Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

When A.P.J. Abdul Kalam wrote India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium with Y.S. Rajan in 1998, little did they expect the magnitude of the response they would get. The idea that India could actually be a developed nation in a short time rather than remain condemned to a subsistence diet of marginal improvements and promises struck a chord among readers. The book continues to be a bestseller. Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India goes the logical next step and examines why, given all our skills, resources and talents, we, so obviously capable of being the best, settle so often for the worst. What is it that we as a nation are missing? For at the heart of Ignited Minds is an irresistible premise: the people of a nation have the power, by dint of hard work, to realize their dream of a truly good life. Kalam offers no formulaic prescription in Ignited Minds. Instead, he takes up different issues and themes that struck him on his pilgrimage around the country as he met thousands of school children, teachers, scientists and saints and seers in the course of two years: the necessity for a patriotism that transcends religion and politics; for role models who point out the path to take; and for confidence in ourselves and in our strengths. Who was he to write on so large a theme, he wondered as he started writing this book. But at the end, Kalam's humility notwithstanding, this may well prove to be the book that motivates us to get back on the winning track and unleash the energy within a nation that hasn't allowed itself full rein.

Unleashing the Power Within India

Ignited Minds

Inspirational stories from the life of the author.

Transforming Dreams Into Actions

My Journey

Vinod Rai

Not just an accountant is an incisive, no-holds-barred account of Indias eleventh comptroller and auditor general and a symbol of the anti-corruption movement, Vinod Rai. Through a narrative, rich in anecdote and inside information, Rai sheds light on the major scams that shook the country. Among the case studies-chosen for the diversity of failures they highlight are - the procedural irregularities in the issuance of licenses for second generation spectrum allotment, the last minute quick-fixes in the conduct of the XIX commonwealth games, the loss of national resources while allocating coal blocks, the flouting of systems and the clear display of crony capitalism in the exploration of hydrocarbon and the tragic tale of civil aviation in India. Through these illustrations, Rai wishes to not only expose government malfeasance, but also probe the mandate of the CAG as a watchdog. Equally, he hopes to push for long-term solutions to corruption and bring home the urgent need for ethics-for the pursuit of excellence, accountability, probity and transparency within governments, the bureaucracy, corporate enterprises and public life. Interesting facts A blow-by-blow, explosive, yet thoughtful account that sheds new light on the scams that shook India - 2G, coalgate, civil aviation, the conduct of the XIX commonwealth games and hydrocarbon contracts. Explodes the myth of accountability in contemporary Indian governance. Written by the eleventh CAG of India and a symbol of the anti-corruption movement, Vinod Rai. Presents long-term solutions for the future, so as to contain procedural irregularities within the government and corporate enterprises. Provides a roadmap for good governance, important for the growth of the nation. Exhorts younger professionals / administrators to strive for excellence.

The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper

Not Just an Accountant

It was like any other day on the Anna University campus in Chennai. I had delivered a lecture 'Vision to Mission' and the session got extended from one hour to two. I had lunch with a group of research students and went back to class. As I was returning to my rooms in the evening the vice-chancellor, Prof. A. Kalanidhi, fell in step with me. Someone had been frantically trying to get in touch with me through the day, he said. Indeed, the phone was ringing when I entered the room. When I answered, a voice at the other end said, 'The prime minister wants to talk with you ...' Some months earlier, I had left my post as principal scientific adviser to the government of India, a Cabinet-level post, to return to teaching. Now, as I spoke to the PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, my life was set for an unexpected change. Turning Points takes up the incredible Kalam story from where Wings of Fire left off. It brings together details from his career and presidency that are not generally known as he speaks out for the first time on certain points of controversy. It offers insight not only into an extraordinary personality but also a vision of how a country with a great heritage can become great in accomplishment, skills and abilities through effort, perseverance and confidence. It is a continuing saga, above all, of a journey, individual and collective, that will take India to 2020 and beyond as a developed nation.

