Pune students’ meet resolves to bridge digital divide

The first half of the second day of the first Parliament of Indian Student Council Leaders was memorable for the student participants, as three resolutions were passed by them.

Moreover, 20 students, who have been selected to speak on a given topic gave a glimpse of how the future leaders will be.

The three resolutions included, ‘a one-month workshop after every six months should be conducted in each village by state-funded educational and technical institutions to impart computer literacy and creating awareness about its need’. The students had to respond immediately by sending SMSes. The three resolutions were passed by an overwhelming majority
of votes.

Smita Daware of Cummins College asked former president APJ Abdul Kalam whether ‘Vision 2020’ is achievable taking into account the current scenario of poverty and corruption. Kalam said India has all the resources but its people lack confidence.

The dream will be achieved by the youth with a positive attitude.
Replying to another query by Sinhagad Institute student Hussain Aali Kajmi on the challenges before India to become super power, he said, “Besides economic development, we need to inculcate righteousness among individuals, who will make a peaceful and progressive country.”

Madhurima Ghosh of MIT asked whether nuclear power plants are enough to meet the country’s power need, Kalam said, “India can use thorium, which is available in plenty in the country. But to meet the rising demand of power, we need to have nuclear, solar and hydel power plants.”

Sandip Patil from Kolhapur asked Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as how to use spiritual power to overcome failure in life. The guru said meditation is the best way to overcome failures and sadness.

Replying to a question on how to protect the ozone layer, ecologist Vandana Shiva said, “Less use of refrigeration can help to protect the environment, as the use of HFC and HCF gases used in fridges is harmful for ozone layer.”