Tag: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

  • Tune into these six audiobooks written by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Audible

    Tune into these six audiobooks written by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Audible

    Mumbai: It has been almost a decade since Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s passing, but his wisdom is evergreen and shines through even after so many years. The visionary put pen to paper to share his experiences, perspectives, guidance and most importantly, his vision for the future. He spearheaded the technological developments in India that continue to hold us in good stead even today! Known as the people’s President, this celebrated man was ahead of his times in every way. In honour of his contribution to India, we have handpicked a few audiobooks on Audible written by him that will inspire you. 

    Wings of Fire

    Written by: APJ Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari; Narrated by: Girish Karnad

    APJ Abdul Kalam’s one and only autobiography is this book, Wings of Fire. The Missile Man of India was once an ordinary boy with a very humble upbringing.  This curious boy with a fire in his belly went on to become the President of India, a visionary scientist, an awardee of the three highest civilian awards. This best selling book has been translated into thirteen languages including Chinese and French. Tune into the story of this iconic man who made making history look easy and get inspired to find your own wings of fire! 

    Forge Your Future

    Written by: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Narrated by: Errol Rodrigues 

    Ever wondered what it would be like to ask A. P. J. Abdul Kalam about your problems? It would be  fascinating to get responses from a man with the depth of experiences like his, wouldn’t it? Well, look no further! This novel by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has the questions that have been asked to him over the years in the 300 plus daily emails, face-to-face meetings and on Facebook. Dr. Kalam has answered the questions taking insights from his own experience, meetings with political and spiritual leaders and books he read. There is a good chance a pertinent question you would like to ask might be in this book. Give this audiobook a listen to get the insights of this wondrous man! 

    Ignited Minds

    Written by: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Narrated by: Pradeep Kumar 

    India has been led by some extraordinary leaders. But what stops us from being the best we can be? Dr. Kalam shares valuable insights and reforms we could adopt to fasttrack our growth as a country. He urges us to find our own solutions and role models in our own country instead of looking to other countries. In this book, Dr. Kalam shows us the role models hiding among us. This audiobook is a must-listen for the young minds who want to achieve the extraordinary, for themselves and for the country. 

    My Journey

    Written by: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Narrated by: Surjan Singh 

    Tired with the lemons life has thrown at you? Dr. Kalam, in this audiobook, takes you through how he tackled every curveball that came his way. This book captures many emotional accounts shared by him. It elaborates about the people who were instrumental in his life turning out the way it did, the books that helped him navigate challenges and how spirituality gave him the much-needed solace during turbulent times. This audiobook might just change your perspective on problems by making you see them as just a bump on the way. Tune in into his journey here on Audible while you gear up to brave the challenges that come your way.

    You Are Born to Blossom

    Written by: A.P.J Abdul Kalam; Narrated by: Nadir Khan 

    In 2008, Dr. Kalam shared his vision for schools in India for 2020. It would be interesting to go through this audiobook in 2024 to see how much of his vision has been materialised and how much is left to accomplish.  He saw people from rural areas as an underutilised source of talent who could propel information and communication technology to unseen heights. In the book, he highlights many scientists and artists who proved age is no bar to blossom and urges us to create favourable environments to see the growth we want. Tune into this audiobook to get a glimpse of how this visionary man breaks down his vision for the rest to action it. 

    Guiding Souls

    Written by: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; Narrated by: Nadir Khan 

    This one is for all the tech geeks. Dr. Kalam is given the credit for the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle.  He contributed significantly to the technological developments in India while working in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Drawing on his experiences, Dr. Kalam has shared his vision for technology in India for 2020. Tune in to see how ahead of his time he was!

  • I&B minister Arun Jaitley asks media to strike a balance

    I&B minister Arun Jaitley asks media to strike a balance

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley today cautioned the media to strike a fine balance between freedom of speech and expression and the reasonable restrictions so as to maintain public order and integrity and sovereignty of India.

     

    He said free speech is an aid to good governance in view of the changes taking place in the media landscape and the scope and content of issues related to Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.

