The Knowledge Society (from Ignited Minds) – A.P. J.

Abdul Kalam

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931 – 2015), a distinguished scientist, 11th President of India has written a lot
of books. The extract ‘The Knowledge Society’ is taken from Ignited Minds. Dr. Abdul Kalam
expresses the need to rediscover the ancient Indian Culture that had an abundant wealth of
knowledge. Various invasions destroyed the competence of the Indian society according to the
author.

Knowledge can be acquired not only through formal schooling in academic institutions, but also
through various other sources like libraries, researches, seminars, drawings, etc. Our artists,
craftsmen, saints, hakims and even simple housewives possessed knowledge and great skill. Our
heritage and rituals also are expressions of knowledge that our country had in abundance.
Knowledge in various forms is present in the Indian environment, oceans, bioreserves and also in
villages.

Knowledge is the strong point that leads any nation towards prosperity. Enhancing knowledge in
various fields and effectively utilizing the knowledge aids in the development of a nation. Society
has to transform itself in the process of knowledge gaining and has to generate wealth for its
betterment.

The TIFAC team (Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council) set up by the
government has identified core areas that will help the nation in the direction of a better society.
Information Technology, Biotechnolgy, Weather forecasting, Disaster Management, Teleeducation
are the key areas that need to be focused. The Planning Commission is generating a road map for
transforming India into a knowledge society. Dr. Abdul Kalam was the Chairman of Steering
Committee.

Creating young dynamic leaders is vital to achieve this goal says Dr. Abdul Kalam. Becoming a
knowledge, super power is an important mission for our nation. Protection of the acquired
knowledge is also a challenging task says Dr. Abdul Kalam in the concluding part.