E-campaign for Kalam's re-election by youth

NEW DELHI: "We want APJ" is the SMS doing the rounds among students across the country as youngsters are rooting for a second term for President APJ Abdul Kalam.

The students have also posted an on-line petition to the government urging for an extension of Kalam's tenure as the first citizen of the country.

The campaign, initiated by Pune-based NGO Pune Nagrik Manch (PNM), is fast catching on.

The petition posted on www.petitiononline.com, a free on-line service, in October last year has already been signed by more than 1,74,877 people.

The on-line petition of the group reads: "We need the dynamic leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam with his vision. I am a young citizen of India, armed with technology, knowledge and love for my nation, I realise, small aim is a crime."

"Our mission is to re-elect President Kalam as he is the only person who deserves to be the first citizen of our country. I cannot think of another name for coveted seat," said Sujeet Shimalkar, president of PNM.

"As the date for the next presidential election nears, we are have launched an SMS campaign as well so that more people can be involved in our endeavour to re-elect President Kalam," Shimalkar said.