Monday, August 15 2005 11:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Observing that energy is the "lifeline" of modern societies, President A P J Abdul Kalam today (Aug 15, 2005) said ensuring "Energy Independence" should be the country's "first and highest priority" and the nation must be determined to achieve this within the next 25 years.

Addressing the nation on the eve of 59th Independence Day, he said achieving Energy Independence was certainly possible for India and for it there was the need for evolving a comprehensive renewable energy policy within a year.

"Today on this 59th Independence Day, I would like to discuss with you .. an important area, that is Energy Security as transition to total Energy Independence," he said in his address which entirely focussed on science and technology.

Pointing out that Energy Independence would mean an economy, which will function well with total freedom from oil, gas or coal imports, he said achieving this "has to be our nation's first and highest priority. We must be determined to achieve this within the next 25 years".

The scientist-President said this, "Major 25-year national mission must be formulated, funds guaranteed and leadership entrusted without delay as public-private partnerships to our younger generation, now in their 30's, as their lifetime mission in a renewed drive for nation-building."

Underlining that India has knowledge and natural resources making it capable to achieve Energy Independence, he said, "What we need is planned integrated missions to achieve the target in a time-bound manner."