We will work for realising your 2020 goal: MPs to Kalam

New Delhi, July 23 (UNI) Members of Parliament today bade farewell to outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam assuring him that they would work for realising his vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2020.

''We solemnly pledge and reassure you that we shall focus all our endeavours towards realising your vision of transforming our country into a developed nation,'' the MPs said in their farewell address, read out by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee at a colourful function held at the Central Hall of Parliament.

The MPs also sought Dr Kalam's continued inspirational guidance in ''this exciting national mission,'' while the outgoing President, in his farewell address to them, offered his best wishes in their pursuit.

The MPs recalled a grateful nation had conferred the three highest civilian honours on Dr Kalam -- the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna in 1997 -- for his contributions to the development of scientific and technological research in the country.

The half-an-hour function was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpayee and I K Gujral, Leader of Opposition L K Advani and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The Speaker and the Acting Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha K Rahman Khan flanked Dr Kalam on the dais.

Dr Kalam, who demits office on Wednesday, was presented with a scroll, signed by the MPs, and a plaque.

The MPs said Dr Kalam had held the office of the President with ''great distinction and dignity'' and made wide-ranging contributions towards strengthening the nation through his remarkable public career, and more particularly in the last five years.

''Sir, the story of your journey from a tiny hamlet of Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhawan is indeed inspiring. Your life and mission are a testimony to what a conscientious citizen of our country can achieve, even when contronted by seemingly insurmountable hurdles in one's path.

''The many distinctions you have attained in life, under very difficult circumstances, will ever remain a source of inspiration for every aspiring youngster, who dreams of a brighter tomorrow for oneself and for the country at large.'' Dr Kalam asked the MPs to adopt a ''Parliamentary Vision for the Nation, in the same manner as when our Constitution was first drawn up.'' 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.

''It is this unique Parliamentary Vision and its effective implementation that would make our billion people smile and smile together. Working together in unity and harmony for a national Vision is the greatest need of the hour for our parliamentarians.

You will agree with me that this is one of the most important mission of our Parliament today.'' UNI