Kalam asks MPs to have a vision for the Nation

NEW DELHI: As he demits office, President APJ Abdul Kalam on Monday said Parliament faced greater challenges than ever before and wanted MPs to evolve a vision to transform the nation into a developed country by 2020.

"At the dawn of 21st century, Parliament, like any other institution faces greater challenges than ever before, especially on matters related to human development and governance," he said in a thought-provoking address to MPs who bade him farewell in the Central Hall.

Suggesting MPs to formulate an Energy Independence Bill and adopt a resolution for Vision 2020, Kalam said a Parliamentary Vision for the Nation should be evolved in the same manner as the Constitution was first drawn up.

"The 21st Century Parliamentary Vision for India needs to have a global and long term perspective. For transforming India into a developed country by 2020 with National Prosperity Index as a measure and acquire energy independence before 2030," he said.

Starting his speech with 'Namaskar', Kalam initially spoke in Hindi and then switched over to English as the audience in the high-domed Central Hall heard him in rapt attention.

Though Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who quit as Vice President on Saturday, was not present, Kalam described him as a 'remarkable person' and when he wished his successor Pratibha Patil 'all the best in her mission', the audience gave him a big hand.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and IK Gujral, were prominent among those present.