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India 2020: A Vision For India in the 21st Century
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 develoent 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.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
237 people are currently reading
4170 people want to read
About the author
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
141 books1,870 followersAvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (Tamil: அவுல் பகீர் ஜைனுலாப்தீன் அப்துல் கலாம்) usually referred to as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, was one of India's most distinguished scientists. He was an Aerospace engineer, professor, and chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. During his term as President, he was popularly known as the People's President.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
Before his term as India's president, he worked as an aeronautical engineer with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle,the SLV-3 He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on development of ballistic missile and space rocket technology. Kalam played a pivotal organisational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.
He has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from thirty universities and the country's three highest civilian honours - Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) and Bharat Ratna (1997).
Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who became popular as ‘People’s President’, passed away on July 27th, 2015 at the age of 83 in Shillong, India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 3, 2014
Vision Document #14568934
This reads too much like a bureaucratic/corporate vision document.
It goes through the routine: of the necessity for developing core competencies, technology vision, comparing with a few competitors, and so on.
However, a quick summary:
The vision is to convert India into a ‘developed nation’ by 2020, this being defined as an India that will be one of the five biggest economic powers, self–reliant in energy and food security.
To this end, we are told that the primary focus is to be on developing technological competence in the core areas that India wants to excel in. This includes better use of hybrid rice, agro-processing, industry linkages, etc. in Agriculture; Developing better commercial applications and extraction technologies for our indigenous mineral wealth in Primary Sector; India to be a net exporter of technology and High-end products in Industrial Sector; a world leader in Services, especially in Software Sector; Develop our Strategic Sectors such as Defense, Satellite, etc. by focusing on dual-use technologies that will have better civilian applications; To support all this focus on the two enabling sectors most - Health and Infrastructure, in as inclusive a fashion as possible - for these are the two focus areas which will ensure that the all the progress we attain by working so hard elsewhere reaches the poor of India.
There is plenty of data, charts, and all the things that make a good report. But in the end it is not very readable and there are no big ideas that can be a take-away for the curious reader. The few good (read quotable) sections in the book are the ones directly taken from Kalam’s various speeches. I feel they are the only direct contributions by Kalam to this book.
The “vision” behind writing a book like this, to lay out a broad roadmap for technological progress, is pretty good, but the execution is quite bad… that is ironical - a good metaphor has been achieved through this book.
This reads too much like a bureaucratic/corporate vision document.
It goes through the routine: of the necessity for developing core competencies, technology vision, comparing with a few competitors, and so on.
However, a quick summary:
The vision is to convert India into a ‘developed nation’ by 2020, this being defined as an India that will be one of the five biggest economic powers, self–reliant in energy and food security.
To this end, we are told that the primary focus is to be on developing technological competence in the core areas that India wants to excel in. This includes better use of hybrid rice, agro-processing, industry linkages, etc. in Agriculture; Developing better commercial applications and extraction technologies for our indigenous mineral wealth in Primary Sector; India to be a net exporter of technology and High-end products in Industrial Sector; a world leader in Services, especially in Software Sector; Develop our Strategic Sectors such as Defense, Satellite, etc. by focusing on dual-use technologies that will have better civilian applications; To support all this focus on the two enabling sectors most - Health and Infrastructure, in as inclusive a fashion as possible - for these are the two focus areas which will ensure that the all the progress we attain by working so hard elsewhere reaches the poor of India.
There is plenty of data, charts, and all the things that make a good report. But in the end it is not very readable and there are no big ideas that can be a take-away for the curious reader. The few good (read quotable) sections in the book are the ones directly taken from Kalam’s various speeches. I feel they are the only direct contributions by Kalam to this book.
The “vision” behind writing a book like this, to lay out a broad roadmap for technological progress, is pretty good, but the execution is quite bad… that is ironical - a good metaphor has been achieved through this book.
August 4, 2014
Its a good book. It gives a vision for India to develop by 2020.
March 8, 2012
This book was strongly urged upon me by the bookshop owner, normally averse to dense political writing, especially Indian, I was persuaded that this was a succinct overview of India's plans for a "bright" future. When I opened it, I discovered some surprising truths about India today.
