations of Gen K S Thimayya.

UNI

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