ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was one of the most accomplished scientists of India. He is popularly referred to as the “missile man of India” due to his contribution to the development and operationalization of India’s strategic missiles. He was also instrumental in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle SLV-3. Dr. Kalam served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007.
The one thing Dr. Kalam thoroughly loved and enjoyed doing was interacting with children and students. He has authored fifteen books on a variety of topics. His books were translated into many languages across the world. His most well-known works are Wings of Fire, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India, Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development, and Beyond 2020: a Vision for Tomorrow’s India.
REVIEW
Dream, dream, dream… Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.
Ignited Minds is a beautiful book authored by the former president of India, late Shri A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The book presents a vision plan to take the nation forward, toward a glorious future. It inspires the readers, particularly the young ones, and ignites their minds to strive for a new and better India.
The book successfully captivates the reader’s attention from the first page itself. It begins with the inspiring dialog between five great personalities of the world, namely Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. The discussion takes place in Kalam’s dream. It instantly taps into one’s consciousness and reinforces the importance of self-realization. Dr. Kalam explains how we should let our inner energy guide us through difficult situations in life.
Embed the thought ‘
nation is bigger than the individual’ in the minds of the leaders and people.
Ignited Minds is divided into nine chapters, each concerning a specific theme. These themes range from spirituality and patriotism to scientific learning and a knowledge society. Each chapter opens with a quote from an eminent personality and concludes with a brief overview of the main takeaways from the chapter in question. Dr. Kalam also writes about his interactions with various people from different strata of the society. These include religious leaders, scientists, politicians, industrialists, students, and children.
He also highlights the qualities that the Indian society at large needs to acquire and adopt. Dr. Kalam vehemently stresses on the fact that in spite of having the potential, skills and resources to achieve the extraordinary, we often tend to settle for the ordinary. He urges the youth of the country to reach for the stars in their personal and professional lives. All in all, Ignited Minds can also be seen as Kalam’s vision document – a road map – for the splendid future of India.
Ignited Minds is a suitable read for people of all age groups. The book is written in a conversational tone in simple English. Each chapter contains stories from the life of late Shri Kalam. These stories go a long way in instilling a sense of confidence and a feeling of oneness in the readers. He highlights some of the critical issues faced by the country in a simple, concise manner. This makes it easy for young readers to comprehend them.
It is no exaggeration to say that each word in the book is an inspiration for readers, old and young alike. Ameya wholeheartedly recommends reading the book out to children to inculcate in them a gratitude to their motherland. It will also go a long way in motivating them to do their best for their country.
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