SHILLONG, July 24 � Former President APJ Abdul Kalam today said there is not enough funding for basic science in India and called for �big� investment to promote researches in higher education.
�There is not enough funding for basic sciences in India. We have to invest in a big way and I am pushing that idea,� Kalam said on the sidelines of a lecture at the IIM-Shillong here. There is an urgent need for investment in basic sciences, he said.
Commenting on the brain drain in the country, the former President said, �in globalised world we cannot stop brain drain.�He said India produces 3-4 million graduates which include those who did management and technology.
�A few thousands (a small percentage) go out in the globalised world to earn but they still have strong connections in India. In a globalised world they come and go. A lot of people will also come here. The benefit is mutual,� he said.
Kalam who has agreed to teach at the institute, began his lecture to over 100 students on the theme �Empowering 3 billion.�He will be at the campus of the institute the whole day till 9 pm where he will guide the students in groups as well as individually, IIM-Shillong Director A De said.
The institute at present functions from the Mayurbhanj Complex � an erstwhile summer palace of the King of Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
�I want to see all of you as the creative leaders to bring about the required change,� Kalam said while addressing the students of IIM Shillong. Kalam is at the institute for a course on the �Dimensions of National Development�.
During his session with the students he talked about the challenges that our country and the world is facing at large and emphasised on the role of leadership to tackle these issues and develop possible solutions.
The former President talked about his concept of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas) which focuses on rural development by providing opportunities through cooperative working and social entrepreneurship. This would enable our country to grow by shared efforts and overcome the challenges faced by the society, he said.
Kalam charted out the link between creative leadership and economic development. He emphasised on the importance of the role that change in leadership would play for ensuring the success in future.
He also accentuated on the role of integrity among leaders for sustained success and development of the society. � PTI
