Dr. Kalam speaking at press conference

By IOL South Asia correspondent

NEW DELHI, June 20 (IslamOnline) - In his first press conference after being nominated for the Indian presidency, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the man who pioneered India’s rocket and nuclear technology, reiterated India’s nuclear doctrine of “no first use.”

Kalam said that if India and Pakistan did not have nuclear weapons there would have been a war. “Even the recent warfare would have seen that. Why it did not take place? If we did not have nuclear weapons it would have taken place. Do you understand that? This nuclear deterrent on both sides has helped not to engage in a big war and to avoid the nuclear war,” he said.

Kalam said India would maintain a “minimum deterrent” in nuclear weapons and that its arsenal “depends on what our future adversaries have.” He noted that the government has declared a moratorium on further nuclear tests.

Refusing to answer questions on the Indo-Pak standoff, Kalam quoted Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee that the situation on the border was under control. He also talked about his pet subject, the dual use technologies and new management structures, and said that India’s weapons programs can be used in national development.

Replying a question about the Gujarat carnage, Kalam told the press, “What has happened in Gujarat is very painful. We should prevent it at all cost. I can only say whether religion can graduate into spiritualism. Can the political leaders turn into political leaders with compassion? ....Managers can graduate into leaders. Can our education system work for 100 per cent literacy?” But he refused to say anything about the role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Kalam said he felt “humbled” when he was nominated for the Presidential elections and said “I will definitely contribute in the nation's vision of prosperity and security.” His winning the election, slated for July 15, is a foregone conclusion with both the BJP and Congress party supporting his candidature. Kalam, 72, will be India’s 12th President and the third Muslim president of the country.

The “father of Indian missile” said his message to the youth of the country was: “Transform the nation into a developed nation.” He said this message came to his mind when he was asked by a young girl during his walk at the Asiad Village in Delhi this morning.

Dr. Kalam filing his nomination papers, flanked by both the leaders of Opposition and Government - a rare view in India.

Kalam also conveyed the message that President Kalam would not mean the end of Scientist Kalam. “When I am elected as President, I will endeavour as to how technology can be used as one of the tools to develop the nation.” He quoted the Constitution where it casts a duty on the State to develop scientific temper among the people.

Kalam addressed his detractors who have accused him of no clear focus. The focus, he said, would be on “how to transform India into a developed nation. My focal areas are self-reliance in critical sectors such as science, technology, commerce, industry and communication.”

To Kalam, “developed” meant nuclear-developed too. “When was the last war with Pakistan?” he asked to immediate impact. “That both sides are nuclear-capable has helped not engage in a big war,” he enunciated carefully, defending nuclear deterrence.

Describing his push into the political arena since last Sunday as akin to the launching of a rocket, Kalam also promised: “I will learn more about the system. My definition of politics is all about creating responsible leaders to create empowered citizens to evolve policies that take the country to a higher level.”

Pakistan & India.. Military Balance Jenin: World testimonies Israeli Operation Defensive Shield Palestine: Maps and Facts We Denounce 9-11, Owe Egypt An Apology: Islamic Jama’a Swiss Muslims File Suit Over “Racist” Fallaci Book Sharia Tussle Peaks, Mahathir Warns Islamic Party of “Hell” Afghanistan’s Qanooni Refuses New Post: Sources Warning Messages Intercepted by U.S. Authorities on September 10 Turkey Takes Command of International Force in Afghanistan India’s Next President: “N-capability Has Prevented War with Pakistan” Hurriyat Conference Calls for Parallel Talks with India, Pakistan Jordan Spells Out Mideast Conference Conditions, Mubarak & Assad Meet Israeli Army Tribunal Keeps AFP, Reuters Photographers in Jail England Prays to Defeat Brazil, Koreans Won’t Bear Gifts to Spain Israel Adopts New Hard-line Policy, Blows Up Residential Building Jordan, Egypt Reject "Provisional" Palestinian State Fresh Jerusalem Bombing Kills Seven, Wounds Forty  Al-Qaeda Kill 40 U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan Patriarch of Egyptian Catholics: Pope’s Views Only Represent the West Iraqi Opposition Crucial for Killing Saddam: Experts  Israeli Writer to Israel: Withdraw from Palestinian Land, Dismantle Settlements Arab Media Ministers Discuss Campaign to Expose Israeli Crimes Settlers Burn 1,000 Olive Trees, Army Abducts 1,200 in 24 Hours Jewish Groups Pressure Turner to Withdraw Israel Criticism More Israeli Army Incursions into West Bank Towns  American Muslim Council Officials Respond to Smear Campaign Myanmar Muslims Seeking Asylum Stay in U.N. Agency Syria Helped Save U.S. Lives: Burns Bush Puts Off Mideast Speech, Palestinians Attack Israeli Fence Bush's Homeland Department Outline Delivered to Congress Iran Hails EU Decision to Open Trade Talks, U.S. Wants Assurances World Cup: Senegal Cut the Magic, Let Their Feet Do the Talking South Koreans in Glory Path, Co-Host Japan World Cup Glory Ends Africans Roar With Pride As Senegal Lions Head Into Quarter-Finals World Cup Bonus for South Korean Stars, Urged to Reach Last Eight Asia Has Another World Cup Going On in Thailand  Poles Intent on Giving Koreans Parting Gift Before Leaving World Cup Afghans Follow World Cup Through Dishes Yesterday's News Search Articles      News Archive : Day: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31     Month: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12   Year: 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999