5 books Kalam wants kids to read in 2006

There were precepts, tales, admonitions, exercises and even homework for 750-odd students as President A P J Abdul Kalam donned a multiplicity of roles when he interacted with them in the Children Science Congress, as part of 93rd Indian Science Congress in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Narrating inspiring events in the lives of Father of Green Revolution Norman E Borlog and Mathematics genius Ramanujam, Kalam told a spell-bound audience of children to inculcate "scientific magnanimity" - the ability to recognise the best of knowledge without any reservations.

"You children should learn that great minds and great hearts will be together," he said. At the same time, the academician in the President wanted the teachers to spot the talent lay hidden in a student.

"Ramanujam had failed in all subjects except mathematics. It was his headmaster who, defying opposition gave him admission in high school," he said. Kalam entrusted the task of reforming children to parents, when Sushanti, a seventh standard girl, asked him about the means to tackle corruption among elected political representatives. "Righteousness is the virtue to be inculcated right from childhood. Government cannot create honesty. Only parents and elementary level teacher can weed out corruption in the long run," Kalam said citing a childhood experience when he was taken to task by his father for accepting a gift.

On the relationship between science and values, student Anand Sinha was told that a mature civilisation like that of India can impart values while science only teaches reason. "They both should be practised together though," Kalam observed.

For success in life, the President has a formula for children. "You develop courage to think differently, to discover, to confront the problems and succeed," he said.

There was also a homework for the students. "I want you all to finish this homework in 2006. You should read five books -- Empires of the Minds by Denis Waitly, Journey into Light by G Venkataraman, A Brief History of Time by S Hawking, Parallel Worlds by Michao Kaku and The Best of Indian Physics by Dr Siddharth," Kalam said.

Finally, there was a promise for kids. "All of you should prepare a mission statement for yourself. You write to me one paragraph on what you are going to become in life and for what you will be remembered for. I will give a special gift for the best statement," the President promised the beaming children.