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Ignited Minds | A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | 2002 | Book Review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was one of the most accomplished scientists of India. He is popularly referred to as the “missile man of India” due to his contribution to the development and operationalization of India’s strategic missiles. He was also instrumental in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle SLV-3. Dr. Kalam served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007.

The one thing Dr. Kalam thoroughly loved and enjoyed doing was interacting with children and students. He has authored fifteen books on a variety of topics. His books were translated into many languages across the world. His most well-known works are Wings of Fire , India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium , Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India , Target 3 Billion: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development , and Beyond 2020: a Vision for Tomorrow’s India .

Dream, dream, dream… Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.

Ignited Minds is a beautiful book authored by the former president of India, late Shri A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The book presents a vision plan to take the nation forward, toward a glorious future. It inspires the readers, particularly the young ones, and ignites their minds to strive for a new and better India.

The book successfully captivates the reader’s attention from the first page itself. It begins with the inspiring dialog between five great personalities of the world, namely Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. The discussion takes place in Kalam’s dream. It instantly taps into one’s consciousness and reinforces the importance of self-realization . Dr. Kalam explains how we should let our inner energy guide us through difficult situations in life.

Embed the thought ‘ nation is bigger than the individual’ in the minds of the leaders and people.

Ignited Minds is divided into nine chapters, each concerning a specific theme. These themes range from spirituality and patriotism to scientific learning and a knowledge society. Each chapter opens with a quote from an eminent personality and concludes with a brief overview of the main takeaways from the chapter in question. Dr. Kalam also writes about his interactions with various people from different strata of the society. These include religious leaders, scientists, politicians, industrialists, students, and children.

He also highlights the qualities that the Indian society at large needs to acquire and adopt. Dr. Kalam vehemently stresses on the fact that in spite of having the potential, skills and resources to achieve the extraordinary, we often tend to settle for the ordinary . He urges the youth of the country to reach for the stars in their personal and professional lives. All in all, Ignited Minds can also be seen as Kalam’s vision document – a road map – for the splendid future of India.

Ignited Minds is a suitable read for people of all age groups. The book is written in a conversational tone in simple English. Each chapter contains stories from the life of late Shri Kalam. These stories go a long way in instilling a sense of confidence and a feeling of oneness in the readers. He highlights some of the critical issues faced by the country in a simple, concise manner. This makes it easy for young readers to comprehend them.

It is no exaggeration to say that each word in the book is an inspiration for readers, old and young alike. Ameya wholeheartedly recommends reading the book out to children to inculcate in them a gratitude to their motherland. It will also go a long way in motivating them to do their best for their country.

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Ignited Minds

Unleashing the Power Within India

A.P.J Abdul Kalam | 4.35 | 10,814 ratings and reviews

Ranked #80 in Indian Author

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Ignited Minds

Book Highlights

Title: Ignited Minds

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

Genre: Self-Help

Publisher: Random House India

Pages: 190 Pages

Difficulty Level:  Easy

Ignited Minds: Book Review

In addition to being a great scientist and a fine person, the legend Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a patriot and an influential writer. I just finished reading Dr. Kalam’s book “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India,” and as a young Indian, his straightforward yet effective writing has inspired me to do my part to improve my nation. The book outlines Kalam’s experiences and ideas for using the influence of the young to transform India into a developed country. The nation’s youthful brains are ignited by Kalam’s patriotism since he serves as a role model for many kids around the nation.

The ideas and plans laid out by Kalam to make India a developed country are in the book. One of the greatest minds of modern India shows youth the direction and fields to achieve success in life together with nation-building. Kalam also raised several questions regarding the current situation of our country and mentioned ways to grow out of those. The one thing about the book that fascinated me the most was his views on people with different faiths in our nation and how they’re in harmony until some external forces try to disturb that balance.

Unity is the only way for a country with a billion people to become a world leader. When speaking about the idea of Unity in a country like India that is so diverse, one can go wrong or have influenced ideology. But I sensed Kalam’s idealogy of Unity was in its purest form. Another great section of the book is where Kalam shares his experience meeting around 40,000 students and answering their curious minds. Some examples mentioned in the book honestly represent why Dr. Kalam was so much respected. 

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Moreover, his mind, even after so many years of experience in the top offices of India, was so elastic and open to new thoughts. His way of expression has always been children-friendly, which he has mentioned as his target audience. Those interactions make one rethink how life is so much simpler when seen from a child’s perspective and gives all adults a moment of introspection.

The book mentions Kalam’s experiences upon meeting great people like Ratan Tata or the Milkman of India, Dr. Verghese Kurien. Those experiences are extensively defined and give one perspective and confidence on starting their way towards success without worrying about the support, as there will always be a great man working towards the betterment of the nation in some way or other. He also mentions how patriotism can be looked beyond politics and how each individual can contribute on their part. 

