Patna, Nov. 15: The message of former President APJ Abdul Kalam on the ways to have a corruption-free society is loud and clear. “First ask your parents not to get involved in corrupt practices, then expect others to follow,” he said, responding to a query today.

In reply to a question — “Being a child, what can I do to ensure a corruption-free society?” — asked by Kavita Chandra, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bailey Road, the “missile man” said: “Charity begins at home”.

Kalam added: “If you ask your parents to avoid corruption, they would surely listen to you out of affection. Being a child, this is what you can do.”

The former President was addressing students of different schools at DAV Public School, BSEB. He launched a national mission — What Can I Give? The mission is all about giving back something good to the society, he said.

Kalam told the students that the mission requires no money and would involve 30 schools. Emphasising more on the mission, he said: “Take away bad things like corruption from the society and repay with two things of your (students’) capability. Teach five people who can’t read and write. Second, plant five trees and nurture them to make Patna beautiful. This is what you can give.”