What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President
A nice read that should not be missedOutlook Nair keeps his narration simple, offering rare glimpses of how Kalam functionedIndia Today In a choice that surprised many, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became President of India in 2002. Questions were raised as to how someone who was a scientist and not a politician, who sported an unusual hairstyle, and had an unassuming way of doing things, would fit into the regal splendour of Rashtrapati Bhavan. In The Kalam Effect, P.M. Nair, who was secretary to the president during the eventful five years till 2007, shows the remarkable nature of Kalams presidency which transformed the way people looked at the office, making Kalam popular in a way few politicians have been. This is an affectionate and intimate portrait of a special human being who changed peoples perception of the highest office of the nation.
180 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2008
22 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 10, 2015
This is an account by an IAS Officer on APJ Abdul Kalam when he was the President of India. Attention has been paid how the then President of India took tough decisions and tackled difficult situations; and shows his deeply compassionate human side as well. For one-time-read it's really a good book, after all you'll know something more about the People's President.
August 31, 2020
*review after this cup of tea gets over 🖤
May 19, 2021
When it is Abdul Kalam, I just can’t keep the book down. The missile man has great influence on me and I truly admire him from the core of my heart. It takes a lot to rise from ground zero and become the president of the largest democracy in the world. It takes still more to keep the values, principles and fire in oneself alive after achieving so much in life. Kalam is a person with difference for whom his country means more than anything else in this world, who has a vision and dream for his country and who believes that his countrymen has all the will to achieve that vision. It happens once in 50 years that a person of such stature who has produced missiles for the country becomes the first citizen of country. I may fall sort of words if I go on describing the missile man but here is a review of a book just released on Mr. President by his private secretary, P M Nair which is a must read to know Dr Kalam from very close.
Well!! When you a pick up a book on a person who is your idol, it does not take too long to read it and same thing happened when I picked the book which is an account of how things move in Raisina Hills, how critical is the position of President and over an above all this, the book also speaks on emotional and personal front about Mr. Kalam which undoubtedly is the most interesting part of the book.
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam is a very simple, dedicated, modest and sincere personality with influencing vision and mission. As Nair says in his book, when he went to address the European Parliament for the first time, also being the first so by an Indian President, he was allocated 25 minutes and he concluded only after 45 minutes, receiving an overwhelming response from the audience along with a standing ovation. Better known as People’s President, and a great admirer of youths and children, he believes that the power of our nation lies in the youths and through his interaction with ~ 1 lakh children spread across different states and region, he arrived at the conclusion that all of them want to see a developed India which is free of poverty. When asked by someone about his source of inspiration and motivation, Mr President replied - “Dream, dream, dream .Think, think, think. And then put that thought into action, action, action.” Through his writings and address to the nation during his Presidential tenure, he always carried a mission of building a self reliant and developed India by 2020. He reposed enough faith in the youths of the country and showed us the path to achieve the mission and I personally believe that he is very true that our potential lies in the invaluable human resource of our country. A billion plus nation can do anything if they have a clear vision which is put into action because ‘impossible is nothing’.
Nair also says that Dr Kalam made it a habit to answer all the queries which was put to him through his website and so attached he is to the children that when a little girl wrote to him that a see – saw in her nearby park is not working due to which she could not play, Mr. President got it repaired and replied back to the child. This is just one of the instances which show that Dr Kalam was truly a People’s President in all essence. He is the only President of India to have travelled all the states (only to the exception of Lakshadweep due to security reasons which still remains his regret till date) during his tenure and he took the trip to North – East region more than once which is generally neglected by political leaders due to security reasons. Mr President broke all protocols when it came to meeting children and talking to the youths. On the eve of New Year, he met ~ 6000 citizens who were waiting outside Rashtrapati Bhawan to greet the President. The author writes in his book that Dr Kalam, asked him many a times to distribute food and clothes to poor people from his personal fund and not to make his contribution public which shows that he was least interested in fame and publicity unlike other political figures. He also landed in many controversies many a times during his office and Indian media was not kind enough to spare even this selfless man. By returning the office of profit bill to the parliament for reconsideration, he made it clear that he is aware of his constitutional rights and is not a rubber stamp. Kalam is a secular person and paid visit to Gujarat during riots which surprised the nation as President is always supposed to keep himself aloof from controversies and politics. A pure vegetarian, who reads Koran and Bhagwad Gita everyday, a scholar of Thirukkural which is quoted in most of his speeches and a great admirer of Classical music and art are some of his personal traits. He has made valuable contribution to our motherland by playing the role of father to the long list of missiles and above all by giving a vision and mission of developed India by 2020.
