Book Review – Ignited Minds by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

 

Source - amazon.in

‘Thinking is the capital, an enterprise is the way, hard work is the solution.’                                                         - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

‘Ignited Minds’, authored by our former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is the vision that Dr. Kalam had for the future of India. Dedicated solely to children and youth of the nation, Dr. Kalam addresses various concepts of spirituality, patriotism, scientific knowledge, and most of all, dreams.

About The Author

Source - Wikipedia

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam continues to be one of India’s most distinguished personalities. He was surely more than just a scientist or a president; he was one of the most loved people in our nation. Many developments around the nation can be accredited to him. His love for his motherland is looked up to as an inspiration by millions of young minds.

Dr. Kalam served as the 11^th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He also held various positions in ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and the Defence Research and Development Organization. He was the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India; holding the rank of a cabinet minister.

Dr. Kalam has authored fifteen books; some of his significant works are – Wings of Fire, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, and Ignited Minds.

Unleashing The Power Within India

As the subtitle signifies, Dr. Kalam has addressed the most prevalent issue of the Nation; the talents and resources not being used to their full potential. Dr. Kalam has always been a believer in the thought that India harvests the greatest minds. Then the question remains, why these minds are not used for the best?

The book has special messages for children and young people; that is why it has been authored with child-like innocence and simple language. What makes it an interesting read is that the tone of the book might be mild, but it addresses many controversial topics with ease.

A Vision For The Future

It is evident from the first chapter itself, that Dr. Kalam wrote this work of his to communicate his vision for India and how he felt it is the youth that can make it happen. But for the youth to realize this, several aspects need to be addressed.

Ignited minds cover it all. Ranging from the importance of dreams, and the role of role models, teachers, and scientists to learning spirituality from saints and sages, and the importance of unity among diverse India; Dr. Kalam truly managed to cover it all.

Another wonderful thing about Ignited Minds is that full is not full of mere suggestions or imposition of dreams without knowing the true potential of the nation. Dr. Kalam compiled this work based on their experience around the nation, where he visited various pilgrimages, and institutes and met school children, teachers, scientists, saints, and sages.

The vision that this book share is based on Dr. Kalam’s dream supported by the potential he saw in the coming generation.

‘There is no greater power in heaven or earth than the commitment to a dream.’                                                     - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

What I Liked Most About ‘Ignited Minds’

The biggest takeaway from Ignited Minds, personally, was Dr. Kalam’s ‘Can Do’ Approach. He silenced every mouth that would laugh at the idea of India achieving something above and beyond. His belief in his country is what truly inspires me.

Another thing that stood out for me was the issues addressed. Dr. Kalam didn’t put any thought into irrelevant controversies that go on in the nation. His focus was on the key areas of interest that require attention, and which he believed are some of the things that can truly bring India together.

Also, while this book feels like a dialogue between a child and Dr. Kalam, it is a must-read for every teacher, scientist, student, industrialist, bureaucrat and so. This is so because Dr. Kalam doesn’t address this work to children only, he addresses it to the child-like curiosity in all of us and urges us to bring it out to make some real change happen around the nation.

‘Ignited Minds’ is an example of how complex issues can be addressed and solved with simplicity and calmness. The main message of the book is that a dream and hard work can solve everything. Every problem requires a commitment to be solved.

Overall Rating – 5/5

Written by – Simran Mahon