A Journey Through Challenges

Turning Points

'The story of my life has become intertwined with the story of this country. And somewhere along the way, as I met a million children across this land, I too learnt from a million minds. This book was not written to only tell my story. I want every young reader to think that this book is his or her story too.' A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been one of the most iconic figures of Independent India. A scientist, leader, thinker, teacher and writer, he achieved remarkable success in various fields. Yet, what endeared him to so many was his dedication to the idea of a developed India, his simple and direct way of interacting with people and his deep love for his fellowmen. In My Life, Kalam writes his life story starting from his days growing up at Rameswaram; about working on India's space and missile programmes; his years as the eleventh President of India; and about his life thereafter. Full of anecdotes that demonstrate the importance of hard work, commitment, courage and innovative thinking, this autobiography is a wonderful introduction to a remarkable life. Beautifully illustrated and simply written. My Life will inspire readers of all ages.

An Illustrated Autobiography

My Life

Y. S. Rajan

Nuclear capability, self-sufficiency in food production, an array of indigenous satellites and missiles, an unmanned Moon mission India's achievements in the scientific domain in recent years have been spectacular. But, according to the country's best-known scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his close associate Y.S. Rajan, we've only just begun. In a century that many experts predict may belong to India, the realization of the vision of a better future for everyone will require a keen understanding of our needs and this can only be achieved by tailoring our research and innovations to the goal of national development. In The Scientific Indian, the authors of the path-breaking India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium return after ten years to the core areas of scientific advancement that are crucial today: space exploration, satellite technology, missile development, earth and ocean resources, the biosphere, food production, energy and water harvesting, health care and communications, to name a few. For each aspect, the authors provide the context of recent progress on the global platform as well as Indian breakthroughs, before outlining a pragmatic vision of technological development that will propel

A Twenty-first Century Guide to the World Around Us

The Scientific Indian

Srijan Pal Singh

Target Three Billion

Arun Tiwari

sawai-jīwanī

Agani-paṅkha

Scale New Heights by Thoughts and Actions

You are Unique

Each And Every Indian Can Make A Difference, Especially The Nation'S Youth' Mission India Is A Road Map For The Youth Of Today Who Will Shape The India Of Tomorrow. The Mission Is To Transform India Into A Developed Nation And One Of The World'S Top Five Economic Powers By The Year 2020. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam And Y.S. Rajan Examine India'S Strengths And Weaknesses To Show How This Goal Is Not An Unrealistic One. This Inspirational Book Introduces Children To The Unknown Success Stories Of India And Discusses The Country'S Problems At The Beginning Of The Twenty-First Century. It Looks At Different Aspects Of National Life, And Clearly Explains The Achievements And Challenges In Each Of These Areas. It Also Discusses The Ways In Which Today'S Youth Can Make A Difference To The Country. Based On The Central Tenets Of The Runaway Best-Seller, India 2020: A Vision For The New Millennium, This Book Seeks To Inspire Readers With The Crucial Sense Of Purpose Which Is Essential For Developing A Strong And Prosperous Nation.

A Vision for Indian Youth

Mission India

In The Life Tree A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Takes Us On A Walk, Through Anecdote And Poetry, Over The Terrain Of His Life. Kalam S World Is One Of Simplicity And Beauty, In Which Nature Figures Prominently, As Do Human Relationships And Love For The Country. There Is Also The Constant, Benign Presence Of God, An Encouraging Force Motivating Us To Share Happiness And Destroy The Barriers, Whether Of Caste, Religion Or Language, That Prevent Us From Reaching Out To Others. For, As He Says In One Of His Poems: Some Build Rock Walls All Their Lives/ When They Die Miles Of Wall Divides Them...I Build No Wall To Confirm Either Joy Or Sorrow/ To Sacrifice Or Achieve, To Gain Or Lose. In Kalam S World, There Is Room For All Creatures, Great And Small, And He Always Has Moments To Spare, Even In The Midst Of A Busy Schedule, To Wonder At The Beauty Of God S Creation. He Empathizes As Easily With A Child, Distraught At Being Separated From His Best Friend, As With An Adult Anguished By The Violence Of A Communal Riot. And He Is Candid When The Subject Is Deeply Personal, As In His Reminiscences Of His Mother. As Atal Bihari Vajpayee Says In His Foreword, Dr Kalam Shows A Deep Understanding Of The Problems Of Indian Society, And Attempts To Find Solutions To Problems With Compassion, Detachment, Forbearance And Sympathy. In This, Dr Kalam S Poems Have Enormous Value For Our Society. In Addition, These Poems Serve As An Intimate Introduction To Dr Kalam The Man And His Life, And Are Both Moving And Inspiring.