Mr. President carries a long list of award with himself, to name a few, Bharat Ratna which is the highest civilian award for his contribution to DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and also Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. I really feel privileged to be a part of nation whose first citizen was a visionary and scholar like His Highness, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.
Well!! When you a pick up a book on a person who is your idol, it does not take too long to read it and same thing happened when I picked the book which is an account of how things move in Raisina Hills, how critical is the position of President and over an above all this, the book also speaks on emotional and personal front about Mr. Kalam which undoubtedly is the most interesting part of the book.
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam is a very simple, dedicated, modest and sincere personality with influencing vision and mission. As Nair says in his book, when he went to address the European Parliament for the first time, also being the first so by an Indian President, he was allocated 25 minutes and he concluded only after 45 minutes, receiving an overwhelming response from the audience along with a standing ovation. Better known as People’s President, and a great admirer of youths and children, he believes that the power of our nation lies in the youths and through his interaction with ~ 1 lakh children spread across different states and region, he arrived at the conclusion that all of them want to see a developed India which is free of poverty. When asked by someone about his source of inspiration and motivation, Mr President replied - “Dream, dream, dream .Think, think, think. And then put that thought into action, action, action.” Through his writings and address to the nation during his Presidential tenure, he always carried a mission of building a self reliant and developed India by 2020. He reposed enough faith in the youths of the country and showed us the path to achieve the mission and I personally believe that he is very true that our potential lies in the invaluable human resource of our country. A billion plus nation can do anything if they have a clear vision which is put into action because ‘impossible is nothing’.
Nair also says that Dr Kalam made it a habit to answer all the queries which was put to him through his website and so attached he is to the children that when a little girl wrote to him that a see – saw in her nearby park is not working due to which she could not play, Mr. President got it repaired and replied back to the child. This is just one of the instances which show that Dr Kalam was truly a People’s President in all essence. He is the only President of India to have travelled all the states (only to the exception of Lakshadweep due to security reasons which still remains his regret till date) during his tenure and he took the trip to North – East region more than once which is generally neglected by political leaders due to security reasons. Mr President broke all protocols when it came to meeting children and talking to the youths. On the eve of New Year, he met ~ 6000 citizens who were waiting outside Rashtrapati Bhawan to greet the President. The author writes in his book that Dr Kalam, asked him many a times to distribute food and clothes to poor people from his personal fund and not to make his contribution public which shows that he was least interested in fame and publicity unlike other political figures. He also landed in many controversies many a times during his office and Indian media was not kind enough to spare even this selfless man. By returning the office of profit bill to the parliament for reconsideration, he made it clear that he is aware of his constitutional rights and is not a rubber stamp. Kalam is a secular person and paid visit to Gujarat during riots which surprised the nation as President is always supposed to keep himself aloof from controversies and politics. A pure vegetarian, who reads Koran and Bhagwad Gita everyday, a scholar of Thirukkural which is quoted in most of his speeches and a great admirer of Classical music and art are some of his personal traits. He has made valuable contribution to our motherland by playing the role of father to the long list of missiles and above all by giving a vision and mission of developed India by 2020.
Mr. President carries a long list of award with himself, to name a few, Bharat Ratna which is the highest civilian award for his contribution to DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and also Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. I really feel privileged to be a part of nation whose first citizen was a visionary and scholar like His Highness, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.