India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Unique amongst global heads of state, The President of India, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, is one of India's most distinguished scientists. According to the flyleaf, he was responsible for the development of India's first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3 and various strategic missiles amongst other indigenous technologies. In addition to these achievements for which he has won numerous awards and honors, he is a muslim head of state of a largely hindu country. Hmm, I'm impressed. The previous president was an untouchable or 'harijan' - for all of India's political faults, her intentions are always noble in this regard.
Written in 1998, the book is dedicated to a little schoolgirl, who, when asked by him, "What is your ambition?" answered, "I want to live in a developed India."
I found that it isn't as dense as a policy document as I'd imagined. He quickly goes through the various scientific, technological and economic steps that India needs to implement and follow through on to achieve her ambition of being one of the world's powerhouses in the next 15 years. And I must admit, it's pretty inspiring - not only to have such a thinker and visionary at the helm, but also to have such a plan in place. I only wish that he'd get a better haircut. While looking for a good review online, I came across some observations by Kevin Schofield - I've reposted a goodly part here,
The premise of the book is simple: what would it take to convert
India from a "developing nation" to a "developed nation" in 20 years?
Kalam sets out some general principles, then walks through a number of
different topics -- including technology, food, agriculture,
chemical/biological industries, manufacturing, services, and healthcare
-- and discusses exactly what India needs to do in order to reach a par
with other developed nations.
Kalam establishes himself in this book as a broad thinker, and a
true Indian patriot and visionary. It's also clear that he's amazingly
knowledgable on a wide variety of topics. The book is written to appeal
to the Indian mass market, so most topics are explained at a fairly
rudimentary level with an assumption of almost no background; for those
with some background, it can seem a bit simplistic and tiresome, but on
the other hand that makes the book a quick read.
Why is it that India and China revere their scientists and engineers
and choose them to lead their countries, and we here in the
West stereotype ours to be goofy, propeller-headed academics with no
connection to reality? I read the never-ending discussions on Slashdot,
on Groklaw, and on Larry Lessig's blog about patent, copyright and
other intellectual property legal issues that technology has brough to
the surface; and while I often disagree with the views expressed on
those fora, I am dismayed at the complete absence of anyone in office
in D.C.who has any depth of understanding of these issues. Whatever
happened to reason, debate, and sound judgment? What would have to
happen in order to get the smartest, best-educated people leading our
government instead of career politicians and lobbyists? If India and
China can do it, can't we???
Articulated far better than anything I could possibly have said. And if you've read this far, I urge you to browse the insightful comments as well. I hope that link works, radio weblogs always confuses me a bit, newbie that I am.
January 15, 2017
A great book. Touches every field. Paves the path for the future India. It's sad to note that we have lost lot of time. At least 20 years. Still we should take steps now to cover up for the lost time.
October 27, 2012
Reading the book by the former President of India, Scientist par excellence, visionary always make me feel good about the way book developed. Reading his passion for the development of the country and immense faith towards the capabilities and resources of country, makes one optimist while reading the book.
April 21, 2020
A book way ahead of its time, valid insights that can be acted upon even today. Even though we are in 2020 and much of the vision remains to be achieved, it is an inspiring book that can encourage grassroots level action.
May 28, 2016
A wonderful book to read by India's true Bharat Ratna Dr. Abdul Kalam. While written a decade earlier and the messages in his book has been still unrealized even as India is getting closer to 2020, it reflects the passion of a beautiful mind. Dr. Kalam is straightforward and candid in calling out the economic warfare happening around the world and the length to which developed nations go to protect their own success. This aside, Dr. Kalam and Y.S. Rajan break down the tool sets required for India to achieve a developed nation status and eliminate poverty completely.
Unlike other books in this similar genre, this book has some very practical and fact based solutions to how the country can cancel through advanced technology and innovation in the fields of agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transportation, mining, sensors, metals, health care, defense, space and beyond. What was phenomenal about the book was the revelation that India achieved several successes in the defense space purely through a lot of home bred innovation done at the same time that nations with equivalent technology denied India an opportunity to build them (Technology Denial Regimes).
A lot of the material in this book is sourced from research and findings done by TIFAC - Technology, Information Forecasting and Assessment Council. The authors call out India's core competency in human resources and natural resources such as steel, aluminium, titanium and rare earth materials. Who knew that India will have an annul household demand of 343 million metric tonnes of foodgrains? a demand that we are not producing enough internally and would be forced to import at an annual increase of 2%. Another fact worth noting is that India is one of the few countries where nearly 50% of the geographical area is arable. But land is breaking down into smaller holding and is causing a grave concern for future production.
