India not an invader; but invaded? Kalam's poser to self

Wellington, Tamil Nadu, Feb 24 (UNI) President APJ Abdul Kalam today confessed that one question really bothers him and he is not able to find an answer to it.

''It is a question that requires deep reflection. The question is why India has always been invaded, and why India has not invaded any nation for the last 2,500 years,'' he said.

Addressing the students and faculty of the Defence Service Staff College here today, Dr Kalam said he was sharing the question with them.

''I have asked this question to a number of people and did not get an answer. If you look from the time of Alexander The Great, our nation was regularly invaded. Of course he did not cross all the territories, but he wanted to invade this nation.'' ''Many people invaded one after the other. Even the Afghans invaded. Then the British came, as well as the French, the Dutch, Portuguese and ruled us.'' ''Now, why India has always been invaded? During the last 2,500 years, has India any time invaded any nation? No, why? I have not got an answer to this question which I posed to many,'' he said.

Dr Kalam underlined that this was something which you have to address yourself before evolving a big philosophy, a big strategy, or a big national plan. This is going to give you some sort of input as to what is your ambience, what is your thought process and what you are.'' ''Since history shows that we have always been invaded, we have to change probably, we have to reengineer our thoughts, concept and philosophy (to find an answer),'' he added.

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