December 28, 2017
Read this book for an office project, and it surprised me how less I knew of APJ Abdul Kalam - the most popular President and Scientist of India. Its a light read and will be a good companion on a short trip or a 2 hour flight. You can read it front to back in one sitting. Though it flows easily and is a quick
read, it still tells you a lot about the person he was - flaws and all included. Must Read!
read, it still tells you a lot about the person he was - flaws and all included. Must Read!
January 3, 2018
Its not difficult to be inspired by a man like Dr. Kalam; what’s difficult is to actually embody what he personified, in both spirit and practice.
March 1, 2010
A P J Abdul Kalam is a name which draws attention and curiosity. While his own books Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, India 2020 became popular and were raved about, this book about him, written by his secretary failed to make any news. Nevertheless, the book drew my attention and I read it in one sitting.
The book states its goals very clearly. It is not meant to be Kalam’s biography or his journey in life. It is about P M Nair’s experience of working closely with Kalam for those five years when Kalam served as the 11th President of India between 2002 to 2007. It is not about how Kalam was born or what a troubled childhood he had or how he became a scientist. This book is about Kalam, the President, through Nair’s eyes.
Nair has a great respect for Kalam and it shows. He points out Kalam’s generosity, child like innocence and the dream he had for India. He set out to make a mark as the President in his five-year tenure. He made a mark and how! The book talks about many incidents to showcase Kalam’s nature.
Don’t we all read about Pratibha Patil going on foreign tours, one after the other, accompanied by hervillage family? Here is a change in the scene. When Kalam’s extended family paid him a visit at his presidential house, Kalam ensured that not a penny from the government was used. He spent 2.5 lakhs on his family’s expenditure – cars, hotels, tours, food. Doesn’t that show this man’s integrity? Nair jots down many incidents like this which makes you respect Kalam even more.
Nair is quick to point out certain qualities which Kalam should work on. Kalam’s punctuality (the lack of it) is something that annoyed Nair and no matter how much he tried, Kalam never changed his ways. Kalam’s innocence, which the entire world knew about and took advantage of, put Nair in trouble sometimes. People would write to Kalam to give them jobs, education and money or else they will commit suicide. Kalam was genuinely moved by these letters and would ask Nair to fulfill the people’s wishes.
There are tidbits like this which give us a glimpse of Kalam and the man he was. Bush’s visit to India, Musharraf’s visit, Mohammad Afzal’s pardon plea, Sonia Gandhi’s prime ministerial candidate – all these find a mention in the book.
While the book is interesting to read, it doesn’t leave you better than what you were when you picked up the book. You know a few more things about Kalam, but what’s the use of that? Narrating an incident is not enough. One should narrate it in a way that the reader gets inspired and that is not one of Nair’s skills. The book is bland in its form, but rich in content. If you really want to know about Kalam, isn’t it better to read books written by him than about him? I am indifferent to this book. No recommendations, no dissuasion.
The book states its goals very clearly. It is not meant to be Kalam’s biography or his journey in life. It is about P M Nair’s experience of working closely with Kalam for those five years when Kalam served as the 11th President of India between 2002 to 2007. It is not about how Kalam was born or what a troubled childhood he had or how he became a scientist. This book is about Kalam, the President, through Nair’s eyes.
Nair has a great respect for Kalam and it shows. He points out Kalam’s generosity, child like innocence and the dream he had for India. He set out to make a mark as the President in his five-year tenure. He made a mark and how! The book talks about many incidents to showcase Kalam’s nature.
Don’t we all read about Pratibha Patil going on foreign tours, one after the other, accompanied by her
Nair is quick to point out certain qualities which Kalam should work on. Kalam’s punctuality (the lack of it) is something that annoyed Nair and no matter how much he tried, Kalam never changed his ways. Kalam’s innocence, which the entire world knew about and took advantage of, put Nair in trouble sometimes. People would write to Kalam to give them jobs, education and money or else they will commit suicide. Kalam was genuinely moved by these letters and would ask Nair to fulfill the people’s wishes.
There are tidbits like this which give us a glimpse of Kalam and the man he was. Bush’s visit to India, Musharraf’s visit, Mohammad Afzal’s pardon plea, Sonia Gandhi’s prime ministerial candidate – all these find a mention in the book.