Other amazing facts and observations about India as mentioned by the authors are:
The application of the first military-powered rockets in the world was by Tippu Sultan at the battle of Srirangapatnam.
India has one of the richest stocks of Beryllium ores used in gyroscopes and electronics.
India has the best stock of titanium and bauxite ores in the world.
India lacks the golden triangle that can help propel it forward - the nexus between Academia, Industry and R&D labs.
Western Europe, Japan and North America account for 70% of world chemicals production and consumption.
The Atharva Veda contains detailed information of 2000 species of medicinal plants and their uses.
A personal best of mine - Indians have to be triggered by a vision, a supportive environment and some personal benefits.
The book overall is loaded with facts and personal observations that show the depth of knowledge, research, passion and vision that they have for India. It will be a great achievement for the country if it is able to follow in the foot steps of such great leaders to take India in the league of truly developed but most importantly, empowering nations in the world.
Unlike other books in this similar genre, this book has some very practical and fact based solutions to how the country can cancel through advanced technology and innovation in the fields of agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transportation, mining, sensors, metals, health care, defense, space and beyond. What was phenomenal about the book was the revelation that India achieved several successes in the defense space purely through a lot of home bred innovation done at the same time that nations with equivalent technology denied India an opportunity to build them (Technology Denial Regimes).
A lot of the material in this book is sourced from research and findings done by TIFAC - Technology, Information Forecasting and Assessment Council. The authors call out India's core competency in human resources and natural resources such as steel, aluminium, titanium and rare earth materials. Who knew that India will have an annul household demand of 343 million metric tonnes of foodgrains? a demand that we are not producing enough internally and would be forced to import at an annual increase of 2%. Another fact worth noting is that India is one of the few countries where nearly 50% of the geographical area is arable. But land is breaking down into smaller holding and is causing a grave concern for future production.
Other amazing facts and observations about India as mentioned by the authors are:
The application of the first military-powered rockets in the world was by Tippu Sultan at the battle of Srirangapatnam.
India has one of the richest stocks of Beryllium ores used in gyroscopes and electronics.
India has the best stock of titanium and bauxite ores in the world.
India lacks the golden triangle that can help propel it forward - the nexus between Academia, Industry and R&D labs.
Western Europe, Japan and North America account for 70% of world chemicals production and consumption.
The Atharva Veda contains detailed information of 2000 species of medicinal plants and their uses.
A personal best of mine - Indians have to be triggered by a vision, a supportive environment and some personal benefits.
The book overall is loaded with facts and personal observations that show the depth of knowledge, research, passion and vision that they have for India. It will be a great achievement for the country if it is able to follow in the foot steps of such great leaders to take India in the league of truly developed but most importantly, empowering nations in the world.
April 25, 2014
As India stands at a crossroads with an exciting election, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's "India 2020" is a very inspiring and thought-provoking book. The book envisions India to attain the status of a developed nation by 2020. The writers envision an India where the national economy of the country is one of the largest in the world; there is upliftment in the general living standards of the common man well above the poverty line including high standards of education, health and above all, national security. The four chief areas to facilitate development: the people, economy, strategic strength and infrastructure and to achieve all this, technology is the answer.
Dr. Kalam stresses on two important facts to achieve this vision ? sensitization to problems and a will to achieve. To be able to achieve this vision, one should rise above one?s routine, mundane problems and try and achieve something across the ordinary: at the same time taking care of the feasibility of the project. This means that although at the time of articulation of vision, the goal may perhaps appear to be improbable but at no point of time should it seem to be impossible.
"India 2020" combines ideas of a visionary, the expertise of a great planner and the considered recommendations by some of the best technology experts in India. "India 2020", therefore, is no ordinary book. It seeks to inspire the nation to think big and pursue ambitious plans. Simply put, this book must be on every desk who dreams about the future of India. I have to agree with Dr. Kalam that to achieve our Vision 2020, we should settle our superficial differences and think and act as "Indians". Nobody can take us there but ourselves.
Dr. Kalam stresses on two important facts to achieve this vision ? sensitization to problems and a will to achieve. To be able to achieve this vision, one should rise above one?s routine, mundane problems and try and achieve something across the ordinary: at the same time taking care of the feasibility of the project. This means that although at the time of articulation of vision, the goal may perhaps appear to be improbable but at no point of time should it seem to be impossible.
