Kalam tells NRIs to look back at homeland

Terming the better living conditions and better opportunities as the central theme behind all the historic migrations from India, President A P J Abdul Kalam in his characteristic style said the future wave of migration of Indians would be in the form of settlements on the Mars and the Moon.

Addressing the valedictory function of the fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Hyderabad on Monday, the President said the attraction of homeland had been historically proved and asked the NRIs to look back at their homeland with a purpose of making it a prosperous place.

Hailing the NRIs and people of Indian origin for their achievements, he said their prosperity and happiness were a matter of pride for the people of India.

"India is rich in spiritual wealth, which most of the advanced countries of the world feel lacking. Now we need to combine the economic wealth to make a truly happy and prosperous India by the year 2020,"Kalam said.

He also proposed a grid concept for each of the areas of knowledge "� healthcare, e-governance and urban services for a better synergy.