Wednesday, November 16 2005 16:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam, who is also the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, today (Nov 16, 2005) adopted a novel way to mark the death of a young 1971 Indo-Pak war hero by making school children swear an oath to show courage, spurn temptation and work for nation-building.

Making courage in the face of adversity was the theme of his over 20 minute Cavalry memorial lecture. After his speech, Kalam resumed his seat but suddenly came back to the dais towards the end saying he wanted the children to take an oath.

"Courage to defend the Nation. Courage to innovate. Courage to invent. Courage to overcome suffering and succeed are the traits that led to growth of human civilization", the President made the school children repeat after him.

He ended by asking them to swear 'to strive to work for a prosperous, happy and safe nation'. The occasion could not have been more solemn as with top brass of the Armed Forces present to mark the cavalry day and dedicate it to honor their war hero 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal Singh belonging to Poona horse, made the supreme sacrifice by blunting a Pakistani tank attack in Shakargarh sector in 1971 war.

He was decorated with nation's highest gallantry award Param Vir Chakra.

"I salute his supreme sacrifice and know he will be role model for all the youth, particularly the officers and Jawans serving in the armed forces", Kalam said.