Such is the strength of their faith and sense of duty. Ladies and gentlemen. Nations cannot afford to sit on their laurels. Success must be reinforced. New ideas and new blood must continue to be injected.
Timing is important.
Vibrant and dynamic nations consolidate their successes and move on to greater heights. They honour and respect their heroes, thank them for their work, and then move on to entrust new generations to carry forward the torch of their elders. In my opinion, in the context of our nuclear programme, we are at such a stage. As the older leadership hands over its responsibilities, a new set of leaders prepares to meet fresh challenges. This is the essence of human endeavour and progress.