Abdul Kalam interacts with students at Children's Science Congress

Mumbai, Jan 5: Former President APJ Abdul Kalam has interacted with students at the Children's Science Congress being held on the sidelines of the 102nd Indian Science Congress.

After inaugurating the 22nd Children's Science Congress, Kalam called the children are the future of the nation and asked them to follow their dreams. He spoke of the idea of a new planet in the short term in order to accommodate the ever growing number of humans.

He also spoke about genetic engineering and remedies for diseases invented to transform the human civilisation. Kalam asserted that a man is a great resource and is above the fear of future. He said man has to work hard with confidence and vision to conquer fear.

Kalam recited a poem that concluded with the words: "I will fly, I will fly, I will fly". Calling technology the backbone of the nation, Kalam recalled a young scientist from Hyderabad, who invented a suitable walking leg for the polio-affected children.

The 'Missile Man of India' spoke on India's Mars mission and also expressed confidence that medical cure for diabetes will be available in next two years. The goal of all inventions and discoveries has to be for the welfare and development of the entire humanity, he said.

Invention and discoveries are from creative minds with constant efforts; the pioneer nuclear scientist said.

Quality of water, power of energy, quality education in science and technology, research and control over global climate change, Moon and Mars mission are some of the goals he listed for India in the near future. Bringing back greenery to environment is a challenge, he said.

Rajan Welukar, Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, observed two minutes of silence to pay tribute to the convener of exhibition of ISC 2015 T R Sane, who passed away yesterday. R A Mashelkar, who is spearheading the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' chaired a separate session on cleanliness campaign and interacted with participants.

PTI