New Delhi: A day before he formally retires President APJ Abdul Kalam was given a ceremonial farewell in Parliament on Monday.
Kalam started his speech with a namaskar and initially spoke in Hindi but then switched over to English as the audience in the Central Hall heard him in rapt attention.
In a speech that won him a standing ovation, the President spoke about his faviourte theme Vision 2020.
“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.
He also said that Parliament faced greater challenges than ever before and wanted MPs to evolve a vision to transform the nation into a developed country.
“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.
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.
Though, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who quit as Vice-President on Saturday, was not present during the speech, Kalam described him as a "remarkable person."
He also wished his successor Pratibha Patil “all the best in her mission.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and I K Gujral, were also present during the farewell ceremony.
(With PTI inputs)
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