India, Nation New Delhi: "I am a girl child; so I am not even allowed to go out for my tuitions. How can I fulfil my desire to become a successful scientist like you?" was one of the many questions posed to President A P J Abdul Kalam by school students on December 10.

Questions ranged on subjects from the recent starvation deaths in the country, to rationale behind examinations, to the concerns of a girl child wanting a "safe and secure” environment, reflected the thoughts of future generation of the country, at a function here to mark the human rights day.

In more than half an hour long inter-action with the students, hailing from various schools of Delhi and Noida including Kendriya Vidalaya, Delhi Public School (DPS) and Rai school, the President encouraged them to take on challenges and never be tired of hardships.

To a query about death penalty, capital punishment and why India should not abolish it like many other countries, the President asked National Human Rights Commission chairman J S Verma to reply. However, the President said "it looks to me that nation needs a debate on the issue".

On whether science was a boon to the society or not, the President said science comes with reason and it depends how one uses it. An aircraft, used for aviation could also be used for fighter plane, nuclear science can produce both medicines and atom bomb, he said.

The President, before the inter-action, was presented with his cartoon made by a student of 11th class.

PTI