KALEM: ENLIGHTENED WOMEN VITAL FOR INDIA

August 29, 2004 - (UPI) Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says empowerment of women would stabilize society and help transform India into a developed nation.

According to The Hindu newspaper, Kalam spoke at Lady Doak College in Madurai, saying girls should not stop their education at the secondary school level.

Said Kalam: "We have to ensure continuity of secondary and university education for them. It is essential to establish connectivity between the university and secondary schools. Periodically, secondary level students should be counseled to continue their education."

The Indian president said women were not entering into professions such as engineering, medicine and the armed forces.

He added, "Enlightened women are very important for nation-building since their thoughts, way of working and value system will lead to a faster development of a good family, good society and a good nation."

From: http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20040829-041247-3895r.htm