Kalam visualises new India by 2020

Cuttack, May 10 (UNI) Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today said India will be the best place to live on earth in 2020 as he visulaised a new India with an ideal destination in many spheres.

Delivering the first convocation address of Ravenshaw University here, Dr Kalam said during the next 12 years, India would have a very thin line between the urban and rural areas.

There would be abundance in quality energy, making the country the best destination for science and technology research and quality healthcare facilities.

''This apart, the country would have a responsive government with reduced illiteracy and malnutrition, with a conglomerate of entrepreneurs, administrators and farmers,'' the former president said.

He urged the youths to strive hard and transform their dreams into reality. ''When dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts into action along with knowledge, then all problems would be defeated and goals would be met, Dr Kalam said.

Orissa Governor M C Bhandare, also the Chancellor of the University, while recollecting the past glory of the institute said about 140 years ago this institute was elevated from a college to a university in 2006.

The Governor hoped that this University would successfully disseminate and advance knowledge, wisdom and understanding through its innovative methods of teaching and research.

University Vice-Chancellor Devdas Chhotray, in his address, said Ravenshaw University would emerge as a synergetic knowledge center in the entire South-Asian region.

He said Ravenshaw is passing through a phase of resurgence.

The University, has envisaged a Center for Understanding Orissa and develop its art and culture, he added.

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