Spirituality has also been mentioned in great detail to refer to the point of dedication and honesty that is missed in today’s time. We lack great leaders, politicians, and officers, which puts us behind other nations. Spirituality brings the idea of a higher self in people and thus making them better leaders, politicians, or officers. I think Kalam has successfully managed to influence generations of people not just with his work but with his words as well. The book is titled “Ignited Minds,” and yet again, Dr. Kalam has achieved what he set his mind to. The book succeeds to spark the youth’s minds to contribute to making India great again.

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Book Review : Ignited Minds by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Azad

I am writing this book to make my young readers hear a voice that says, 'Start moving.' Leadership must lead us to prosperity. Young Indians with constructive ideas should not have to see them wither in the long wait for approval. They have to rise above norms which are meant to keep them timid in the name of safety and to discourage entrepreneurship in the name of trade regimes, organizational order and group behaviour. As it is said, Thinking is the capital, Enterprise is the way, Hard Work is the solution. Every nation has struggled to achieve its goals. Generations have given their best to make life better for their offspring. There is nothing mysterious or hidden about this, no alternative to effort. And yet we fail to follow the winning track. More than the problems outside-globalization, recession, inflation, insurgency, instability and so on-I am concerned about the inertia that has gripped the national psyche, the mindset of defeat. I believe that when we believe in our goals, that what we dream of can become reality, results will begin to follow. Ignited Minds is about developing that conviction in ourselves, and discarding the things that hold us back.

"As a young citizen of India,  

armed with technology and love for my nation,  

I realize, a small aim is a crime."

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Ignited Minds

By A P J Abdul Kalam , A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

What is it that we as a nation are missing? Why, given all our skills, resources and talents, do we settle so often for the ordinary instead of striving to be the best? At the heart of Ignited Minds is an irresistible premise: that people do have the power, through hard work, to realize their dream of a truly good life. Kalam's vision document of aspiration and hope motivates us to unleash the dormant energy within India and guide the country to greatness.

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Book review: ignited minds ‘a. p. j. abdul kalam’.

Review by: Ms Maninder Kaur, Social Science Educator, Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar

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Acknowledge that life has ups and downs and it’s a normal part of the human experience.  Similarly I was feeling quite low today. So, at that moment I decided to read a book that can help me divert my mind. As expected,  I felt super  great and immersed myself in the book named “ IGNITED MINDS “. As we let go of the emotional and mental chatter found in the real world, I enjoyed deep reading that allowed me to feel what the characters in a story feel . 

Reading is a wonderful (and healthy) escape from the stress of everyday life. Simply by unfolding this book, I allowed myself to be invited into a literary world that distracts me from my daily stressors. This book serves as a guide for individuals to ignite their minds and contribute towards the development and progress of the nation.

“Ignited Minds” by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is a truly inspiring and uplifting book. It is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential that lies within each one of us to make a difference in our lives and in society.

What I appreciate most about this book is its simplicity and clarity of message. Kalam’s writing style is accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. He shares personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and his personal experiences, making the book relatable and engaging.

Throughout the book, Kalam emphasises the importance of education, scientific thinking, and innovation. His passion for these subjects shines through, and it is contagious. The book encourages readers to dream big, set goals, and work hard to achieve them.

One aspect that particularly resonated with me was Kalam’s emphasis on the power of positive thinking and the belief in one’s abilities. He encourages readers to have confidence in themselves and to overcome obstacles with perseverance and determination.

His stories of individuals from humble backgrounds who have achieved great success serve as a testament to the transformative power of hard work and self-belief.

Overall, ‘Ignited Minds’ is a book that leaves a lasting impact. It instils a sense of hope and motivation, reminding us that each one of us has the power to contribute to the progress of our nation and the world. It is a book that I would recommend to anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Ignited Minds (R/J): Unleashing the power within India - OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD - An inspiring & visionary book for today's youth by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | English Non-fiction, Penguin Books Paperback – Notebook, 1 January 2014

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Authored by the most influential Indian President yet, this book delves into the obstacles that are preventing India from rising up to the challenge of development. India has unmatched talent and ambition with an inherent tendency to work hard, then what is it that keeps India from overtaking the world. Why does India as a nation settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is well within the reach?

Dr. Kalam shares his dream of a nation that is unrivaled, he discusses how he has, from his experience, met such skilled people whose visions can transform the nation. It is imperative that one searches for own solutions and find role-models in countrymen instead of looking towards the other nations. India must not strive to be the next America or Japan but has to be the strong nation that she is capable of becoming. For this, all the trapped energies and initiatives need to be freed instead of suppressing them.

