| Title | : | Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 9350293471 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9789350293478 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 176 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2012 |
'It was like any other day on the Anna University campus in Chennai. As I was returning to my room in the evening, the vice-chancellor, Prof. A. Kalanidhi, fell in step with me. Someone had been frantically trying to get in touch with me through the day, he said. Indeed, the phone was ringing when I entered the room. When I answered, a voice at the other end said, 'The prime minister wants to talk with you.' Some months earlier, I had left my post as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India to return to teaching. Now, as I spoke to the PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, my life was set for an unexpected change.'
Turning Points takes up the incredible Kalam story from where Wings of Fire left off. It brings together details from his career and presidency that are not generally known as he speaks out for the first time on certain points of controversy. It is a continuing saga, above all, of a journey - individual and collective - that will take India to 2020 and beyond as a developed nation.
Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges Reviews
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Summary
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was an aerospace scientist who won Bharat Ratna for his Scientific achievements(The highest Civilian award of India), Politician who became the 11th President of India, the ceremonial head of State. He achieved the best in whatever he did and is revered by everyone alike. If you ask any young student in India about their role models, one of the first names you might hear will be that of Kalam. It is not only because of his outstanding achievements in all the areas he worked in but also due to his extraordinary character and humility, and the ability to treat everyone alike. This book explores why most of us who are capable of achieving the best are settling for something average.
Three things I learned from this book
1) Duty and responsibility is more important than any other achievements
If Kalam took any work responsibility, he was ready to sacrifice anything to complete that work perfectly.
" It was 9 PM. I got a call requesting that I immediately meet the new Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and P.V.Narasimha Rao, the outgoing one. Rao asked me to brief Vajpayee on the details of the nuclear program so that a smooth handover of this important activity to the new government could take place.
About two years later, Vajpayee returned as the PM. On 15th March 1998, around midnight, I got a phone call from Vajpayee. He said he was finalizing the list of Ministers and wanted to induct me into his cabinet. I told him that I needed time to think about it. He asked me to see him in the next morning at 9 AM. So in the middle of the night, I assembled a few of my friends. We debated up to 3 AM whether I should join the cabinet. The general opinion was that since I was involved in two missions of national importance, and these were in advanced stages and nearing the end results, I should not leave them and enter the political system. The next morning I went to PM’s house. He received me in his drawing-room. I then told him that, “My team and I are busy with two important programs. One is readying the Agni missile system, and the other is bringing to the close the nuclear program through a series of tests in partnerships with D.A.E. (Department of Atomic Energy). I feel that by involving myself with these programs, I will be contributing more to the nation. Please permit me to continue.”
“I appreciate your feelings. Go ahead. God bless you,” Vajpayee responded.
Many things happened after that. The Agni missile system was ready for induction, five nuclear tests were conducted consecutively, and India became a Nuclear weapon State. My declining to accept the cabinet position enabled me to contribute to two major national programs that gave spectacular results to the nation.”
Only a person like Kalam could sacrifice a Cabinet Minister position (which is one of the best political positions an Indian could achieve) to complete the commitment he had taken earlier perfectly. He didn’t consider his personal gain at all for his work. His work ethics were impeccable.
2) How to face adversities boldly?
“As usual, travel formed a good part of my work schedule. On 30th September 2001, I had a narrow escape in a helicopter crash. The crash took place just as the helicopter was landing at the Bokaro steel plant in Jharkhand. It was a miraculous escape. As soon as I jumped out, I rushed out to my pilot and copilot and said, “Thank you for saving me. God bless you.”
Pilots were almost in tears. But I told them these things happen. All we can do is to find out the problem and solve it. That evening I had five engagements. I had to address audiences, which included officials, engineers, and staff of the steel plants and students of some of the schools of Bokaro. The news of the crash had traveled quickly. The National news channels had picked it up too. When I met the children, they seemed shaken. I shook hands with all of them and shared a hymn on the courage to cheer them.
“Courage to think different
Courage to invent
Courage to travel on in unexplored paths
Courage to discover the impossible
Courage to combat the problems and succeed
Are the unique qualities of youth
As a youth of my nation,
I will work and work with courage to achieve success in all the missions.”
When he had to face a crisis, he was not at all shaken by it and was instilling courage in others like the pilots, students, family, etc., who were shaken by it. That requires extraordinary character and courage, which Kalam possessed.
3) NOMA (Non-overlapping magisteria) of Science and Religion
According to NOMA put forward by Stephen Jay Gould, Science and religion deal with fundamentally separate aspects of human experience and so, when each stays within its own domain, they co-exist peacefully.
Kalam’s view about Science and Religion is very interesting. When Kalam was the President of India, he visited the author Khushwant Singh in his own apartment. Let’s see from Khushwant Singh’s words what he had to tell about his meeting with Kalam and his opinion regarding Science and religion.
“I had the privilege of spending half an hour with him. He did the honor of visiting me in my apartment. The Head of State calling on a common pen pusher. Speaks well of his humility. We had very little in common. He is Tamil, and I know only two words of Tamil. Though a Scientist, Kalam is a deeply religious man. I am an agnostic and believed that Science and religion cannot go together. One is based on reason and the other on faith. After talking to him and reading his writings, I found his religious beliefs similar to that of Mahatmas Gandhis. Kalam has no conflict between Science and religion. When I asked him whether he believed in the Judgement day and rewards or penalties, we might have to pay in the life hereafter. He replied evasively, “Heaven and hell are in mind.” So what is Kalam’s concept of God? It is not Allah vs. Ishvara, Khuda vs. Bhagwan. He is not to be looked for in the mosque or in the temple. He is not to fought over and sought in martyrdom as protagonists of different religions do in our country. After they have shared, each of their bloods comes the voice of God like thunder. Suddenly a sound thundered from light. I am none of yours. Love was my mission, and you spent it on hatred. Killing my delight, stifling life. Know you all. Khuda and Ram. Both are one. Blossoming in love.
No rationalist can dispute Kalam’s vision of divinity. Some define God is truth, others as love. Kalam’s concept of godliness is compassion.”
His visions regarding the future, youth, Scientific magnanimity, Politics were all unique.
My favourite three lines from this book
“I have always believed that cowards never make history. History is created by people with courage and wisdom. Courage is individual. Wisdom comes with the experience”
“I learned from Dr. Satish Dhawan, who was my boss and chairman at ISRO, that when you execute complex missions, you always encounter challenges and problems. He used to say that you should not allow your problems to become your captain. You should become the captain of your problems and defeat them and succeed. This is a great learning for anyone engaged in a complex mission ”
“ For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.”
Rating
5/5 This is a must-read book for everyone. This book will enable us to get back on track in our esplanade to success. I don’t know how many times I read Kalam’s books. But I can incontrovertibly say that every time I reread his books, I get many new ideas that have helped me immensely in my life. If you truly believe that books can change lives, there should be no obfuscation about your TBR list as I can indubitably promulgate that Kalam’s books should be right there at the top of it.
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Will I be able to put in words how long I've had to wait before I could grab my copy of this book? Moreover, when its a book revealing the life of the only idol in your life and the person you so respect and value.
Few months ago, I'd read in the article on ndtv.com that Dr. Kalam was writing his next book named 'The Turning Points' and I knew I had to get the book. Simply because his books are such an abundance of experience and knowledge.
'The Turning Points' is a sequel to 'Wings of Fire' an internationally acclaimed book showcasing the achievements and dearths in the life of Former Indian President and Nuclear Scientist Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam.
It revolves around Dr. Kalam's mission of India 2020 and the efforts imperative to achieve it. It gives an insight into the life of the most admired Dr. Kalam after 1992 laying focus on the many controversies that took a stand during his period as President of India.
In his autobiography; Wings of Fire, Dr. Kalam has covered significant portion of his life from childhood, to schooling, to his career as a scientist encompassing every bit of detail for the readers. The sequel book - The Turning Points, throws light on his life as The President of India from 2002 to 2007 which he illustrates narrating his motives and vision for a developed India through his mission India 2020.
The book is descriptive of his activities and travels made to realize his dream; set aside parameters for people from different backgrounds and positions toward achieving the goal of
'India - A Developed Nation'.
What I liked about the book is that it not only portrays Dr. Kalam's personal life but also his love for the nation urging citizens of the country to step up and contribute their best toward the nation's progress. How every single one of us can make the difference seen and felt with constant determined efforts and with a high level of confidence and perseverance.
