GSLV launch by 2007, promises Kalam

President A P J Abdul Kalam on Thursday said India will launch the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) by 2007.

Kalam arrived in Srinagar on a brief visit late this afternoon and attended a  function of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at the heavily  guarded Sheri Kashmir International Conference Centre.

The President was received at the airport by Jammu and Kashmir Governor S K Sinha, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, top civil, police and army officers.

Addressing the students and the faculty of the NIT Srinagar, Kalam  said that he would play a role in ensuring that big industries came to Kashmir.

Responding to questions by students of the NIT, Dr Kalam said, "The country must have a very big space mission."

"Great strides have been made in satellite and rocket technology while major rivers are being linked to counter drought situation. Roadmap has been made for a developed India with focus on knowledge products
and infrastructure building," the President said.

Dr Kalam said that setting up a software technology park and CEDET in the valley would usher greater industrial activity. "I would recommend setting up of centres by country's topmost scientific institutions like ISRO, HAL and DRDO in the state."

Kalam suggested a three-pronged approach to tackle the problem of  unemployment in the country, including starting entrepreneurship courses in schools and colleges, availability of hassle-free capital to entepreneurship and creating market for them. "Instead of employment seekers we have to produce employment generators."