Galaxy of Kenshine

Former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday advocated a three-pronged strategy to combat Terror which included raiding and smashing militant hideouts both inside and outside the country.

Firstly, a vigorous national campaign, involving every citizen, should be launched to tackle the terror menace, he said interacting with students in Hamirpur.

Secondly, Kalam advocated carrying out raids to destroy terror hideouts both inside and outside the country.

"Terror can be eliminated by raiding and smashing militant hideouts both inside and outside the country," he said.

Lastly, there was need for speedy trial of cases relating to terrorism to punish perpetrators of such crimes, he said.

The ‘Missile Man’ voiced concern over rising incidents of terror in the country which, he said, were posing a ‘big threat’ to the country.

The former President was answering questions, ranging from the terror scourge to his personal life, fielded by students representing several schools in Hamirpur.


Then, addressing annual convocation of the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Kalam emhasised the need to make NITs a partner in development of the country.

Kalam exhorted the NIT authorities to adopt 20 senior secondary schools for enhancement of quality education in the country.

He advised the young NIT engineers to form working groups on each pillar of development and come out with suggestions as how to make an academic institution of the repute of NIT, a partner in the development of the country.

Kalam said such efforts would be helpful in fulfillment of vision 2020 for India.

The former President administered an eight-point oath to the graduating students to bring about professional efficiency in their practical life and contribute significantly towards nation with their technological skills.

Kalam gave medals to outstanding NIT graduates in the function.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal made an appeal to the students to make contribution in environmental protection. He exhorted them to provide better know how in harnessing hydel potential of the hill state.

R P Chauhan, Chairman of governing body of NIT, and NIT Hamirpur Director I K Bhatt spoke on functioning of NITs in the country.