Former president APJ Abdul Kalam said he visualises India in 2020 as a country free from terrorism and a secure place to live in with people proud of the country's leadership.
Kalam's written message was read out at the inauguration of the Children's Science Congress at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong on Monday.
The former president was scheduled to inaugurate the event but cancelled his visit for health reasons. Renowned scientist MGK Menon inaugurated the event.
Kalam appealed to the young minds to "observe, experiment and think."
Kalam said it should be the mission of "our budding scientists to see that they make scientific discoveries, which will lay the foundation for future technologies of the country" leading to new cost effective products."
The former president said in his written speech that was read out that he dreams of a nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free, where poverty is eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.
23 states are participating in the event with over 200 students putting up more than 100 stalls.
{{/usCountry}}23 states are participating in the event with over 200 students putting up more than 100 stalls.
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