Outgoing Kalam outlines 2020 vision for India

New Delhi, July 23: Emphasising the need for having a vision for the nation among the Members of Parliament, outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam in his farewell speech here today called for the future political leadership to rise to the global challenges of development and sustainability of growth.

Addressing the MPs at the Central hall of the Parliament, where he was today given a farewell by the Members of the Parliament, Kalam said: "The future political leadership the world over has to rise to the challenge of sustainability of growth, development, environment and resources."

"The national leadership has to radiate confidence in our people that 'we can do it'," added Kalam, who also outlined his 2020 vision for the country to the MPs.

Urging the MPs to debate over his suggestions, Kalam said that they should draw up a 'Parliamentary Vision for the Nation,' similar to the framing up of country's Constitution.

"This 21st Century Parliamentary Vision for India needs to have a global and long term perspective, and needs to be underpinned with implementation strategies, integrated structures and action plans for transforming India into a developed country by 2020 with National Prosperity Index as a measure and acquire energy independence before 2030," Kalam added.

Thanking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his predecessor Atal Behari Vajpayee with whom he worked during his five years of presidency, Kalam urged the members to formulate and pass an Energy Independence Bill that would give a three-dimensional approach for energy choice towards the goal of realizing a clean planet earth.

He also urged them to adopt a resolution for Vision 2020 to transform the country into a safe, prosperous, happy and socio-economically developed nation before the year 2020 using National Prosperity Index (NPI).

"..we cannot afford to rest content with the past achievements and we have to march in tune with the challenges of 21st century in technology, industry, agriculture, trade, governance system and leadership style,'' Kalam added.

Kalam praised Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee for his efforts to create a high tech museum and launching the Loksabha TV channel. He termed former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, as a "remarkable person with a wide canvass of experience".

The outgoing President also congratulated President-elect Pratibha Patil and wished her all the best.

ANI
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