"India 2020" combines ideas of a visionary, the expertise of a great planner and the considered recommendations by some of the best technology experts in India. "India 2020", therefore, is no ordinary book. It seeks to inspire the nation to think big and pursue ambitious plans. Simply put, this book must be on every desk who dreams about the future of India. I have to agree with Dr. Kalam that to achieve our Vision 2020, we should settle our superficial differences and think and act as "Indians". Nobody can take us there but ourselves.
May 7, 2014
"Success has many parents"- APJ Abdul Kalam. The book contains details for a person looking for new technological ideas and doing a research on where to put his time, money and effort into. Gives details about every industry ,where we lack , where we could do better and what does India need in that particular industry.
Written in 1998, it envisions a future we should aim at in 2020. I read it in 2014 and am still wondering are we on the right track to the goal we aimed at many years back?
A little more examples would have made it an interesting read.
Written in 1998, it envisions a future we should aim at in 2020. I read it in 2014 and am still wondering are we on the right track to the goal we aimed at many years back?
A little more examples would have made it an interesting read.
December 21, 2016
The book makes for a lucid, readable version of the lengthy TIFAC Vision 2020 documents. The attempt is laudable for the fact that it addresses every citizen and even foreign nationals who are residents of this country. It's a book that must be read by every individual who aspires, while lacks the understanding of how, to contribute to the country to make it a developed nation. Youth, even in 2016, will be inspired by the vision, parts of which have been realised today but much remains to become reality.
January 31, 2014
A definite must for any politician or Administrator who wants to do "something" for the greater good of India .. It's a strategic step by step guide to what is needed by India and how we can get it, It tell us our strengths ) which are many) and reminds us of our inherent weakness ( again many, but not insurmountable!) .
Dr. Kalam has beautifully sensationally and point wise shown how we can achieve our goal of 2020 Developed India , only if this were used and read and utilized !
Dr. Kalam has beautifully sensationally and point wise shown how we can achieve our goal of 2020 Developed India , only if this were used and read and utilized !
January 24, 2011
The great research work done during the tenure of his President-ship of India. This is Just the short version...the original version published by The Planning Commission of India-- is really the SWOT analysis of India.
October 18, 2015
The book is co-authored by the People's President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The book clearly defined the vision that he had for India as a developed country and not as a developing country. The book sometimes turn into more of a documentary and statistics which could have been omitted.
December 7, 2018
Must read for all those who want India to be among the world's developed nations.
Strengths n weaknesses have been examined,if there is will it can be achieved.
Technology,skills r available only efforts r required from all fronts.
Strengths n weaknesses have been examined,if there is will it can be achieved.
Technology,skills r available only efforts r required from all fronts.
August 14, 2007
"Indian people can rise well...because of their own improved health, education and self esteem." "Ignited young minds, we feel, are a powerful resource." "strength respects strength"
June 26, 2009
setting a goal for tomorrow
March 9, 2014
wonderful exhibition of facts and motivations for indian people
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June 20, 2012i like this book
February 12, 2014
Must read book..
So you can learn how to set a goal, and set the vision in your personal , financial life also
So you can learn how to set a goal, and set the vision in your personal , financial life also
April 10, 2014
A good read, although a lot of it is conceptual, the writing puts it forth as an executable plan. I would recommend it if you are looking at fresher perspectives of the near future of India.
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May 8, 2014good book
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January 2, 2015gud book
April 9, 2016
A must read for every Indian so that we can actually know our mission towards nation.
April 10, 2016
Fantastic piece of work......
Read
May 11, 2016this is book read it.....
November 12, 2024
This book primarily explores the visions and thoughts of the visionary leader Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Much of the contents is sourced from the Technology Vision 2020 reports released in 1996 by HD Deve Gowda, the then Prime Minister of India. Consequently, about 90% of the content feels like reading government documents.
However, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam added his own views and thoughts as well to each chapter, covering various sectors - Food, Agriculture, Future (advanced) materials, manufacturing and chemical industries, service sector and strategic industries, infrastructure and healthcare and the technological imperatives needed for these sectors to realise the vision of Developed India by 2020.
