Imagination is the beginning of creation: Kalam

--Kalam inaugurates Children’s Science Congress

Hemanta Kumar Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: “Imagination is the beginning of creation and young students should imagine what they desire. At least create what you think and what you imagine in your mind. Knowledge of science can give one better eyes and solve sea of problems. Don’t be dictated by failures in order to get success in life. So, dream big,” said former President and eminent nuclear scientist Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Azad while inaugurating the Children’s Science Congress on the sidelines of 99th Indian Science Congress at The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) here on Wednesday.

While answering a number of questions, Kalam appealed to school children to be unique and work dedicatedly in the field of science and technology. Replying to a question on how he managed to balance science and politics when he was the President of India, Kalam said, “Science needs lots of money and money comes from politicians.”

 
Answering a question, why India spends so much on missiles and other defence programmes while many people of the nation are under poverty, he expressed, “I personally feel science is for people who have the capacity to do that and you can select science or humanity.” He answered different questions based on space, science, missile technology, gravitational force of earth and usage of science to eradicate poverty. “Earth, Moon and Mars will become economic entity in next three decades and we will be seeking lot of things from there,” he added.

He advised the young students to accept three things as their true friends in life these are- great books, great human beings and great teachers. He also said that culture of excellence is not achieved by accident but through a process in which a nation, an individual and an organisation constantly tries to get better and hoped the coming generation will have great aim in life and acquire knowledge continuously to be a conqueror of problems.

At the end of his addressing to school children, he said “Make your home free from corruption.”  He called upon young students to bring more glory to the nation.

The Children’s Science Congress is held every year since 1993 with an aim to make children aware and practice scientific methods. Kalam visited the NCSC stalls and NCERT stalls by the students of different parts of the country including the States, the Union Territories and private and Government institutions of different parts of the country.

“It is extremely importance by getting Abdul Kalam, who is an inspiration not only for children but also for everybody, in the ceremony. Millions of children follow him and the words coming out from his mouth is valuable for all of us. We are very happy that he came and inaugurated the ceremony,” said General President of 99th Indian Science Congress Prof Gita Bali to The Pioneer when the reporter asked about the importance of the event.

On the occasion, 16 young scientists across the country were awarded and the awardees get awards from the hand of Kalam. About 20,000 children from different parts of the country have been participating in the Children's Science Congress that will continue till Friday. Among others, MP Prasanna Patsani, Prof Yashpal, BP Singh, Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena, Dr T Ramaswamy and other distinguished dignitaries were present.