Experience the joy of giving to defeat evils of society: Kalam

Chennai:

It is the joy of giving which will defeat the evils of society that arise from the never-ending greed of ‘what I can take’, said former president A P J Abdul Kalam.

Speaking at a function, organized by Samudhaaya Foundation, here last night, the former president said the nation has many challenges to overcome that include corruption, environment degradation and the need to build a compassionate society.

Observing that these evils arise from the never-ending

greed of ‘what can I take?,’ he said it has to be replaced with ‘what can I give?’.

‘What can I give?’ will make the society compassionate, environmental-conscious and care towards each and other, he added.

The former president also said that corruption was one of the evils in the country that has to be defeated by the ‘goodness of the youth.’

Earlier, Kalam presented cheques of rs 20 lakh each to Sri Ramachandra Hospital, to aid the underprivileged affected with childhood cancer, and Prema Vasam, a home for the less fortunate, mentally and physically challenged children. The funds were generated through Samudhaaya Foundation’s Project Sahay 2011.

He also presented the Saadhna Award for Excellence to M Murali of Sri Krishna Sweets for demonstrating proficiency and outstanding service in their field.

Former chief election commissioner N Gopalswami and founder and managing trustee of Samudhaaya Foundation and carnatic music exponent Sudha Raghunathan was also present on the occasion.