identified knowledge, competitiveness and innovation as the crucial approaches for bringing in economic strength.

Recalling the heritage of technological leadership, the President called on ISRO to new initiatives, such as the cost effective space transportation, solar power for industry and rural areas, global positioning satellite system, probably a habitat in space and also a possible contribution to the connectivity of rivers.

The President, during this visit, also laid the foundation stone for the ISRO Training Centre at the VSSC premises. The Training Centre is designed to meet in-house training requirements covering all aspects of technological needs of all the ISRO Centres. The centre will impart induction training as well as in-service training to ISRO employees, an initiative undertaken by ISRO to institutionalise the smooth passage of knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation.

The President visited an exhibition on "New Technologies in Space" and later participated in interactive sessions with senior scientists from all the centres of ISRO.

Earlier, welcoming the President, Dr. Kasturirangan said that Dr. Kalam, along with his colleagues, has transformed the village of Thumba into a center of modern technology. He expressed his happiness on the President's decision to start his scientific pilgrimage from the establishment where he had worked for more than two decades.

Mr. Madhavan Nair, Director, VSSC, proposed the vote of thanks. He said that Thumba nurtured half a dozen directors, two chairmen and now, the President of India. He thanked the President and others for their participation.

The President with his former ISRO colleagues