In a strong disapproval of politics of religion, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said future Indian generations will not remember the present for constructing temples or mosques and called for a moratorium on issues that impede nation's development.
Making use of the Independence Day eve address to the nation, he also cautioned against divisive forces using terrorism as a tool in the name of ethnic groupism, religious fundamentalism and sometimes political ambitions.
Posing a question as to 'what should we be remembered for', Kalam asked "Will be remembered for how many churches our generation has added, will be remembered for how many mosques our generation has added, will be remembered for how many temples our generations has added or will be remembered for how many gurdwaras our generation has added?
"No, not at all. We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with our resources on non-productive issues.
The President appealed to political leaders, religious leaders, opinion makers, media personnel and citizens to place a moratorium on all issues which are impediments to development from now and pledge to make the missions of developed India a reality.
Apparently referring to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent peace initiative with Pakistan, the President said, "India has definitely taken a significant peace initiative with all its neighbours. The recent visit of our Prime Minister to China definitely paves the way for resolving certain outstanding issues."
In a veiled message to Pakistan, he said in a situation where there will be acute shortages of water, energy and minerals which no single nation will be able to handle by itself, the neighbouring countries should see this perspective and have a bigger vision.
"In such a situation, the present reasons for conflict will become insignificant and unwarranted," he said adding the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir through a suicide bombing in which both service and civilian persons suffered a number of casualties was a cause for concern.
"No religion has mandated killing others as a requirement for its sustenance or promotion. These cowardly acts borne out of utter frustration deserves severe condemnation and actions for preventing recurrence of such events."
The President recalled his interaction with students in the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar during his visit when three students belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities asked him when would India become prosperous, free from poverty and from the fear of terrorist attacks.
"Allow us to go on a mission to penetrate the minds of the extremists and bring about unity of minds," the children told him which inspired him to write a poem.
Kalam recited his poem which appealed to God to create thoughts and actions in the people so that they live united.
"Light the minds of the religious leaders of my country to evolve a bridge among religions with compassion and love. Embed the thought 'Nation is bigger than the individual or party' in the minds of the leaders. May God, bless my people to work hard and transform the country into a prosperous one."
Referring to natural resources and the presence of a highly motivated young human resource, Kalam said the people have to prioritise their thoughts on national development and render all other issues as "non-issues."
This, he said, would ensure focus and thrust on development process and prevent dissipation of energy and resources on non-productive issues.
Appealing for a moratorium on contentious issues in favour of development, he said "This will be the greatest legacy that we can proudly leave behind for our next generation. Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow."
Emphasising on the need to evolve and develop specific integrated missions sector-wise to take the country forward on the path to self-sustaining development, the President said these would provide the thrust for the realisation of a developed India in a time bound manner.
Elaborating on five specific missions, he said these would provide large-scale employment opportunities for the youth, through the creation of various types of industries and enhancement of national infrastructure