Article Posted on : - Jan 06, 2010

A File Photo.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PTI): Former president A P J Abdul Kalam Tuesday said India should come out of the "sixth nation syndrome" and aspire to achieve the highest position in every field to fulfill the goal of a fully developed power by 2020.

"In every area, whether in nuclear energy or space, India is suffering from the 'sixth nation' syndrome...It is high time that we think and work to free ourselves from this mental shackle," Kalam said during an interaction with the employees of BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvanthapuram Ltd (BATL) here.

He, however, expressed happiness that supersonic cruise missile BRAHMOS, a joint venture with Russia, was the number one in the world. "I am very happy that we have broken out of this syndrome in this area," he said.

It is crucial to maintain the competitiveness in all sectors as today's world is a highly competitive one where it is difficult to predict what would happen tomorrow. Instead of focussing on making products for defence and space programmes, BrahMos should also diversify into civil areas, especially in nuclear and solar energy sectors, Kalam said.

"As India has set a target of increasing its nuclear power capacity from 7000 MW to 20,000 MW in the next five years, BrahMos even could think of entering into an MOU with Atomic Energy Commission for taking up their works," he said.

This way BrahMos could multiply its annual turnover from the present Rs 30 crore to Rs 250 crore in the next five years, he added.

Kalam, interacting with the students, said his mother was the inspiration behind all his achievements in science as well as in administration.

"My mother is the leading force throughout my life and career," he said to a question from a student.

Another youngster wanted to know how he could serve the country at a young age using his scientific spirit and knowledge. "Plant as many trees as you can and thus save the environment of the society you live in," he said.

Another way of serving the country was for the youth to go to villages to educate the illiterate.