Friday, May 27 2005 11:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Geneva: Asserting that science could bring people together, President A P J Abdul Kalam yesterday (May 26, 2005) said that technology is harmless, only the user has to be good.

Addressing a jam-packed hall at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne, 60 km from Geneva, Kalam spoke about the use of nuclear technology and said Albert Einstein gave the formula which is the basis of the nuclear technology.

"It is used for generating electricity, treating seeds for better crop and used as radiation for treatment of diseases. At the same time it is used for making bombs," said Kalam, who was one of the key scientists behind India's major breakthroughs in missile technology and nuclear capability.

"Technology is harmless but the user has to be good," he added.

The President called for international community to work closer in building a borderless world through science and work towards converging great minds to help people.

Kalam said India pays special attention to basic sciences in schools and colleges, modernising and reforming institutions of science and above all "re-dedicating ourselves to the spread of scientific temper".

Upon his arrival in Geneva, the President was received by Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, who escorted him around the institute and later for a briefing by the Institute's President Alexander Zehnder.

Kalam also visited two laboratories where a presentation was given on micro-nanotechnologies and neurosciences by senior researchers.

The President made a special mention during his speech about the presentation made on brain and mind and said the research could help in curing the autistic children.

"A little bit of more research may help in a breakthrough," Kalam said.

The President said that Indian government always made special budgetary provision for carrying out scientific activities in various fields.

Impressed by the Institute, Kalam also said that he would be sending few of his students to carry out research activities in the Institute.

The entire hall, which comprised students from India, gave a standing ovation to the President. Student community, with whom the Indian media later interacted, said they were highly moved by the knowledge of the President.