Poems

The Life Tree

Collections of President Abdul Kalam's speeches and addresses on diverse topics.

Indomitable Spirit

In this text, the authors examine India's strengths - and weaknesses - to offer a vision of how India can be among the world's first five economic powers in the year 2020.

A Vision for the New Millennium

India 2020

President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: January 2004-December 2005

Indian elections for the 16th Lok Sabha saw many heated debates on various topics concerning governance. In such critical times, the 11th President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam urges the Indians to cast their vote for the right candidate. Through Governance For Growth In India, he expresses his vision for India and the contribution which each Indian citizen must make for the same.

Governance for Growth in India

Dialogues on the Purpose of Life

Guiding Souls

Apathukatha Sivathanu Pillai

On the scientific excellence of India; some futuristic ideas.

We Can Do it

Thoughts for Change

A. Sivathanu Pillai

India has a rich heritage and a talented workforce, and is emerging as a knowledge society. Yet, over 26% of the population is below the poverty line; illiteracy and large scale unemployment persist. Over the years, the authors have interacted with people.

Technology for Societal Transformation

Envisioning an Empowered Nation

In 1998, Dr Kalam and Y.S. Rajan published the now iconic India 2020, a vision document for the new millennium that charted how India could become one of the top five economic powers in the world. Sixteen years later, as the year 2020 approaches, it is time to take stock of how much we have achieved and what lies ahead. In many ways, India's growth story in the twenty-first century has been hamstrung by missed opportunities and slowdowns in project execution; but it has also been marked by new opportunities and emerging technologies that make faster and more inclusive growth viable. A renewed policy focus is now needed for agriculture, manufacturing, education, health care and infrastructure argue Kalam and Rajan. Alongside, national security and the knowledge economy are some of the other vital areas that we need to build on as we look beyond 2020. A blueprint for our future development, Beyond 2020is a book every Indian must read.

A Vision for Tomorrow's India

Beyond 2020

The Luminous Sparks A Biography In Verse And Colours Written By Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, President Of India Is A Book Of Poems And Biographical Notes Accompanied With Matching And Thought Provoking Visuals, Created By Well Known Painters, To Nurture And Bring Out All That Is Kind, Gentle And Sincere In Human Nature. It Is A Pageant Of Sensitive Impressions That Shaped The Greatest Human Being Of This Century Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. The Poems And Notes Are Presented As A Panorama Of Incidents From, His Childhood, His Work Life And Present, Gradually Unfolding The Moments That Made These Thoughts Possible. These Thoughts And Poems Are Like Divine Dewdrops That Fall On The Blades Of Grass Of Our Life To Make It Beautiful. The Words Inspire When They Are Outpourings Of A Heart That Believes And Lives Them. The Biographical Notes Interspersed With The Selected Poems Of Dr. Kalam In The Luminous Sparks Invite Us Again And Again To Read And Reflect, Even As It Inspires And Soothes The Mind. In Order To Have A Book That Could Deeply Inspire An Inner Monologue For The Superior Personal Values, For Each Poem Paintings Were Created, Some Of Them As Huge Canvasses By Selected Painters. The Relevant Images Were Juxtaposed With Great Thoughts To Make A Total Experience That Leaves A Lasting Impression.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

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