Top 5 APJ Abdul Kalam Books that Everyone Should Read

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was the eleventh President of India, from 2002 to 2007. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and the nation’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. Aeronautical engineer, rocket scientist, missile man, visionary, teacher and the most inspiring head of state in living memory – A.P.J Abdul Kalam was all these and more. Unquestionably the most revered Indian leader since Mahatma Gandhi, he transcended all the boundaries and obstacles that came his way in the course of a remarkable life; and he did so with grace and humility.

There’s a lot to learn from his experience through the books he has written. So, today, on his birthday, below are the top 5 A.P.J Abdul Kalam books recommended by us!

The Kalam Effect : My Years With The President by P M Nair

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became President of India in July 2002. He was a surprise choice. A scientist and not a politician, with an unusual hairstyle and an unassuming way of doing things, and no other agenda except that of seeing India become a developed and strong nation. How would such a man fit into the regal splendour of Rashtrapati Bhavan, and all the pomp and ceremony of a head of state? What followed, however, as P.M. Nair shows in The Kalam Effect, was a remarkable presidency that in the next five years transformed the way people looked at this office, and made Kalam popular in a way few politicians have been.

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Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji by Arun Tiwari

In Transcendence, Dr Kalam, with his co-author and pupil Arun Tiwari, maps a journey of self-realization reflected in the compassionate eyes of Pramukh Swamiji, painting a delightfully open-hearted portrait of the fusion of spirituality, science and leadership. His candid vignettes from life on the centre stage of Indian technology and societal missions, Indian politics and world affairs are interwoven with revelations of a profound connection with Swamiji. He describes how his path has been illuminated by Swamiji’s words and his inspirational, loving presence.

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The Family And The Nation by A.P.J Abdul Kalam

This book attempts to express an ideal by which Indian society may prosper and speaks of how spirituality can help create a noble nation and a better world. It provides a valuable counterpoint to the modern-day emphasis on consumerism and the philosophy of more is better, highlighting the sanctity of the natural world and its great power to evoke human creativity and love.

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A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Life by Arun Tiwari

Aeronautical engineer, rocket scientist, missile man, visionary, teacher and the most inspiring head of state in living memory – Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was all these and more. Unquestionably the most revered Indian leader since Mahatma Gandhi, he transcended all the boundaries and obstacles that came his way in the course of a remarkable life; and he did so with grace and humility. Arun Tiwari tells Dr Kalam’s life story with a deep understanding of his formative experiences and character and reveals him as a man personifying all the glory and paradoxes of his nation: secular and religious; exalted and humble; schooled and unaffected; dynamic and calm; scientific and spiritual – an Indian above all.

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Advantage India: From Challenge to Opportunity by Srijan Pal Singh

In his last book, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, writing with Srijan Pal Singh, draws upon examples ranging from entrepreneurship in places like Badshahpur to a sophisticated missile programme like Agni to show how it can be ‘Advantage India’ in the final lap of the journey to 2020–the landmark year by which he had envisioned the country could transform into an economic power. How can the new initiatives–such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, smart cities and skill development for the youth–be used to unleash the country’s vast potential? Advantage India offers the answer–a movement driven by every home and school to educate the new generation and give a fresh meaning to citizenship.

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