The Hindu Business Line : Development politics need of the hour, says Kalam

MUMBAI: Results of the just-concluded Lok Sabha election indicate performers have been endorsed by the electorate and that developmental politics succeeds in India, former President, Mr A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday said.

“More performers have got elected,” Mr Kalam said while interacting with students at the launch of the Malhar Conclave in St Xavier's College here. He told the students aspiring to be political leaders statecraft can be of two types - political and deve lopmental.

“We should be doing 30 per cent political and 70 per cent developmental politics. But, we are doing the reverse,” Mr Kalam said, advising the students not be cynical about the direction of India's progress and growth.

He said India was a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-regional and religious nation.

“No where on the planet Earth, can you find such a unique nation. Problems are bound to be there. But, the youth should overcome them.”

On whether India can be considered a great country at this juncture, the former President said, “Greatness lies in the people of the country, if they respect other human beings and are tolerant and appreciative of each other's views.”

On brain drain, he said, “I don't believe in brain drain. India produces three million graduates every year. If 10 per cent of them leave the country, it is not brain drain.” - PTI

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