Mangalore, Apr 1: Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam urged young and new voters to elect a capable leader, who can defeat any problem confronting the country.
He was speaking at the interactive programme organized by the district administration as part of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme to the students at TMA Pai Conventional Hall on April 1, Tuesday.
He also said that he had been to Mangalore 60 years back in 1954, when was pursuing education in Chennai. Mangalore is a beautiful city and one of the cleanest in the country.
Kalam advised students to select able candidates in the coming Lok Sabha elections and not go for choosing the NOTA (none of the above) option, since it is worthless. The voters must select candidates with integrity, righteousness and free from corruption.
He asked student voters fulfill their duty and responsibility to vote and also encourage 10 others to vote in the Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking on the upcoming election, Kalam said that this election is very important and largest election ever exercised in the world. For the first time around one million first time voters will cast their votes in this election. Hence every voter’s decision will play a vital role in shaping the future of this nation.
The former President refused to answer screened questions, which were collected from students in writing in advance and selected from among them and answered extempore questions.
Kalam also released audio CD, brought out by the committee to create voting awareness among the voters, which contains songs in different languages.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim welcomed Dr Abdul Kalam and the gathering. ZP CEO Tulasi Maddineni proposed the vote of thanks.
Election observer Sawanth IAS and others were present.
A few students interacted with Dr Kalam during the question-answer session.
