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THE IDEA OF UNITY
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FUREC functions at three levels. At the level of the individual, it seeks to develop a common agenda for the development of an individual free of violence, so that we can have enlightened citizens. At the level of the society, it seeks to eradicate poverty through economic upliftment and harnessing the teachings of spirituality. At the collective level, it seeks to bring about better understanding between the different faiths and religions and amity between them. Given below is a conversation Acharyaji and I recently had:
Acharya: Kalam, I recall that we together launched a very important movement on 15 October 2003, which also happens to be your birthday. The occasion was graced by fifteen spiritual leaders and their teams at Surat. For the first time in our country, a structured action-oriented system was evolved, bringing together spiritual connectivity. Looking back, can you tell me what impact it has made amongst our people, particularly the youth. Kalam: Acharyaji, the birth of FUREC led to many programmes, one of them being the the yearly essay competition for the children. Thousands of students participate, and we have released their work in the form of books on many occasions. These books are indeed the windows into the health of our families. Acharya: Did the movement of righteousness among the youth emerge out of FUREC? Kalam: There is an interesting episode. At Adichunchanagiri, a Class X student, Bhavani, asked me a question in front of a gathering of 54,000, consisting of students, teachers, religious leaders and parents. 'Mr. Kalam, I want to live in a corruption-free India, Can you please tell me, as a youth what should I do?' This led to the birth of the movement of righteousness. Daily, thousands of youths visit my website www.abdulkalam. com on this issue.
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