10 Inspiring Books Written By APJ Abdul Kalam

Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He is the well known as the people’s President. Also he is known as the Missile Man of India. The various Indian Missiles of world order like Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Agni, etc. are mainly the result of his efforts and caliber. He wanted to serve his motherland first. He said that he thinks his first and foremost duty is to serve his motherland. Ever since becoming the head of the Indian State, he had been having interaction with children all over the country. He was by no means a miracle man. His advice to the youngster of the nation was to “dream dream and convert these into thoughts and later into actions“. Here are top 10 books written by our beloved Dr. Kalam.

* My India: Notes For The Future

My India: Notes for the Future contains excerpts from A.P. J Adbul Kalams speeches in his post presidency years. Drawn from Kalams addresses to parliaments, universities, schools and other institutions in India and abroad, they include his ideas on science, nation building, poverty, compassion and self-confidence. Kalam draws on the lives of stalwarts such as Marie Curie, Vikram Sarabhai to encourage and inspire his young readers. Through these speeches, he shares many valuable lessons in humility, resilience, and determination and leads children to think, grow and evolve. A project very close to his heart, Kalams last book for children is a road map for every child to pursue their dreams, to be the best they can be, leading to the realisation of a better India.

* The Scientific Indian: A Twenty-first Century Guide to the World around Us

It is the first duty of kingship to be as the people wish to see me. This fictional account of events in the court of the princely state of Bhanupur, a hundred years ago, is a tale of intrigue, politics and image- building. What was going through the mind of Maharaja Amar Singh II in the key moments of his reign? How much did he rely on the advice of his clever prime minister Chatterjee, the wily Bengali? How did he solve sensitive issues like undertaking a voyage across the seas to attend the coronation ceremony of the British king, without polluting his caste? And what were his relations with the British especially with Dr Constable and the architect Colonel Talbot, employed by his court? As the narrative moves towards its tragic conclusion, the characters innermost convictions are laid bare.

* Governance For Growth In India

Indian elections for the 16th Lok Sabha saw many heated debates on various topics concerning governance. In such critical times, the 11th President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam urges the Indians to cast their vote for the right candidate. Through Governance For Growth In India, he expresses his vision for India and the contribution which each Indian citizen must make for the same. He maintains that the vision of a developed India can be brought to reality only if its citizens adopt a morally upright, honest, and hardworking approach to their lives. The grave issues concerning the rampant corruption which is prevalent in India are dealt in this book. Also, issues related to good governance and accountability are resolved in a practical manner in Governance For Growth In India. This book is such that it will appeal not only to parliamentarians and lawmakers but will also have a profound impact on the ordinary Indian citizens. This book was published by Rupa Publications India in the year 2014 and is available in paperback format.

* My Life: An Illustrated Autobiography

The story of my life has become intertwined with the story of this country. And somewhere along the way, as I met a million children across this land, I too learnt from a million minds. This book was not written to only tell my story. I want every young reader to think that this book is his or her story too.’ A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been one of the most iconic figures of Independent India. A scientist, leader, thinker, teacher and writer, he achieved remarkable success in various fields. Yet, what endeared him to so many was his dedication to the idea of a developed India, his simple and direct way of interacting with people and his deep love for his fellowmen. In My Life, Kalam writes his life story starting from his days growing up at Rameswaram; about working on India’s space and missile programmes; his years as the eleventh President of India; and about his life thereafter. Full of anecdotes that demonstrate the importance of hard work, commitment, courage and innovative thinking, this autobiography is a wonderful introduction to a remarkable life. Beautifully illustrated and simply written. My Life will inspire readers of all ages.

* Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development

Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development talks about the 3 billion people across the globe who live in villages and are often deprived of basic resources. The authors explain how the global model of development has failed to eradicate poverty. India’s 750 million people living in villages constitutes the world’s largest rural population. Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development integrates the challenges and opportunities of the present human civilization. It elaborates on providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA), a sustainable and environment friendly system that will uplift the rural masses. Instead of relying on government subsidies, Dr. Kalam says that entrepreneurship with community participation can empower villagers. PURA is a blend of people, technology, entrepreneurial spirit, traditions and skills. Readers will come across many examples throughout the book which demonstrate how PURA can change the lives of millions. Some of these include Seed Club at Chitrakoot Pura and Warana Cooperative Sugar Factory. Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development explains how governments can use this system for the benefit of the rural masses. Some of the chapters in this book include The Other Half of Mankind, Effecting A Social Transformation and Agriculture and PURA.

