Feb 09, 2006 10:16 PM
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(Updated Feb 09, 2006 10:16 PM)
Why I Read This Like millions of Indian I too am an APJ Kalam fan, more so after I experienced his humility, magical charm when I had a rare occasion of shaking hands with him at a wedding. Literally most of the crowd went to shake hands with him, wishing the newly weds became secondary ;-) I had heard about this book from friends who had read. I planned that I will read it before my death. But one day I was surprised to get it by courier as prize for answering a viewers question in a quiz program on Asianet channel. That also made me nostalgic about my school days where books were the only items given as prize. Now that I had it free, I couldn’t come with excuses.. I HAD to read it.
What kind Of book Its an autobiography of our president APJ Kalam which he has co-authored with Arun Tiwari, who worked under Kalam in defence research field. I feel its ok to borrow 2 sentences from the books cover pages to give an idea what the book is about. This is the story of Kalam’s own rise from obscurity, his personal n professional struggles…. This is also the saga of independent India’s struggle for technological self sufficiency & defensive autonomy – a story as much about politics, as it is about science.
The book is published by University Press, distributed by Orient Longman , 180pgs, 250Rs, 7x10 inches
Who shud read this Indians, students, anyone curious to know about APJ kalam, anyone curious about Indian space n rocketry in early years. I think this book has something for everyone.
Summary: The book as I said is about Kalam rise from humble circumstances & his narrative of India’s strides in rocketry & space science. The book is neatly divided into four sections – Orientation, Creation, Propitiation & Contemplation. The book dedicated to his parents begins with ‘My mother’ – a poetic tribute to his mother Kalam.
The first section covers the early life of Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. Hope you noted the expansion of APJ .. it could be asked when you are on hot seat on KBC3 ;-). His memories of the early days are very reminiscent of good old magudi set up. The way he remembers his relatives, teachers who influenced him makes one wonder. Adding color to the section are the black and white pics of that time. This section covers all his education and early travels.
The next section deals with Kalam’s further trainings and his association with defense and space projects, mainly the SLV3. This section has too much scientific details and introduces you to a list of defense and space research establishments that you may have not even heard of. Just as he thanks his family and mentors in the first section here you find him thanking the stalwarts of Indian science like Prof Vikram sarabhai, Dr Brahm prakash, Prof Satish Dhawan. That Kalam is an aam aadmi at heart is proved by his many narratives involving his interaction with committed but insignificant people in the hierarchy. All through the book you are continually fed with acronyms, which again can come back to you on any KBC3 as a question.
The third section covers the years 80-91 when Kalam moves from ISRO to defence Labs. Here again like the previous section there are many black and white pictures where like the 70s hero, you find kalam in bell bottom pants ;-). The book covers the story behind the names we have all heard, the SLV3, PSLV, Akaash, Naga, Agni, Trishul and what not. The book apart from Kalam’s story is also a list of Indian space who is who & achievements.
The last section deals with later years where Kalam is conferred with a list of awards, his contemplations, his visions for the country. There is a very touchy narration of how he visited a old teacher of his & the reunion of a pupil who went beyond teachers expectations. Its difficult not to be inspired by this life. The section along with epilogue also mentions of Kalams vision 2020 – of self reliance vision & technology vision.
I says I Would recommend this book to any one who can read this. This has something to inspire everyone. His undying spirit, quest for knowledge, trusting people etc are a great lesson to kids. No wonder that you see him spending much time with kids. If you read the book its as if he is speaking to you in the simple English that he always uses. And to imagine he worked mostly in govt establishments where red tapes, bureaucracy is the order of the day. Read this for the follwing reasons – Kalam’s story, General knowledge about Indian scientists, space programs, defence research, rocketry.
All through the book there are many lessons even for the managers as kalam narrates how the best out of people can be brought out. No politician reads a book these days, they cant write as they don’t have vision. Kalam isn’t a politician, as the media says he is a ‘spiritual scientist’, read his visions and contribute in every little ways to make it come true. I was expecting him to write why he didn’t get married, the book doesn’t say anything. Apparently he didn’t have a personal life, it was a life totally well spent for science, for nation. Whatever I write its going to be insufficient revu on this book, it has to be read, it has to be experienced – and that happens only when you read and Kalam takes you through his journey, by hand.