While the book is interesting to read, it doesn’t leave you better than what you were when you picked up the book. You know a few more things about Kalam, but what’s the use of that? Narrating an incident is not enough. One should narrate it in a way that the reader gets inspired and that is not one of Nair’s skills. The book is bland in its form, but rich in content. If you really want to know about Kalam, isn’t it better to read books written by him than about him? I am indifferent to this book. No recommendations, no dissuasion.
October 3, 2017
This book depicts the importance, Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gives to perseverance and discipline in his life. A Bible for Mr. Kalam's fans written by his stern disciple Mr. P.M. Nair. The excerpts mentioned in the book regarding Mr. Kalam's routine are awe-inspiring. An opportunity for the readers to explore Kalam - The then President Of India. Well compiled artifacts by Mr. Nair. A good pastime read.
September 16, 2017
"Peoples President" The name which can be only attributed to A.P.J Abdul Kalam.
this books delivers many scenarios,him as a president which is experienced by Mr.Nair.It is so overwhelming to read,enjoy & know our president by reading this book.
this books delivers many scenarios,him as a president which is experienced by Mr.Nair.It is so overwhelming to read,enjoy & know our president by reading this book.
July 12, 2012
A must read.....
August 7, 2020
It is not a biography of APJ instead it is how NAIR sees him.
It gets boring at a times,and shows the different saturation of kalaam.
You will be surprised.
It gets boring at a times,and shows the different saturation of kalaam.
You will be surprised.
May 13, 2019
The book focuses on showcasing President Kalam's time as President of India (2002-2007). The book reveals his personality via several anecdotes on duty and sometimes otherwise. Not one of them is less than the other in significance to building the persona portrayed.
May 29, 2024
It was a nice easy read. APJ Kalam is seriously cool and inspiring! So much to learn from him. The book also clears some misunderstandings and shares inside stories.
I wish the chapters had been named or maybe arranged chronologically. But that's just me. :)
Hoping to read Wings of Fire 🤞🏽
I wish the chapters had been named or maybe arranged chronologically. But that's just me. :)
Hoping to read Wings of Fire 🤞🏽
July 7, 2017
Simply Honest..
November 30, 2018
This memoir is from a personal view of point. Mr Nair puts it beautifully.
October 9, 2019
Easy read but could have been better.
July 27, 2020
A good read about a great person!
The book gave insights about how a great man lived. I always have a great respect for Dr.APJ. So, I chose to buy this book. I am satisfied I did.
The book gave insights about how a great man lived. I always have a great respect for Dr.APJ. So, I chose to buy this book. I am satisfied I did.
December 19, 2021
Amazing book, amazing experiences shared by the author. Kalam Sir's simplicity and vision has clearly made him one of the most loved and respected Presidents of India. A book worth read for every Indian.
May 25, 2024
Excellent book, with an exceptional flow.
October 4, 2025
A must read for every Indian. The author beautifully described a few dead’s of the president .
September 21, 2016
Beautiful and honest Insights on India's Most Beloved President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam
The author was secretary to the President and hence had provided the first hand unblemished characteristic and qualities of Dr.Kalam.
The author was secretary to the President and hence had provided the first hand unblemished characteristic and qualities of Dr.Kalam.
February 12, 2016
The Kalam Effect, written by P. M. Nair is a look at the life of Former President Abdul Kalam from the eyes of his Secretary, P. M. Nair.
Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the President of India from 2002 to 2007 during which he was able to cement his place as arguably the best President that India has ever had. Dr. Kalam was a surprising choice for the President as he had basically no background in Politics. Dr. Kalam was a scientist through and through but it was his kind heart and unassuming nature which earned him the tag of the “People’s President”. This book, written by his Secretary talks about some of the experiences he had while working with Dr. Kalam during his tenure as the President.