Though the book is not as awe-inspiring as 'Wings of Fire' is, it nevertheless gives an idea about the practical approach to Mission India 2020 in a detailed manner. There's a lot to learn and imbibe from his personal experiences as illustrated in the book and most certainly can help to change the way we look at life and challenges.
A sure recommendation to everyone. -
What do you do when India’s most popular former president pens a book? You quickly grab your personal copy!
Turning Points is a confession and unfurling of the unsung and uneventful past of A.P.J Kalam. The trials and tribulations he had to face and overcome to bask under the presidential glory are openly penned in pages of this novel.
Turning Points, is not just a book but an insight into the life of an eminent individual named A.P.J Kalam. -
I have been an avid reader in all kind of story books. But this book by Dr.Kalam has wooed my eyes when I encountered the excerpts of this book in "The Hindu". I was totally surprised with Dr.Kalam's abundance of knowledge in multitudes of field. Hailing from the scientist background, he discusses more about political and economical developments in our country. During his tenure as "president" , he has filled the vaccuum for the post , created by earlier beaureocrats. After taking the oath of president, Dr.Kalam has travelled to 21 different states in India , with in the span of 10 Months. All his speaches were inspiring and has transformed many youths to work for Mission 2020. It is unbelievable to figure out with the numbers, that ,he had addressed 1.5 Million people and have influenced them in all aspects of life.
His indomitable spirit in working for Mission 2020 is much seen in his speaches. We have 50 Million of youth population and if all of them are influenced by Dr.Kalam's Mission, each one of our's contribution, may that be a smaller one too, will fill the vaccuum and can step ahead in becoming the developed nation in the year 2020. He has created the outline for achieving the mission and laid out several measures which could be a strong foundation for attaining the destiny.
I was so impressed with some his innovative measures. To name a few, the concept of PURA. As our country faces a severe problem of people migrating form rural to urban areas, there was a tremendous demand in Man Power in Agriculture. The main purpose of the migration is that they couldn't see ample choices to have their daily living with the basic ameneties they needed. Even though Agriculture contributes a major share in our GDP. our farmers can't live their life solely depending on the income generated from agriculture. Also most of them employ the seasonal crops, it is highly difficult for them to compromise with their living standards with this feeble income. As they don't find any other trading opportunities they migrate to urban areas to get the living back.In order to cater this issue, Dr.Kalam has designed a concept of PURA. That means Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas. PURA groups has been established all over the India. The main function of the PURA Society is to build the infrastructure with in the villages from State and Central funds and to bridge the gap for bringing more trade opportunities to them. This will limit the number of migrations happening in the existing system.
Another innovative concept which amused me is "Energy Independence". Woking with Bio technology scientists, he has brought the concept of Bio Diesel to the limelight. There is a plant called 'Jatropha". This extraction is a powerful substituent for Diesel and thus achieving the energy independence.
Dr.Kalam has drawn multiple measures in the verge of working for Mission 2020. I wish if every one of us start working towards the objective, we will realise that we are not far behind the destiny and it is in the arm reaching distance. Jai Hind -
No matter how much science he knows, in page 134 Dr. Kalam says "We are all the creations of God".
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Turning Point is surely a turning point for Author and can be for anyone. Dr Kalam has very nicely explained the times of his as President and also told the story of how he lived his life being a President of India.
One of the most lovable President of India by every citizen without any offence. His choice as a President nominee was an unclaimed choice by every elected members of the houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories. For he did most admirable and appreciable work in the field of the Science and Technology.
HE is the Missile-Man of India. The first person to give us our First Missile with his auspicious team that was and is completely dedicated to their work with full dedication.
This book is worth reading and learning for what we want and can do to achieve it.
Hats-off to this Unforgettable Martyr, Author, Scientist, President(11th) of India, and part of almost every section of every Organization relative to Technology and Research in the field of science, development and defense.
We'll miss you Sir Kalam. This country of Our's will miss You. -
As the title says this book is the sequel to "Wings of fire" where he continues to narrate his experiences from how he went on to become The President and how his life went from then on.This book is pretty much of an open talk where Kalam sir shares all his success,pain and controversies he faced as president.Even though this book is all about his own experiences it still doesn't fail to inspire,teach and motivate you.After all,what can you expect from someone who dedicated his entire life for our country.Just like the millions of youth in our country, i am proud to say that Kalam sir is my idol.
