Book review

In India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, our most distinguished scientist, and close associate Y.S. Rajan examine India�s
strengths�and weaknesses�to offer a vision of how India can be among the world�s first five economic powers in the year 2020.

They cite growth rates and development trends to show that the goal is not an unrealistic one. Past successes, too, bear them out. For example, we were
able to launch the green revolution at a time when experts had all but given up on India ever becoming self-sufficient in food. Similarly, in the field of
space technology we started from scratch to have today a system of satellite-based communication linking remote regions of the country. The same
sense of purpose can lead us to success in many other areas crucial to achieving the goal of a prosperous, strong nation, assert Kalam and Rajan.
Pages 344 / Paperback / 9/15/2002 

About the author 

The president of india,is also currently Professor, Technology & Societal Transformation, Anna University, Chennai

Born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram, in Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalam specialised in Aero Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology. He initially
worked in DRDO in 1958 and then joined ISRO in 1963. As project Director, SLV-III, he contributed for the design, development and management of
India�s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) to inject Rohini satellite in the near earth orbit. He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO�s
launch vehicles programme and configurations. He rejoined DRDO in 1982 and conceived the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
(IGMDP) for indigenous missiles. He was Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development from July
1992 to December 1999.

Dr Kalam has made significant contribution to Indian satellite and launch vehicles. Through SLV-III and Guided Missile Programme, a solid foundation has
been laid for indigenous design and development of high technology aerospace projects. As Chairman, Technology Information, Forecasting and
Assessment Council (TIFAC), which generated the Technology Vision 2020 documents, he provided overall guidance to a number of Homegrown
Technology Projects and major technology missions such as Sugar, Advanced composites and fly ash utilisation.

Dr Kalam has served as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in the rank of Cabinet Minister, from November 1999 to November
2001, He was primarily responsible for evolving policies, strategies and missions for generation of innovations and support systems for multiple
applications. Also, generating science and technology task in strategic, economic and social sectors in partnership with Government departments,
institutions and industry. Dr Kalam was also the Chairman, Ex-officio, of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C).

Dr Kalam was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa) by 25 universities/academic institutions. Dr Kalam is recipient of
several awards including National Design Award; Dr Biren Roy Space Award; Om Prakash Bhasin Award; National Nehru Award by the Government of
Madhya Pradesh; Prof.Y Nayudamma Memorial Gold Medal 1996; GM Modi Award for Science 1996; HK Firodia Award for Excellence in S&T 1996; Veer
Savarkar Award 1998; Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration 1997.

He is Vice-President of Astronautical Society of India; Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering; Fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences
(India); Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, Hon.Fellow of Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers and ISRO
Distinguished Professor.

Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been awarded Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and BHARAT RATNA in 1997.