     

    The overall scenario was also influenced by technological tools that brought about a change in the form, style and method of dissemination. These developments also impacted the definition of news, which today was increasingly being influenced by the camera and channel driven mode.

     

    Jaitley made these remarks while delivering the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture 2015 on: “Is it possible to impose reasonable restriction on Freedom of Speech & Expression given today’s media landscape,” which was organised by All India Radio on behalf of Prasar Bharati.

     

    The Minister referred to the evolution of media and the right to freedom of speech and expression. Citing global examples, Jaitley brought out the finer aspects of the freedom of speech vis-?-vis privacy; need to protect the source of information in public interest and media restraint with regard to matters that were sub-judice. He said that these issues had generated discussions amongst academicians, media fraternity and other concerned stakeholders.

     

    The Minister lauded the judiciary for its role in expanding the scope of Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression over the years. Various judicial pronouncements had underlined the spirit of the idea behind the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under the Constitution and correlated contemporary developments, issues and changes in the media space. 

     

    Judicial pronouncements subsequently in specific cases focused on issues pertaining to the idea of reasonableness related to restrictions under the Article 19 (2) of the Constitution in the interest of sovereignty, security and public order. Nonetheless due to the pluralistic character of the media space, it was important to exercise caution taking into account public order and sensibilities. He said that these restrictions could only be imposed by law and were specific rather than general so as to prevent misuse.

     

    Regarding the media landscape, Jaitley said satellite television had brought about a sea change in the presentation of news. In the current scenario, the recipient of information had the right to information and knowledge which was also being considered part of the debate under Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.

     

    The dissemination process in the social media space had also impacted the information flow and contributed to the public debate and setting of agendas in the policy framework. Social media had led to the empowerment of citizens by giving them a voice. Decision makers were increasingly using social media to gauge public sentiments on government policies making public reactions, among other things, the new agenda setters for governance.

      

    Jaitley touched upon the global practices being followed in the context of social media restrictions. He referred to the ‘right to be forgotten’ incorporated by the European Court of Human Rights, which empowered the state authority to remove the reference of the aggrieved person from internet citing citizen’s right to privacy. He also spoke about the jurisdictional principles with respect to reasonable restrictions on Freedom of Speech and Expression in the light of changes and issues that had been raised in this context.

     

    These lectures started in 1955 and the first Memorial lecture was delivered by Sri C. Rajagopalachari.  In this series, the speakers in the previous years included Dr. Zakir Hussain, Morarji Desai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

  • Hero Cycles chairman emeritus OP Munjal passes away

    Hero Cycles chairman emeritus OP Munjal passes away

    MUMBAI: Hero Cycles chairman emeritus and one of the founders of Hero Group OP Munjal passed away earlier today (13 August) in Ludhiana.

     

    The 86-year-old industry legend was facing health related issues for the past few months. He is survived by one son, four daughters, a daughter-in-law, four son-in-laws and 10 grandchildren. The cremation will take place on 14 August in Ludhiana.

     

    Munjal had only last month ceded chairmanship of Hero Motors group and retired from active role in the business. His son Pankaj Munjal succeeded him as the chairman and managing director of the Group.

     

    He along with his three brothers Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Dayanand Munjal and Satyanand Munjal started a bicycle spare parts business in Amritsar In 1944. They subsequently moved their base to Ludhiana naming the company ‘Hero’ and set up India’s first bicycle manufacturing unit in 1956. During 1980s Hero Cycles became the largest bicycle manufacturer by volume in the world. Munjal, who led Hero Cycles for almost 60 years, also helped Hero Cycles in diversifying to other businesses such as auto parts manufacturing and hospitality. Under his leadership, the company grew from its humble beginnings to a fledging Rs 3000 crore industrial house. He also served as the president of All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association.

     

    Munjal had received national honours from former Presidents of India including Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, VV Giri, Giani Zail Singh and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He had also received the Udyog Rattan Award for outstanding contribution towards economic development of the State (Punjab).

     

    He was not only a renowned businessman but also a known philanthropist. He supported several educational institutions and hospitals across India.