Book Review: 'Mission India: A Vision for Indian youth' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Y.S. Rajan

Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has immensely served the nation in many and various ways; most specifically by his writings like Mission India. This book highlights a need to have a crucial sense of purpose which is essential for developing a strong and prosperous nation.

In the book the question asked and answered with valid arguments is “Can India become a developed country?” given that India has a vibrant democracy, its population, illiteracy and poverty are major concerns to be dealt with. India from its very beginning has been dependent on foreign assistance. And it is time that we ourselves manage the whole show. And this will happen according to the prophecy of late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in the book by a strong sense of purpose and a strong work ethics. The book instructs every youth to concentrate on Core Competency i.e. fundamental knowledge, ability or expertise in a specific subject, area or skill set).

The book is systematically presented dealing with eight issues that haunt our country. They are: Agriculture and Food Processing, Materials and the Future, Chemical Industries and Biotechnology, Manufacturing for the Future, Strategic Industries, the Services Sector and the Indian Education System, Healthcare for all, the Enabling Infrastructure. And towards the end there is a complete chapter that gives hints not just to the youth but to every reader to realize the vision 2020.

Agriculture and Food Processing: This chapter contains the representation of how India has fared in agriculture and how the farmers have been treated. The start of the chapter presents the development made and towards the end the authors have tried to give solutions to impending problems. In the case of agriculture and food processing; information dissemination was considered to be an important solution to many varied problems. We also ought to take care of processing the food that is available in India. India has exported mostly and thus it has to venture into production of goods by oneself. That calls not just for having raw materials but also preparing a final finished product which will invite more income to the nation.

Materials and the Future: India is blessed with minerals and thus we must make the best use of the available resources, this will provide prosperity. Selling finished products will earn more than selling raw materials and that must be the focus.

Chemical Industries and Biotechnology: The authors of the book advice us to have knowledge of the use of the resources in modern systems. They also focus on usage of clean chemical process and further recommending the utilization of the by-products.

Manufacturing for the Future: This chapter contains valid and practical examples so as to use technology innovatively to help eradicate wastage of human resources.

Strategic Industries: These industries as per their plan ought to research for new application of the technologies in reference to daily life.

The Services Sector and the Indian Education System: Value-based education is given prime importance by the authors stating that no government can establish a society with integrity if a child misses on it. If one misses on this important area than the nation misses an enlightened citizen. So they invite children to develop three kinds of skills:

Capacity for research and inquiry

Capacity for creativity and innovation

Capacity for entrepreneurial leadership

Healthcare for all: Again they remind the reader of the heritage of Indian medicines most specifically about Ayurveda etc. so they emphasize on integrating them with higher technology and producing effective medicines and exporting them.

The Enabling Infrastructure: India requires nuclear energy in abundance to make itself independent. This would help India in the long run. Both the authors affirm that there is nothing that is impossible.

Throughout the whole book what is given emphasis is that everyone has a role to play, each and every person. Everyone has to ingeniously do something better, special, of high quality and of pride.

After elaborately addressing different areas where we need to focus to reach great heights and realize vision 2020 the authors boost the reader by saying that one has got to be industrious, inventive, learn governance, and do our civic duty. The authors are very serious about the aim that they have visualized and thus the book ends with ten-point oath.

Bottomline: We must have an aim and work towards achieving that aim, we will definitely encounter problems while its accomplishment. But we must not allow them to become our master; rather we must become the master of our problems, defeat them and succeed.

Blurb

‘Each and every Indian can make a difference, especially the nation’s youth’

Mission Indian is a roadmap for the youth of today who will shape the India of tomorrow. The mission is to transform India into a developed nation and one of the world’s top five economic power by the year 2020.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Y.S. Rajan examine India’s strengths and weaknesses to show how this goal is not an unrealistic one.

This inspirational book introduces children to the unknown success stories of India and discusses the country’s problems at the beginning of the 21st century. It looks at different aspects of national life, and clearly explains the achievements and challenges in each of these areas. It also discusses the ways in which today’s youth can make a difference to the country based on the central tenets of the runaway best-seller India 2020: A Vision for the New Millenium, this book seeks to inspire readers with the crucial sense of purpose which is essential for developing a strong and prosperous nation.