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APJ Abdul Kalam has always been a great motivator, every book by him teaches something new. The dream 2020, covers every sector of Indian economic growth. Hope dream 2020 comes true, and i can become part of it to make it happen :)
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A good book that shows the life of a President that India loved, sheds light on the decisions he made that were considered controversial and inspires the leader in one. Not a book for a casual reader, for sure, they might complain it's boring.
I feel Kalam uplifted the position of President of India with his initiatives during his tenure. Something that is a challenge to meet for any of the later presidents.
One reason I could easily read this book was because Kalam has been an inspiration to me through his two earlier books - Ignited Minds and Wings of Fire, and this being a sequel to Wings, I could easily connect the dots. -
Rameshwaram is a sleepy temple town in the southern tip of our peninsula. It comes alive during the Ram Navmis and other auspicious days, especially to remember the departed souls. The otherwise passive place has done another wonderful contribution to our heritage, than being the place which Lord Ram chose to pray to Shiv Bhagwan before he began his onslaught on Lanka. It has gifted us one of the most outstanding Ratnas of Bharat, a person who has added more credibility to the coveted prize than the other way round.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, was born in a lower middle class family, that too in one of the remotest places in the country. The fact that he has risen as one of the most celebrated technology icons and subsequently as a political icon is a motivation for any underprivileged child in this country. His success underscores that to be successful, one need not cut corners, need not dream of a career in USA or UK. If his first book “Wings of Fire”, showcased how a nation can successfully implement a space and missile programme on a shoestring budget and a strong will with a few dedicated and earthly people, the sequel to it “Turning Points” narrates the recent history of a modern nation.
“Turning Points” is supposedly the journey of his personal milestones. But effectively it turns out to be the modern history of a 1.2 Billion nation. Only few people can claim this sort of integration with a Nation’s soul, literally “his story” becoming “history”. Each of the turning points, be it the decision to join the Tatas early in the career, or the decision to regret an offer to join the Mr Vaypayee’s cabinet, or the decision to accept Mr Vajpayee’s offer to become their candidate for the President, or the decision to send back the office of profit bill, they all glaringly remains as milestones in the Nation’s modern times.
We all look forward to the sequel of “Turning Points” and thereby wish many more years for the Great man. -
This book is all about Kalam's mission India 2020 and his effort to achieve that mission when he was president... I liked this book very much as it show how he is dedicated to make India supreme guiding and capable nation...i am sure many people will gets tired just reading his work during his lifetime but Kalam never...this book helped me know what a president could do...i must say every politician (Indian) should read this book and learn what is devotion and passion to work for nation or even humanity...i am saying humanity as this book mention some points related to that... i hope if 20% of our parliamentarian become just follower of Kalam then India's fate will change....Salute to u sir...I recomment everybody to read this..as i am sure there are enough in this book that will help everyone...
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turning point : a journey through challenges is all about Dr kalams presidency and the book is less like an autobiography and more like a blueprint for his India Vision 2020. We miss out on an ‘autobiography’ of Kalam, and instead read about his vision for India and what measures he took during his presidency to realize some of them. He has discussed the various ideas he has got to develop India, from his interactions with people from all spheres—students, children, scientists etc. to make Judiciary, Parliament, and Executive in India more efficient in their functioning, and all suggestions are given in ‘points’ like in textbooks. Kalam’s ideas for development are very innovative and I am sure no one else in our country has suggested methods like his. This book is very motivating and inspiring and once you start reading you won’t be able to keep it down.
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This is an interesting sequel to the "Wings of Fire" by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, Scientist and a good human being. This book make one feel good about the potential of resources of India, how best one can make use of it with the plan of action Vision 2020. Kalam takes us to his journey through his candidature to Presidential position and also his efforts to make use of the Presidency for the development of the country.
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Author talks about his experience during his tenure as President.This book scores just an average rating as it fails to instill the energy what we normally expect from kalam's book.
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A must read for every Indian citizen.
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An inspiring journey of APJ Abdul Kalam, the president of India (2002-'07), a scientist, an author and a poet. He is also known as the MISSILE MAN and THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE. If his autobiography Wings of Fire is about how he became Missile Man then this is about him becoming The president of the people.
