New Delhi: Exhorting medical fraternity to constantly strive towards working for the poor, former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday sought more research in the medicine especially in finding a cure for AIDS and for creating low cost healthcare.
Delivering Annual Oration Lecture at Maulana Azad Medical College, Kalam stressed on the need to reach out to rural areas and bring in modern technological advances which will help doctors in creating low cost healthcare.
"I have visited many hospitals and healthcare institutions in India and have seen many doctors (providing) tremendous service to the poor, free of cost, selfless service," he said.
Answering a volley of questions ranging from India's superpower prospects to the state of education in the country, Kalam answered each and everyone, drawing applause. Attributing the slowdown in the US and Europe for a negative effect on the Indian economy, Kalam exuded optimism throwing his weight behind the burgeoning young population.
"Till 2009, we were doing very well with around 9.5 per cent economic growth, after that with slowdown in America and Europe, our economy turned from 9.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent. But with youth power and all the resources we have, and with the confidence that they bring, definitely we can return towards the path of superpower," said Kalam.
On the education system where there is a growing divide between teachers and students, Kalam emphasised on the urgency to improve the quality in primary education where the first seeds of learning are sowed.
"Today we have a problem in primary education, the syllabus needs to be modified, we need creative teachers, creative syllabus and creative environment embracing and bringing the technology in classrooms," he said.
Asked about his first reaction when first missile under his guidance was launched, Kalam said he felt that "India can do it" giving confidence to the nation in rubbing shoulders with world powers.
"When Agni I was launched, what we felt at that time was yes, India can do it. I was the project head and it was a success for India," he said.
Ending the session with a learning for all after a member raised doubts over the crisis in moral standards, pointing towards the recent incident of heinous rape committed on a young girl in the capital, and an insatiable drive towards money, Kalam answered in his trademark style.
"Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character, where there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home, where there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation, where there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world," he said.
"Medicine is the only profession where you can create smiles, do your best, give happiness, bring smile to the people," Kalam said.
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