India 2020; a Vision for the New Millennium

By Y.S. Rajan and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Book Overview

We started well enough after independence but the lack of progress on many fronts thereafter is a major cause for concern. An old fatalism has begun to reassert itself and we have begun to lose our confidence. In India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, our most distinguished scientist, and Y.S. Rajan, who has been closely associated with the space programme, examine our strengths--and weaknesses--to offer a vision of how India can be among the world's first five economic powers in the next twenty years. The goal, as they assert, is not an unrealistic one. Extrapolating from current growth rates and trends, and suggesting various improvements and directions we can take to boost development, they show that we can soon be well on the way to providing our citizens with a decent standard of living. Past successes, too, bear them out. For example, we were able to produce enough food for our population through the green revolution, although many international experts scoffed at the notion that India could ever be without a begging bowl. have today a system of satellite-based communication linking remote regions of the country. Initially there were failures in the space programme, but this only motivated our scientists to try harder. The same sense of purpose can lead us to success in many other areas. The aim: an India free from poverty, strong in trade and commerce, science and technology, providing health and education to all. After a talk on the role technology could play in shaping a modern India, a ten-year-old girl came up to Dr Kalam for his autograph. 'What is your ambition?' Dr Kalam asked her. The response was prompt. 'I would like to live in a developed India.' That aspiration, simply expressed, has been the hope of millions of Indians since independence. At the edge of the new millennium, Dr Kalam and Y.S. Rajan show us how to accomplish that goal. 'A developed India by 2020, or even earlier, is not a dream. It need not even be a mere vision in the minds of many Indians. It is a mission we can all take up -- and succeed.'--A P J Abdul Kalam

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670882712
• ISBN13: 9780670882717
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.5" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Vision with passion

This book is a wake up call. Having attained political independence from the British rule in 1947, India has much to achieve in terms of economic independence even after half a century since then. The dream to eradicate poverty and suffering in the world's largest democracy is still unrealized. India depends on imports in many areas that are crucial to her strategic interests in civilian and military applications. Large sections of the people have no recourse but to their prayers - whether it is drought or floods. Though the country boasts of its role in the global IT arena, the contribution in dollar terms is nowhere comparable to the actual potential that needs to be tapped. While there are pockets of affluence in the mini "silicon valleys" where yuppies gulp packaged mineral water, draught beer and internationally branded colas, there exist thousands of villages where clean drinking water is still a dream to our honorable citizens.While this paints a grim scenario, the achievements in various sectors that have put us on the radar screen of technologically developed nations needs to be highlighted. India, a country with abundant natural resources is respected for what has been achieved in areas like self-sufficiency in food grains, a strong nuclear deterrence, a large technological and scientific work force and giant strides in our programs in the core sectors of the economy. Consider this: India, a country where poverty is a thing of the past and all her citizens are healthy and educated by 2010; India, the fourth largest and developed economy by 2020. This book shows us the way. This is a mission to build on our strengths; the strength of over a billion people who are committed to succeed. It is written with an in-depth understanding of the problems on hand given the vast experience of the authors. What makes this book to stand out from the rest of the reports on similar issues is the true passion and urgency to succeed with nationalistic pride. Each chapter deals with one important sector of growth with focus on implementation and cross-sectoral linkages. Technology for progress with a human face is a common thread across the book. All citizens, particularly the more fortunate and better educated have a major role in the road ahead. As head of state, a great Indian scientist who ignites our passion is now at the helm of this mission. The country needs more Kalams and not Salaams in the North and South Blocks of New Delhi to realize this vision.

Torch Bearer For India in New Millennium

The book titled `India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shri Y.S. Rajan is timely brought out to facilitate transformation (economic as well as social through technological interventions) to have a developed India by 2020.The areas identified ranges from Food & Agriculture to High Tech areas including Strategic Industries. Enabling Infrastructure suggestions viability of inter-linkages between various sectors.The book has sensitised the younger generation specially scientist/technologist to look ahead in technology development so that rapid changes in many sectors of economy are accomplished.The publication contain well-defined targets so that active role could be played by all concerned including Industries, R & D personnel, Academia, Government as well as non-Governmental sectors.I have strong conviction that the accomplishment of targets by each and every one in respective field as contained in the book will surely make India self-reliant and prosperous (A DEVELOPED INDIA) by early next century.

The book is good as it conveys message Learn to walk alone.

Dear Sir,I have read this book. The book is very good and written in simple English. The opening message is very impressive " LEAN TO WALK ALONE". Self reliance and India has to evolve it own economic Policy,as well as development, business and marketing strategies.India has a large natural resources and talented manpower, which is morethan enough to become developed country. Only, we (Indian) have to use them in proper way. This books highlights about the strengths and weakness of our people. When one knows own strengths and weakness there is always SCOPE for improvement.The most important message is that it creats awareness that India has to become BIG AND STRONG. i think authours are able to convey their message to general public.ARUN AHUJA 122-A, GGI VIKASPURI NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Thanks to the two great authors!...

First of all, let me thank the two great authors on behalf of each and every Indian for giving us such a wonderful creation. As according to the authors words in the preface section, I also strongly feel that the book will surely be a source for igniting the minds of young people like us.I ought to make a special mention on the chapter on 'Realizing the Vision' wherein the authors have explained in depth about the future actions for every section of our society.This book is a must for each and every Indian who wishes to live in a better, well-developed, prosperous India.

A BOOK THAT GAVE ME A REASON TO STAY IN INDIA

I'm a final year engg. student at IIT Kanpur. I used to think of going abroad (to the US) for further studies and then settle there, as many others at my university do. I thought that India couldn't develope and I could only waste my life by staying home. I would like to thank Dr. Abdul Kalam and Dr. Rajan who wrote such an amazing book that after reading it I have cancelled all my plans of leaving the country. Now I would like to be in India, work hard , and see India grow as my and many of my fellow Indians' efforts bear fruit. A must for those who have any tinge of patriotrism left in them, and also for those who think that India is the best nation to migrate from.Oct 1, 1999 Vinayak Agrawal C-204 Hall-1IIT Kanpur208016INDIA