On the whole I liked the book because it never quite exceeded the brief that was given to it. The author states right in the beginning that he doesn’t mean to glorify Kalam as some sort of Demigod but wants to present a true picture of him as a kind and exceptional human being who nevertheless had some faults as well. Aside from some of the instances that proved that Kalam was a kind human being, it also dealt with some of the controversies that came up during his term as the President. It was nice to get a little more clarity on topics such as the Bihar Assembly Dissolution, The Office of Profit Bill or his approach to the possibility of a second term in office.
Post reading this book I was left feeling even more awe for the man who contributed so much to the nation. Dr. Kalam died a few months back and the love for him that was shown during the funeral showed just how amazing a human being he was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to know a little more about Dr. Kalam. For those of you who don’t know him or didn’t like him, I would give this book a miss.
Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the President of India from 2002 to 2007 during which he was able to cement his place as arguably the best President that India has ever had. Dr. Kalam was a surprising choice for the President as he had basically no background in Politics. Dr. Kalam was a scientist through and through but it was his kind heart and unassuming nature which earned him the tag of the “People’s President”. This book, written by his Secretary talks about some of the experiences he had while working with Dr. Kalam during his tenure as the President.
On the whole I liked the book because it never quite exceeded the brief that was given to it. The author states right in the beginning that he doesn’t mean to glorify Kalam as some sort of Demigod but wants to present a true picture of him as a kind and exceptional human being who nevertheless had some faults as well. Aside from some of the instances that proved that Kalam was a kind human being, it also dealt with some of the controversies that came up during his term as the President. It was nice to get a little more clarity on topics such as the Bihar Assembly Dissolution, The Office of Profit Bill or his approach to the possibility of a second term in office.
Post reading this book I was left feeling even more awe for the man who contributed so much to the nation. Dr. Kalam died a few months back and the love for him that was shown during the funeral showed just how amazing a human being he was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to know a little more about Dr. Kalam. For those of you who don’t know him or didn’t like him, I would give this book a miss.
December 10, 2010
It's a very touching book .To know more about our beloved President and to see what actually he has faced during his tenure as a President in the words of his secretary is just amazing.
Book is written in a very lucid style ,very simple english which very easy to follow.While reading the book you feel like there are good people and they make good things happen amid all the corruption and hatred.May be ,as an Indian, I can feel this more passionately.
Kalam is surely a role model for many of us.When finished you surely left with a different kind of emotion which can only be attributed to "The Kalam effect".
Book is written in a very lucid style ,very simple english which very easy to follow.While reading the book you feel like there are good people and they make good things happen amid all the corruption and hatred.May be ,as an Indian, I can feel this more passionately.
Kalam is surely a role model for many of us.When finished you surely left with a different kind of emotion which can only be attributed to "The Kalam effect".
March 18, 2016
In May 2006, 52 of Dr Kalam's relatives had come to Delhi to visit him in the Rashtrapati Bhawan. They stayed there. No official vehicle was used. The bill for 8 days of their stay including room rent, food and conveyance came to Rs 3.52 lakh - paid entirely by Dr Kalam through Nair. P M Nair was secretary to the president from 2002 to 2007. He gives us an insider's look into the 'Kalam years.' The book is an overview at best with Nair not going into details into crucial decisions that dr Kalam took and Nair was privy to.
December 19, 2016
I have read quite a few books written by Kalam himself, but it's another thing to read a book by someone else who has seen him working those five years when he was the President of India. An inspirational and somewhat funny account of our President's deeds and how it affected the staff at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at times. Thanks Mr Nair for writing this book.
February 7, 2013
A highly readable book having a very simple yet powerful narrative. A MUST for all Kalam admirers!
More details about this book at
http://bookwormsrecos.blogspot.in/201...
More details about this book at
http://bookwormsrecos.blogspot.in/201...
June 18, 2014
Dr. Kalam is an inspiration. Someone who captured the imagination of the nation and became its darling. To read an account of his working first-hand was heartening as also the hitherto unknown anecdotes which the book presented. Thanks a ton to the author.
December 8, 2008
Great experiences with an un assuming great!
Read
March 23, 2010Very Good....
September 6, 2014
Easy read but could have been better.
September 14, 2013
good to read ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews