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Does Kalam's statement ring a bell somewhere? It's high time that we as Indians shed our inhibitions and learn to think outside the box. This book takes a look at the deep-rooted sentiments, long-cherished ambitions as well as scary prejudices and unknown worries of the Indian youth. The youth of the nation is not afraid to dream�only hesitant to take that all-important first step that can build a developed India.
Time and again, Kalam mentions that only education is not sufficient to make youngsters hold on to their dreams. When merged with spirituality, education can work wonders and thus the need for self-realisation. To quote him, "We have to learn to ignite our inner energy, which is lying dormant, and make it the guide of our lives� The radiance of such minds will bring peace, prosperity and bliss to this nation". Thus, the book enthuses young people to discover the power within them.
In Ignited Minds, the missile-man also discusses memorable and inspiring experiences that he had while visiting different parts of the country as National Advisor to the government of India. On his visit to Tezpur in Assam for instance, Kalam was appalled as children questioned him intelligently yet innocently about what the future holds in store for India. Addressing parents and teachers, Kalam states that the proper grooming of a child is the only way to ensure that we have national leaders with integrity of character who will make us proud of the India of tomorrow.
To pep up the spirits of millions of Indians, the author gives examples of eminent personalities who made a humble beginning and then went on to do the country proud in their inimitable ways. Some cases in point are Srinivasa Ramanujan (The great mathematician who died at the premature age of 30), Prof. S Chandrasekhar (a Nobel winner for his work on black holes), Nobel laureate C.V Raman, the great educationist Ashutosh Mukherjee and scientists of international repute like Dr Homi Bhabha, Dr D.S Kothari and Dr Vikram Sarabhai. The leadership traits displayed by these luminous personalities never ceased to amaze the author. But why is there a dearth of Ramanujans and Bhabhas today? Kalam emphasises on the fact that today India needs visionaries of the stature of JRD Tata, Satish Dhawan and Dr.Verghese Kurien, who can devise mission-driven programmes and involve the new generation in the same.
As religious extremism is tearing the country into pieces, the President gives a small example of his secular outlook when he says that, " For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool." On his visit to Kanchi in 2001, Kalam had visited a mosque where he asked students to recite the Alhamthu i.e. the sura that embodies the Quran. And he was surprised to see Vedic hymns and recitations from the Quran proceeding side by side. Incredible! To quote him, "Therein lies the greatness of India. Can Kanchi's integrated approach towards learning become a beacon for us and later for the world?"
The author visualises that the developed India will be a network of prosperous villages empowered by 'tele-medicine, tele-education and e-commerce'. India is still 'a developing nation' because of 'fragmented thinking compartmentalised planning and isolated efforts', which fail to yield any results.
He shares his fierce optimism with Indians and contends, 'our spiritual wisdom is actually our strength. We survived as a nation the onslaughts of invaders and the numbing effects of colonialism. We have also learned to adjust to the rifts and divisions in our own society. But, in the process of adjustments, we also lowered our aims and expectations. We need to regain our broad outlook and draw upon our heritage and wisdom to enrich our lives. The fact that we advance technologically does not preclude spiritual development. We need to home-grow our own model of development based on our inherent strengths'.
Kalam sees a lot of promise in the young and the inexperienced. Only a united vision launched with renewed vigour can bring the young force into action. The author also feels the need for transparency in India, as that is a prerequisite to development. The modest scientist opines that, "We must remember that progress cannot be swift and far-reaching if the path is full of potholes. The abundant national resources, human and material, remain to be fully utilised".
It is important that the youth of today get the 'right direction' to move ahead in life. They should be encouraged to think, imagine and make the most of their creativity. Only then can we change the mindset of millions of Indians.
Review : Moitrayee Bhaduri
Design : Suparna Sengupta
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