'Ignited Minds' is an excellent book written by Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam - current President of India, and an eminent scientist involved in teaching and research. In this book, Dr. Kalam motivates every Indian to do their best (through hard work) in whatever they are doing, through his personal life experiences. He just asks everyone and particularly the youngsters of the country to dream of a good life for themselves and dream of India as a developed country.
Though this is not exactly Dr. Kalam's biography, there is a lot of information about his life and his achievements for the country. I enjoyed reading about those and felt happy that there is someone constantly doing great things for the country. He talks about his work at ISRO, particularly about his contributions as the Project Director to the first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) which could successfully launch the Rohini satellite in 1980. He then worked with DRDO on the Integrated Guided Missiles Programme and successfully developed Agni and Prithvi missiles. He then talks about this work as the Scientific Advisor to the Defense Minister in 1990's. During this period he led the Pokhran nuclear tests thus making India a nuclear weapon state. Dr. Kalam also talks about his other work 'India 2020 - A vision for the new Millennium' which was conceived by him along with 500 other experts when he was the Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting, and Assessment Council (TIFAC). I am really hoping that we can achieve this dream.
Apart from learning about all the technological advancements led by Dr.Kalam, this book also reveals that he led a very simple life. He traveled around the country extensively, and always made sure to meet students and children. He loves being around children and strongly believes that they will play a major role in transforming India into a developed nation. Hence, he spends time inspiring them and igniting their minds to dream of great things (for themselves and their country) and fulfill those dreams through hard work and dedication. He gives many interesting tidbits about his travel and talks about the vast untapped natural resources in many parts of our country.
This book is a good read for all ages as it fires up the mind. I am looking forward to reading his other works, and especially 'India 2020'.
Though this is not exactly Dr. Kalam's biography, there is a lot of information about his life and his achievements for the country. I enjoyed reading about those and felt happy that there is someone constantly doing great things for the country. He talks about his work at ISRO, particularly about his contributions as the Project Director to the first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) which could successfully launch the Rohini satellite in 1980. He then worked with DRDO on the Integrated Guided Missiles Programme and successfully developed Agni and Prithvi missiles. He then talks about this work as the Scientific Advisor to the Defense Minister in 1990's. During this period he led the Pokhran nuclear tests thus making India a nuclear weapon state. Dr. Kalam also talks about his other work 'India 2020 - A vision for the new Millennium' which was conceived by him along with 500 other experts when he was the Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting, and Assessment Council (TIFAC). I am really hoping that we can achieve this dream.
Apart from learning about all the technological advancements led by Dr.Kalam, this book also reveals that he led a very simple life. He traveled around the country extensively, and always made sure to meet students and children. He loves being around children and strongly believes that they will play a major role in transforming India into a developed nation. Hence, he spends time inspiring them and igniting their minds to dream of great things (for themselves and their country) and fulfill those dreams through hard work and dedication. He gives many interesting tidbits about his travel and talks about the vast untapped natural resources in many parts of our country.
This book is a good read for all ages as it fires up the mind. I am looking forward to reading his other works, and especially 'India 2020'.