Some parts resonated with me particularly his emphasis on technology and human resources with ignited minds as the backbone of India's future. However, some ideas seemed utopian, such as the expectation that foreign companies should contribute to India's development journey without focusing solely on profits.
Dr. APJ also emphasized the technological imperatives for each sector to flourish, resulting in numerous technological terms and keywords throughout the book, though less so compared to "Wings of Fire".
Reading this book in 2024, it felt somewhat outdated, as it was written during the last decade of the 20th century. I also felt a bit regret that only a few of his visions have been realised, while others remain dreams for India. I plan to start the sequel to this book "Beyond 2020" and hope it will continue to motivate and guide us in the coming years.
However, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam added his own views and thoughts as well to each chapter, covering various sectors - Food, Agriculture, Future (advanced) materials, manufacturing and chemical industries, service sector and strategic industries, infrastructure and healthcare and the technological imperatives needed for these sectors to realise the vision of Developed India by 2020.
Some parts resonated with me particularly his emphasis on technology and human resources with ignited minds as the backbone of India's future. However, some ideas seemed utopian, such as the expectation that foreign companies should contribute to India's development journey without focusing solely on profits.
Dr. APJ also emphasized the technological imperatives for each sector to flourish, resulting in numerous technological terms and keywords throughout the book, though less so compared to "Wings of Fire".
Reading this book in 2024, it felt somewhat outdated, as it was written during the last decade of the 20th century. I also felt a bit regret that only a few of his visions have been realised, while others remain dreams for India. I plan to start the sequel to this book "Beyond 2020" and hope it will continue to motivate and guide us in the coming years.
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September 12, 2020Dr. Kalam was most distinguished scientist , former president of India who was awarded with many honorary certificates. He got intrigued for writing this book by little girl who said “I want to live in developed India “ on asking what her ambitions were .
“India 2020 “is a fascinating book with vivid blueprints for developed India which gets interesting every next page. The plot is thoroughly researched and represented focused on development of various areas and sector to say technology, industries,services, etc.
the thing actually happening in2020 is protesting,rioting and fighting . World is suffering from pandemic harming economy of country . Development is on hold and different sectors are suffering losses due to lockdowns .
Thi ground breaking vision documents were published in 1998 and since then it had been twenty two years . There had been development in past decade but it might take another decade or two for reaching desired goals only if more opportunities are provided and more interest is paid by government on various developing or underdeveloped sectors .
This book is highly recommended for beautiful citizens of this beautiful nation . People who wish to get vision of developed India should definitely give it a try.
This book and also be introduced in school for students .
This book is plan for taking India from developing nation to developed nation.
“India 2020 “is a fascinating book with vivid blueprints for developed India which gets interesting every next page. The plot is thoroughly researched and represented focused on development of various areas and sector to say technology, industries,services, etc.
the thing actually happening in2020 is protesting,rioting and fighting . World is suffering from pandemic harming economy of country . Development is on hold and different sectors are suffering losses due to lockdowns .
Thi ground breaking vision documents were published in 1998 and since then it had been twenty two years . There had been development in past decade but it might take another decade or two for reaching desired goals only if more opportunities are provided and more interest is paid by government on various developing or underdeveloped sectors .
This book is highly recommended for beautiful citizens of this beautiful nation . People who wish to get vision of developed India should definitely give it a try.
This book and also be introduced in school for students .
This book is plan for taking India from developing nation to developed nation.
December 15, 2018
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 develoent 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.
July 27, 2020
This is more of an econ book (duh, what did I think?) talking about GDP, imports/exports, and areas (with lots of technical details) to focus on to achieve developed status. The book has several anecdotes, which are so thought-provoking, from Abdul Kalam's experience as a scientist at ISRO.
I read the kindle version and it has lot of typos. Perhaps, the OCR output was not proofread. I wonder if there is a way to report all these errors so that they can make corrections. Contentwise, without a doubt, it is truly awe-inspiring. Thanks to the free time because of the lockdown, here is what I wrote about this book: https://medium.com/@nagarjunchakilam/...
I read the kindle version and it has lot of typos. Perhaps, the OCR output was not proofread. I wonder if there is a way to report all these errors so that they can make corrections. Contentwise, without a doubt, it is truly awe-inspiring. Thanks to the free time because of the lockdown, here is what I wrote about this book: https://medium.com/@nagarjunchakilam/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews