Former President of India A P J Abdul Kalam today urged the youth to work and succeed with integrity.
"Work with integrity and succeed with integrity," Kalam said, when he was asked about advice for today's youth at the 8th Global Healthcare Summit organised by the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) here.
He predicted that India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is currently hovering at around five per cent, would improve in another few years.
"About ten years back, India's GDP was around 6 per cent. In 2010, it was around 10 per cent. However, currently, it is around five per cent. The GDP will recover in few years' time, because India has 600 million youth below 25 years, who will drive the economy," the Bharat Ratna recipient said.
When asked what keeps him going, Kalam said, "Seeing billion people happy; that is what keeps me going."
Admitting that global warming is a matter of serious concern, he said the problem could be addressed by planting more trees.
"Because of global warming, glaciers are melting. Every mature tree absorbs 20 kg of carbon dioxide and releases 14 kg of oxygen. So, if a person plants one tree, it would go a long way in fighting the problem of global warming," Kalam said.
Talking about challenges to be faced by developed and developing countries in the medical sector, Kalam said, "In the future, the primary focus would be on providing healthcare at affordable cost without compromising on quality and preventive healthcare with thrust on hygiene".
He advocated that medical practitioners should be compassionate while rendering their services.
