IGNITED MINDS - Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam

IGNITED MINDS - Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam

                           "Ignited Minds", A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Book, lies in the scientist's ability to present some of the issues that make the nation in easily acceptable packages of information. The full Name of the book is "ignited minds - unleashing the power within India". This book consists of many inspirational messages by A P J Abdul Kalam. The Book contains nine chapters: The Dreams and the Message, Give Us a Role Model, Visionary Teachers and Scientists, Learning from Saints and Seers, Patriotism beyond Politics and Religion, The Knowledge Society, Getting the Forces Together, Building a New State, To My Countrymen.

                         In this book first he Emphasis about the importance of mother, father and teachers. The book tells that "Vision ignites the minds", and talks about the modern Indian visionaries. Ability for a change in the mindset and to take risks, which shall result into success. The book there is a "Song of Youth", with these opening words:
"As a young citizen of India,
armed with technology and love for my nation,
I realize, a small aim is a crime."

In this book He writes: "You will find in this book plain speaking: Surge ahead as a developed nation or perish in perpetual poverty, subservient to a few countries that control the world politically and economically."

                     For Kalam a very important mission for India is to become a knowledge super power.  Ancient India was more than anything else a knowledge society. Today India should regain the lost status of being a nation and civilization founded on knowledge.

                      Kalam present his "I have a dream" statement to make the nation out of the doubt that it has fallen into. Kalam's world and view is too simple, even bordering on the truth. Kalam's "Can Do" approach at his age is a lesson for all those who close their lips at any talk of India achieving greatness in the near future.

                  The scientist is right to rely on the young to ask him some of the most exciting questions. A student in Assam, asks him why the flood waters of the Brahmaputra cannot be diverted to water-scarce Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu? Dulled, by India's slow march to development, an adult reaction would be to dismiss such a view outright. The childlike curiosity and questions for knowledge with determination to do the job- which Kalam contains in abundance and makes him so special-that can ignite minds and produce greatness. He ends this chapter as follows:

"And to God the Almighty!  Make my people sweat.  Let their toil create many more Agnis that can annihilate evil. Let my country prosper in peace.  Let my people live in harmony.  Let me go to dust as a proud citizen of India, to rise again and rejoice in its glory."

                                                                                                        

By,

Aishwarya T R

No. 2