As a president Kalam had tried to spread his idea of making India a self reliant and developed country by 2020. This work includes the political challenges and turning points the late former president of India, Kalam had faced in his life. Truly inspiring. -
You just cannot ignore the book!
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This is about journey of Abdul Kalam as one of best visionary president of India. My most inspirational person. Must read for all.
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This is not exactly a review. It's what i learned about Dr. Kalam after reading Turning Points.I just finished reading Turning Points by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, India’s Ex-President and the one of the most inspiring person on the planet. This book is a sequel to Wings of Fire by the same. This book takes the readers to the journey of Dr. Kalam as the President of India. A brief description of his last day as president is sufficient in explaining how busy and focused his tenure would have been as the First Citizen of the nation. This book is for those who think that the President is merely a post which cannot do much to build the nation or direct the government to take actions for development of the people of India. But after reading his story, one comes to know that how much a President can do for his nation if he wants. It was Dr. Kalam sheer commitment for the service to the nation that he was able to achieve so much as a President. His career as a scientist and a teacher gave him that far- sightedness that was necessary for the concept of programs like PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), World Knowledge Platforms and National Litigation Pendency Clearance Mission. It was his advice that prompted the government to encourage jatropha plantation by farmers which can be used in bio- diesel generation. He designed the concept of Virtual University and Village Knowledge Center that is now delivering value added services to the village citizens. This book throws light on various visits he made during his tenure as a President both inside the country and other countries. Contrary to other Presidents and politicians, all his visit were for academic purposes, issues of mutual development and international harmony. On each of his visit he came up with some very deep and focused policies for development and sharing of -knowledge and technology among the visited country and India. Pan- African e-network, ONGC pipeline project and World Knowledge Platform were outcome of such visits. This book also brings out another aspect of Dr. Kalam’s life. He is not just a technical rocket science person. He has a nature lover and true artist inside himself. Throughout the book, Dr. Kalam included several pieces of his poems as to fit the context. ‘Courage’, ‘What can I give?’, ‘Message from Mother Earth’ were some of the finest poem included in this book. The depth with which he explains the beauty of Mughal Gardens and how he added to the colors of Rashtrapati Bhavan shows how much he loved nature. The idea of many of his poem came while sitting in those gardens. The joy he used to feel in addressing the young students around the world took him to many universities and schools across the globe. His inspiring speeches motivated many students to work for their nation and develop technologies which will help the man kind and make earth a better place to live. Every speech delivered by him contained elements of patriotism, education, research and moral teaching and of course a small poem to inspire everyone in the audience.
All I can say is that this book is a must read if you want to know our beloved Ex- President more closely and want to know what he did for this nation and how much more he wish to do. -
As a continuation of Wings of fire, Abdul Kalam narrates his journey of becoming the president of a mighty nation and beyond, and articulates his vision for the nation.
Having been used to hearing tales of advanced technology and big dreams from Abdul Kalam, his political journey did not seem as interesting. -
Turning Points is an exquisitely written work for a sequel to one of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's gem of a work aptly titled Wings of Fire: An Autobiography. The book enlightens its readers primarily on vision of India 2020, which also happens to be Dr. Kalam's dream of making India, a fully developed nation with zero level poverty and unemployment by 2020. This aspect of Indian current affair rightly gets highlighted and gains more prominence with every turning page in the book, given the progress our country has achieved post independence. Dr. Kalam starts off from where he left in Wings of Fire, to give a detailed account and perspective on how the advent of advanced technology has changed and impacted India's reputation as a developing nation on the global map. He has exhibited a hell-bent inclination towards suggesting feasible, practical solutions on all fronts primarily social, political, and economic. The book becomes an essential read taking into consideration that the only field where our nation has accomplished and realized the vision of India 2020 is the cricket field. Jokes apart, this manuscript brings to fore, the essentials for the making of a developed world. According to the former President of India, our nation does not lack potential, talent, or skills mandatory for making progress, but finds itself inefficient and lagging when it comes to the implementation part of the various bills and initiatives undertaken by various administrative units across India. He stresses upon the need for rural and urban areas (regional) connectivity through construction of reliable roads and setting up inexpensive communication facilities. Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) is an initiative that has set up its base in various rural areas across Indian states namely Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Dr. Kalam gives a detailed insight on PURA's significant role in making Uttar Pradesh and Bihar competent states. He also lays emphasis on the need for empowering North Eastern states through introducing effective education, employment schemes and policies. The statesman that he was, Dr. Kalam's approach while compiling the facts and including proposed solutions is nothing short of a reflection on his highly revered successful professional career. The manuscript also includes snippets on his - experiences at the Rashtrapati Bhavan as President of India, various visits to different parts of the country inclusive of more than 21 states, visits to the army camp in the extremely freezing Siachen glacier and places of religious and cultural significance, and many more similar purposeful transits.
Dr. Kalam explains the need to adopt the use of bio-diesel in order to make effective inroads on various platforms such as conservation of forests and environment, controlling inconsistent temperature surge - global warming, and preservation of water bodies. He is also in favor of exploiting the usefulness of thorium as an alternative fissile material in nuclear plants, which according to him reduces harmful nuclear wastes and increases the efficiency of nuclear reactors. He has included his proposition on use of solar energy power plants while retracting the fact that the chemicals used in the manufacture of photo voltaic solar back up batteries yield only up to 20,000 MW of power, which is considerably lower than the minimum desired power output of 55,000 MW. The compilation also encloses the second half of the story on Dr. Kalam's contribution in the field of India's missile technology, the challenges faced by his team during the test fire of Agni V in his tenure as the Scientific adviser to ministry of defense, his views on the importance and the role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could play in India's development, and many other advises on the technical front.
The importance of developing and maintaining good ties with the African nations, a brief mention of him running into Nelson Mandela during his visit to South Africa, the need for the Indian Parliament to assume more power as a decision maker especially on issues concerning energy independence, the need for restructuring the Constitution and proposition of a model for the same, the necessity of making changes to the working ideologies of various political parties are some points that bag considerable weight age in this book. Mr. Kalam also talks about his encounter with several spiritual gurus and the request made by them to make nuclear weapons ineffective in global warfare. He further goes on to give a convincing briefing about the various treaties signed by the nuclear powers and their assurance on nuclear safety and peace. All these form a part of the speeches rendered by him while addressing audiences at various national and global conferences and summits.
Dr. Kalam also gives a brief account on the political developments that took place during his tenures as the Scientific Adviser to defense minister and the President of India, while also not failing to recapitulate that he has had his fair share of controversies during his stint at the highest position of power in our democratic structure. He also at one instance quotes Mahatma Gandhi,
'India's development lies in its villages',
and takes his assertion a step further, while proposing schemes for development of rural India. He's indeed one among the few Presidents to have laid a strong sense of empathy while expressing confidence in the youth population of our country. People's President, the title bestowed upon him by the citizens command no further testimony for his unusual popularity amongst Indians. A few interesting revelations also find considerable writing space dedicated to them in the manuscript. Thinking Hut and Immortal Hut amidst the serene surrounding of the Rashtrapati Bhavan are given an apt description in former President's words. These paragraphs also depict the former President's unprecedented love of nature and environment. Not surprisingly, the many several poems composed by him in the company of nature - the flora and the fauna, fill the hearts of its readers with joy at various junctures during the read. The read also reveals an important aspect of the several speeches delivered by Dr. Kalam during his lifetime. It is unique, in it he always inculcated a habit of ending a rendition with a nicely composed poem. He, in a childlike manner discloses that the 785 representatives of European Union members and the president of European Parliament found the speech overwhelming during his address to the European parliament. Dr. Kalam certainly did capture the imagination of world leaders with a poem titled - Message From Mother Earth. There's also a brief extract from his visit to the Socrates' cave and the Gujarat expedition during times of communal unrest and disturbance in the region.
The autobiography ends with an excerpt from his interview in 2006, which throws light on his methods of action and functioning, in synchronization with the governing bodies and governance. As we turn to the last page of this gem of a book, the harsh reality bestows upon us that the stalwart is no longer amidst us today. Dr. Kalam, the visionary and the chief architect behind Modern India's missile development ventures is one of the few eminent scientists and statesman, who left an everlasting impression on the minds of the people and a legacy to be carried forward for the betterment of India's prospects of developing into an economic super power.
This book gets a 4.5/5 on my scale. The additional 0.5 is solely for the poetic compositions of the great man. This one makes an excellent read. To dramatize the dramatis personae of Dr. Kalam -
Mission Mode Implementation is the benchmark used in the proposition of the revised model for constitutional and parliamentary structures. -
পড়ার মতো একটা বই। স্যারকে নিয়ে আগে থেকেই জানার ইচ্ছা ছিল৷ বই পড়ে অনেককিছুই জানলাম। ইন্ডিয়া নিয়েও প্রচুর বিষয় জানলাম।
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"Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges":
It was like any other day on the Anna University campus in Chennai. I had delivered a lecture Vision to Mission and the session got extended from one hour to two. I had lunch with a group of research students and went back to class. As I was returning to my rooms in the evening the vice- chancellor, Prof. A. Kalanidhi, fell in step with me. Someone had been frantically trying to get in touch with me through the day, he said.
Indeed, the phone was ringing when I entered the room. When I answered, a voice at the other end said, The prime minister wants to talk with you ... Some months earlier, I had left my post as principal scientific adviser to the government of India, a Cabinet-level post, to return to teaching. Now, as I spoke to the PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, my life was set for an unexpected change.
Turning Points takes up the incredible Kalam story from where Wings of Fire left off. It brings together details from his career and presidency that are not generally known as he speaks out for the first time on certain points of controversy. It offers insight not only into an extraordinary personality but also a vision of how a country with a great heritage can become great in accomplishment, skills and abilities through effort, perseverance and confidence. It is a continuing saga, above all, of a journey, individual and collective, that will take India to 2020 and beyond as a developed nation. -
In this book, Dr Kalam writes in detail about his tenure as the President of India and his teaching experiences. He describes the turning points that shaped his life: ISRO... DRDO... TIFAC... PSA... and others.
In a chapter, he shares what he learnt from the various people he came across in his life, be it his elder brother, his mentors like Dr. Sarabhai, Dr Dhawan or Dr Brahma Prakash, and... Yes, the politicians!
Dr Kalam initiated many activities in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, such as e-governance, teleconferencing, re-vitalizing the beautiful Mughal Gardens, and many more. He candidly explains his thought process by which he arrived at his decisions as the President. This chapter makes for an engrossing and informative reading.
Unlike Wings of Fire which had lot of personal anecdotes, this book is more about Kalam's vision of India 2020. Many chapters are devoted to a 'blueprint' for reforms to make judiciary, parliament and government more efficient and responsive.
It's a small book, just 150 pages, and can be finished in a single seating. Language is simple, direct and unornamented. There are many photographs that show Dr. Kalam's life during his presidential days, and his interactions with a wide range of people, right from heads of state such George W. Bush to small school children. -
With Dr. kalam, high expectations is kind of like a packaged deal. Which might be the primary cause of this book not living up to the expectations. An autobiographical account usually is embedded with anecdotes from one's life, which he wants to share, and which he believes that someone can be benefited from. This book completely lacks that flair of wings of fire.
While one can understand in a very detailed manner the way he handled his office while he was president, the book seems to be an extended agenda of his Vision 2020, for which he has devoted another book called ignited minds.
Not everything in this book is disappointing. One gets to peek behind the curtains of bureaucracy of Indian political class and get a chance to understand the chain of commands, the clarity in thought that Dr. kalam carries with himself, is remarkably demonstrated in his various decisions.
If you are an avid follower of Dr. Kalam's work, his poems, his articles & his speeches on youtube, there is very little that this book would have to offer in that case. If not, it will serve a compendium of all the great work done by the maestro in one place. -
It was the evening of 28th July 2015 , when i came across a news flash relating to something about Kalam Sir, While in the process of accessing the full news ,in split seconds, a thought ran through my mind that might be Sir has reconsidered his decision of not Standing for President's Chair again.
And i was very very happy .
.
.
But soon , i was hit with fact , my gleaming face was bombarded with the harsh reality that 'He', my biggest ever motivating asset , was no more in person.
It was then , that i realized that the last book is finished was this masterpiece , "Turning Points", Suddenly my mind was taken over by the flashbacks of the moments while i was busy reading this book both on and off the metro Station , my commuting medium to office , the rose garden , the ISRO base station and many other places where i traveled with the book.
Awesome Book written by The highest possible podium of respect someone can hold in my Life.
P.S. : This book presents Kalam Sir's life in seven stages , and at any point is like living through his life through his flashbacks!! A must read.
