President Kalam calls on youth to bring in peace, prosperity

Pune, Jan 16 (UNI) President A P J Kalam today called on the youth to bring in peace, progress, prosperity and make the country a developed nation by the year 2020 and defeat terrorism that was affecting many parts of the world.

The President was addressing over 1,000 participants from different states at the valedictory function of the 12th edition of the National Youth Festival at the Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Nagari at Balewadi organised to commemorate birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The President said ''youth is power and it has the potential to bring about a change in all fields''. He pointed out that of the six billion people in the world around three billion were youth. He administered a seven point oath to the youths to achieve the mission of developing the country.

He said the way to bring peace was to develop the nation and become good human beings. Problems had to be defeated and it was possible through knowledge, hard work and 250 million people living in poverty have to be lifted, then success would follow. He asked the youth to shun corruption and lead a righteous life, keeping the environment clean in all respects.

The President said the country was progressing. ''There is an ascending economic trajectory, we are getting global recognition, there is more connectivity and the developed countries are showing interest in the development centres here.'' He said the youth must create employment. Focus must be on education, health care, infrastructure, communications, science and technology , water and energy and only then can the nation be self reliant and achieve a ten per cent growth.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrasrao Deshmukh, while welcoming the participants, said the youth festival was a symbol of the unity of the country in all its diversity. He said the ideals and vision of Swami Vivekananda of a vibrant India would be made possible by the youth and he expressed confidence that the Indian youth would rise to the challenges of the 21st century.

On the occasion, the President gave away 28 National Youth Awards to individuals and organisations for excellence in different fields of developmental activities and social services. The award to individuals comprised a medal, a scroll and Rs 20,000/- while voluntary organisation received a trophy, a scroll and Rs 1,00,000/-.

The awardees included 13 women with two from Maharashtra.

Madhukar Gupta, secretary Youth and Sports Department, GOI, city MP Suresh Kalmadi and Divisional Commissioner Prabhakar Karandikar were also present on the occasion.

UNI