Governance for Growth in India by Apj Abdul Kalam

Former President, Scientist, Technocrat and a thinker – Dr. APJ Adbul Kalam does not need any introduction. There are chances that if I start words of praise this book review will need to be written in another post. In Governance for Growth in India Kalam has vividly explained the aspects of governance from his knowledge, experience and suggestions. Kalam has outlined ideas for removing corruption, fixing governance and identifying accountability, which are root for all the present chaos in India. I think this book can be used as a roadmap for development for positive changes in India. This book was suggested to me by my wife ( who is the admin if the page too) , as she knows my interest for political discourse and development debates (Mostly armchair kinds). The introduction text in the back cover. “As India chooses its 16th Lok Sabha in 2014, and voters across the country are debating and discussing matters related to governance and elections, this book, from someone who has observed our national life at close quarters, is a visionary statement for every citizen to read and understand” was enough to grab my attention. Kalam, a great visionary has written this book in very practical style focusing ideas to improve development and governance in India.
The introduction starts with his recent visit to Punjab where he is interacting with a group of Young people and aswering their doubts. His answers show the true character of Dr. Kalam, and why we all have high respect for him. After the introduction the book takes us to the knowledge and overall experience of Dr. Kalam. In this book, Dr. Kalam not only hopes but believes that young Indians can change the bleak politics and politicans. He advises the government representatives to apply / follow the concept of creative leadership rather than falling into conventional methods of governance. He outlines the need of incorporating new, creative ideas and quick decision making process. This book is not only memoir, roadmap but also filled with lively examples ranging from different fields of Dr. Kalam’s experience. These examples, make the book more interesting. This book covers every possible topic related to development of the country ranging from corruption to improving defense missions. He has suggested many ideas to Election Commission too for trasparent and fair elections.

Why to read this book ? If you want to change or want to be part of change in the country you must read this book. This book will give you hope.

Why not to read this book ? If you hate change or to be changed.

I think this is a brilliant book, should be read by every concerned citizen of India.

My Journey : Transforming Dreams Into Actions by APJ Abdul Kalam

From a small boy growing up in Rameswaram, to becoming the country’s eleventh President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s life has been a tale of extraordinary determination, courage, perseverance and the desire to excel. In this series of anecdotes and profiles, Dr Kalam looks back on key moments in his past—some small and some momentous—and tells the reader how each of them inspired him profoundly. With warmth and affection, he talks about the people who left a deep impression on him as he was growing up and as an adult, and the lessons he drew from his interactions with them. He describes those who have been the closest to him—his father with his deep love of God, his mother and her great kindness, his mentors who helped shape his thoughts and outlook. There are heart-warming accounts here of his childhood years spent in a small town by the Bay of Bengal and the many struggles and sacrifices made on the path to becoming a scientist and then the President of India. Dr Kalam also writes about the times when failure and dejection nearly overtook him and how he prevailed over those obstacles by drawing strength from books and spirituality.

  For the sake of your emotions and thoughts , some books should be read one story at a time.

This was one such book that I deliberately read a little slow. Two stories a day at the max.  Having read "Wings on fire" thrice already , and some more articles on this inspiring man , the stories offered another peek into this genius's life. It offered me was hope , strength , the values and character of a person so respected and mostly it offers a glimpse into the old times when people knew the importance of a good education system , fair and peaceful co-existence of religions and to know of people who are so ordinary to us but yet make an everlating mark on the people known to them.

I was moved to tears at many instances , as I read of Dr Kalam's family's struggles and then at the failures he mentions so honestly and yet with a resolution that he shall overcome all these with hard work and faith in himself.

This is a book to be read and read frequently , atleast at every point of time when you face failure and want to give up.

The illustrations by Priya Sebestian add so much grace and beauty to every story that it kind of transports you in to that moment.

You can read an extract of the book here

Wings of Fire- An Autobiography

WRITTEN BY: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and Arun Tiwari

1ST PUBLISHED: 1999

ISBN 13: 978-81-7371-146-6

ISBN 10: 81-7371-146-6

SYNOPSIS:

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam has come to personally represent to many of his countrymen the best aspects of Indian life. In his autobiography, he ascribes, with characteristic modesty, the greatness of his achievements to the influence of his teachers and mentors. He describes the struggles of his boyhood and youth, bringing alive everyday life in a small town in South India and the inspirational role of educators.

He describes the role of visionary Indian scientists, such as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and of the creation of a coordinated network of research institutions. This is also the saga of independent India’s struggle for technological self sufficiency and defensive autonomy- a story as much about politics, domestic and international, as it is about science.

EXCERPT:

Each individual creature on this beautiful planet is created by God to fulfill a particular role. Whatever I have achieved in life is through His help, and an expression of His will. He showered His grace on me through some outstanding teachers and colleagues, and when I pay my tributes to these fine persons, I am merely praising His glory. All these rockets and missiles are His work through a small person called Kalam, in order to tell the several million mass of India to never feel small or helpless. We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness.

ARPITA SPEAKS:

It’s a book that needs no introduction. I had been thinking of reading this one ever since I went to a painting exhibition inaugurated by Dr. Kalam some time ago, at the art gallery of the Triveni Kala Sangam, in New Delhi. And I am really glad that I finally got down to reading it- thanks to the reading challenge, and a dear friend of mine who has lent it to me. However, I am actually thinking of getting my own copy now.

It was quite tough choosing the excerpt- I would quote nearly everything if I could! I finally decided on the one above, for what I love most about Dr. Kalam is his love for God as well as his interest in, and regard for, all religions. The autobiography, co-written with Arun Tiwari, who worked under Dr. Kalam for over a decade in the Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), is not just a book about science and politics, but also a collection of anecdotes, recollections, and pictures from the former President’s life.

Dr. Kalam recounts incidents from his childhood, and emphasizes on the profound impact that his family, friends, teachers and relatives had on him. He reminisces about his relative Ahmed Jallaluddin’s “special connection to God” that he used to wonder about as a child; he thinks back on his interaction with his best friends Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan.

There’s his love for English literature, Philosophy, and of course, Physics that he shares with us. What’s extraordinary, and remarkable, is his firm belief that there’s an intimate connection between science and spirituality. He refers to his childhood dreams, his love for aeronautics and his passion for science and, indeed, for life. What touches the heart is the humility and honesty that is ever so evident in every word. Enjoyable and, more importantly, truly inspirational- it’s an autobiography I feel proud to have read.

RATING: 4 on 5

PRICE: Rs.250/- (Universities Press)

NUMBER OF PAGES: 180