Kalam calls for nuclear weapons-free world

Shimla: Making a strong plea for a world free from nuclear weapons, former president A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday said "universal pressure" should be built to ensure destruction and non-proliferation of such arms.

"Universal pressure should be built for a nuclear-free world," Kalam said while addressing a gathering at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla.

"Nuclear energy is required for power but nuclear weapons lead to mass destruction and should be destroyed," the leader said.

Nuclear energy is required for power but nuclear weapons lead to mass destruction and should be destroyed, said Kalam.

At the 'Fundamental Duties to Strive Towards Excellence' colloquium, he said in response to a question that "there are more than 10,000 nuclear weapons in the world and USA and Russia have signed a treaty for reduction of nuclear weapons and it is hoped that both the countries would abide by the treaty."

Lauding the role of scientists in achieving food sufficiency and raising foodgrains production to 250 million tonnes, the leader underlined the need for a second "Green Revolution" to meet the increased demand of 340 million tones by 2020.

"We need to prepare an exhaustive plan taking into account factors like water, power, fertilisers, pesticides, seeds, crops, finance, storage, warehouse and stakeholders for synchronised action to achieve the target," he said.

Kalam, who also interacted with students, called for a second freedom struggle for "economic prosperity" and said that lawyers, who played an important role in the freedom movement, must take the lead to bring about this change.

Exhorting students to strive for excellence in whatever field they choose for themselves, he asked them to "exploit their full potential, have passion to chase their dream and enhance their capabilities."

On the role of teachers and family in the upbringing of children, he said that parents should be instrumental in giving a "spiritual home" while teachers should be role models and inspire the young.

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