Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Sunday said the country’s innovations were suffering from a “fifth nation syndrome”. According to Kalam, India has always been considered either a fourth or fifth nation to ideate any invention — be it in the field of space mission or nuclear programme.

“When the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle was introduced, India was declared to be the fifth nation to have it started. Similarly, India was considered the fourth nation to initiate nuclear weapons. Our scientists should come out of this syndrome,” Kalam said while addressing the 63rd Foundation Day of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute here.

“Now, we need to go beyond that syndrome and be number one. I visualise (that) the (Indian) researchers are evolving as creative talents,” he added.

> ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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