Kolkata, Jul 5 (IANS): Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Tuesday said India needs a large number of creative leaders to become a developed nation by 2020.

"National economic development is based on competitiveness. Competitiveness is powered by knowledge. There is a need for creative leadership and a creative leader means he should be a mentor," Kalam said during a programme organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here.

"We need a large number of creative leadership. Knowledge is the primary source of empowerment. Ability to develop knowledge infrastructure is the key factor to develop a knowledge society," he said.

He said that to be a developed nation by 2020, India should attain and then maintain 10 percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"To be a developed nation by 2020, India's GDP growth rate should be 10 percent (per annum) and it should be maintained," Kalam said.

Corruption-free society, physical and economic connectivity in the rural areas and stress on micro-finance and small-scale industries were also important for the country to be a developed nation, he added.