* Beyond 2020

India 2020 is about to become a reality. Are we ready? As Dr. Kalam and Y.S. Rajan had contended in their landmark vision document, India 2020, India has steadily moved towards becoming one of the top five economic powers in the twenty-first century. India’s growth story has seen new opportunities and emerging technologies that make faster and more inclusive growth viable. In Beyond 2020, Kalam and Rajan argue that a renewed policy focus is now needed for agriculture, manufacturing, mining, the chemicals industry, healthcare and infrastructure to invigorate these sectors and boost economic growth. India can still make it to the list of developed nations in a decade. This timely book provides an action plan for that transformation.

* Spirit Of India

Spirit Of India, by A P J Abdul Kalam, is a book focused towards the connection of youth and nation. This book revolves around the aspirations, issues, and dreams of the Indian youth in the contemporary India. As the time has changed over sixty decades of independence, the population of the youth has grown to require more and more education, growth in career, and overall development. In this time of personal ambitions, the spirit of one-India looks endangered to the author as has been addressed in this book. There has been an increase in unhealthy politics, economic differences, and national boundaries creating disturbances, which has questions the idea of nationhood. The author shows serious concerns for every individual’s growth while also looking at the overall development of the nation. The book has intellectual discussions on a serious topic of national sentiments. Kalam has woven this subject into an inspiring book that lets the readers connect to the content. The book provides food for thought to the Indian youth, and guides them by simplifying their concerns and viewpoints. Kalam also presents his belief that unless each individual succeeds, the nation cannot achieve success. The statements are interlaced with reasoning and example to make the readers think. The progress of every individual depends upon securing the feeling of nationalism and not forgetting the core values. The first edition of Spirit Of India was published by Rajpal And Sons in 2013. It is available in paperback.

* Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges

Turning Point: A Journey Through Challenges’ is a sequel to the much acclaimed Kalam’s autobiography, Wings of Fire. In this book, the author moves beyond the life that he lived or the person he is, this book elaborates a vision for unleashing the latent energies that the country has to become a prosperous and more developed nation, a dream that Kalam harboured for years. The book begins from the time Kalam is sworn in as the President of India and talks in details about his entire tenure and all the efforts taken up to make his service towards the country be counted and fruitful. Kalam’s period in office from 2002 to 2007 has been described by many as a time when India made tremendous development strides. Kalam himself in this book gives details about all the challenges that had to faced during the term. It also throws light on the programmes like PURA that he initiated and what they meant to do for the country.

* Ignited Minds

Authored by the most influential Indian President yet, this book delves into the obstacles that are preventing India from rising up to the challenge of development. India has unmatched talent and ambition with an inherent tendency to work hard, then what is it that keeps India from overtaking the world. Why does India as a nation settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is well within the reach? Dr. Kalam shares his dream of a nation that is unrivaled, he discusses how he has, from his experience, met such skilled people whose visions can transform the nation. It is imperative that one searches for own solutions and find role-models in countrymen instead of looking towards the other nations. India must not strive to be the next America or Japan but has to be the strong nation that she is capable of becoming. For this, all the trapped energies and initiatives need to be freed instead of suppressing them. In the book, we are introduced to numerous role models that are hiding amongst us. Words of wisdom from saints and seers that the author encountered through his life have been quoted. The book proceeds to address the issues at hand and mentions some reforms that have to be incorporated in politics and policies. The policy making procedure of the nation requires major reforms. The youth has to be given a stage and the reins of the nation need to be passed on. The book motivates the young minds and forces the positive auras together to build the face of a new nation.

* Reignited: scientific pathways to a brighter future

Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh talks about the variety of options available for the children who want to pursue science as a sphere of their study. This book goes onto explore the options of robotics, neurosciences, paleontology and other fields which may be able to create a better world for the future generations. The research done for the compilation of the book is comprehensive and provides readers and students with a whole world of ideas by relating stories of famous scientists all over the world. With a reader friendly Question Answer format and eye catching illustrations, the book provides the readers with a clear diagrams and easy to understand writing style. Also, the interestingly created chapter titles make this book an interesting read. Any individual who is interested in science or has a scientific bent of mind will surely find this book enjoyable.