India should get rid of fifth nation syndrome: Kalam

Missile man and former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Sunday said the country is suffering from the 'fifth nation syndrome' as it is always the fourth or fifth nation to launch any mission like the space mission or nuclear programme.

He said the country should strive to occupy the number one slot. Speaking at the foundation day programme of CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute here, he said the country has been suffering from the 'fifth nation syndrome' as whenever it launched any major mission like the space mission or nuclear programme it was the fourth or fifth one to do so.

"Now we need to go beyond that syndrome and be number one," said the Bharat Ratna awardee, who is known for his work on development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.

Speaking about the Assam violence, Kalam stressed on uniting the warring factions.

"All of us should see that they come together as the unity of mind is very important. We need a cohesive society," Kalam told reporters.

"Assam is a beautiful state, definitely peace will come," he said. More than 85 people have lost their lives and four lakh people were rendered homeless since ethnic trouble erupted last month in lower Assam districts of Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Chirang, Bongaigaon and Baksa.

Asked to comment on the anti-corruption movement, Kalam said, "Every home has to be clean - your home, my home, his home, every home. When every home is corruption free  then India is also corruption free."