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Prez vision: An India on Mars
If there is an Indian in every corner of the globe today, by the end of the century they will be swarming across the galaxy, predicted President Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam on Monday.
If there is an Indian in every corner of the globe today, by the end of the century they will be swarming across the galaxy, predicted President Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam on Monday.
Addressing the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2006, the President said the next wave (fifth) of migration of Indians would be to outer planets like Mars. People of Indian Origin have throughout history moved across the glove.
The first, and probably the longest wave, was of Indians going forth in search of knowledge and opportunity as travellers, as teachers and as traders to China and Indo-China. The second wave was one of enforced migration of indentured labour, a legacy of colonialism. Indians were taken to Africa, West Indies and England. The third wave was a product of partition, he said.
The fourth and most recent wave has been that of skilled Indians seeking various opportunities and challenges in the United States, Canada, English-speaking European countries and West Asia.
"In the fifth wave, towards the end of 21st century, Indians may participate in the planetary civilization that may result many resourceful Indians inhabiting Mars and entering the space industrial establishment on moon," he prophesied.
The president also presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards at the ceremony. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek, Jean Paul Virapoulle, a member of French Senate and Abdool Raouf Bundhun, vice-president of Mauritius are among the recipients of this year's awards.