In the book, we are introduced to numerous role models that are hiding amongst us. Words of wisdom from saints and seers that the author encountered through his life have been quoted. The book proceeds to address the issues at hand and mentions some reforms that have to be incorporated in politics and policies. The policy making procedure of the nation requires major reforms. The youth has to be given a stage and the reins of the nation need to be passed on. The book motivates the young minds and forces the positive auras together to build the face of a new nation.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The former President of India and one of the most celebrated scientists in independent India, A.P.J Abdul Kalam was also a prolific writer who authored numerous books including India 2020: A Vision For The New Millennium and Unleashing the Power Within India, among many others. He was also a part of DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment and was a lead scientist in India's nuclear weapons development program that included conducting of the underground Pokhran II tests.

• ISBN-10 9780143424123
• ISBN-13 978-0143424123
• Edition Latest
• Publisher PENGUIN INDIA
• Publication date 1 January 2014
• Language English
• Dimensions 19.8 x 12.9 x 1.28 cm
• Print length 208 pages
• See all details

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0143424122
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ PENGUIN INDIA; Latest edition (1 January 2014); SALMON
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780143424123
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143424123
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ Customer suggested age: 12 years and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 150 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 19.8 x 12.9 x 1.28 cm
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ India
• Packer ‏ : ‎ MAVRICK
• Generic Name ‏ : ‎ Book
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A. p. j. abdul kalam.

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Customers find the book thought-provoking, motivating, and informative. They describe it as an awesome book for youth, good for teenagers, and children. Readers also mention the simple writing is easy to understand.

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Customers find the book thought-provoking, motivating, and inspiring. They say the content is excellent, informative, and ignites their minds. Readers also mention it's worth reading and full of new ideas.

"...One of the salient points of this book is the emphasis on patriotism and values , which are exemplified not only in Kalam's life but also in the time..." Read more

"...gist of the Book if you are someone who like to read small, simple and motivation books this book is for you it hardly have 200 pages which you can..." Read more

"...To be very frank it's almost an edge to edge display. Offers visual treat to the users .Finishing and edges - Extraordinary..." Read more

"This is a very inspiring book for youth and grown ups. It shows the fiery patriotism of Kalam sir and the tremendous faith that he has in our..." Read more

Customers find the book awesome, excellent, and useful for youth. They say it's full of motivation for younger generations to make India a developed country. Readers also mention it breaks out the author's childlike enthusiasm.

"This book is very excellent for children .It is very useful for kids." Read more

"One of the best books to read and inspire millions of youth , written by a great scientist *A.P.J.Kalam*" Read more

" Very nice book for youth , to expend there thought process and having good vision about future.Ignited Minds by APJ is very best book." Read more

"I like this book, very useful for all ." Read more

Customers find the writing simple and well-written. They say the book is highly readable and can be read by everyone. Readers also appreciate the great narration and beautiful examples of real life incidents.

" Easy to read . Beginner who want to start book reading in English can go through it." Read more

"quality and knowledge of the book is great ." Read more

" Nicely explained with beautiful examples of real life incident and interaction with children helpful for young generation to stay motivated ✨🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳..." Read more

"...This book is highly readable; the author has cogently and concisely expressed his Idea ." Read more

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"...Packaging was also good.• Price is too not much high .• OVERALL, A GOOD BUY.. 🌷..." Read more

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Home » Ignited Minds Summary

Ignited Minds Summary

Emir Zecovic | Posted on November 5, 2018 |

8 min read ⌚ 

By creating a spark inside the hearts and minds of people, it instigated a change that India ought to follow.

Without further ado, let’s see what the fuss is all about!

Who Should Read “Ignited Minds”? And Why?

Even Abdul clearly states that this book is mostly written for the young and brilliant minds of Indian society.

In other words, “ Ignited Minds ” revolves around transforming India’s mentality by inciting the blossoming youth to take action.

We’ll see what will happen in years to follow.

About A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

P. J. Abdul Kalam needs no introduction anywhere in India and pretty much the rest of the world. He was designated as India’s President from 2002 to 2007 and was hailed for his contribution to physics and aerospace engineering.

While giving a lecture, Kalam died at the age of 83. He left a legacy of valuable insights for Indians to follow, and as a result, he was buried with full state honors.

“Ignited Minds Summary”

In the Preface, the author addresses the young Indian population and urges them to ignite India with their creativity. Without question, India, as a developing country, has unlimited potential in terms of resources, education, business, energy, you name it.

Abdul Kalam pondered about India’s recent decisions as a nation. What needs to be revolutionized, added, removed, and achieved? It’s a long-term process that has to be addressed as soon as possible. According to him, it is the attitude of Indians which hinders the prospect of prosperity.

The book ruminates on a lot of topics but starts with the most important one – peace of mind. Without it, no country can soar to new heights, and as a result, stagnation will prevail.

The Dream and the Leader

The author recalls the thoughts swarming in his head after the helicopter crash. On 30 th September 2001 – Kalam and the crew in that chopper looked death right into its eyes when the helicopter’s engines shut down in mid-air, and they started losing altitude, which resulted in a crash.

Miraculously, no one was injured, but they all started seeing the truth of this existence with different eyes. The doctors prescribed a tranquilizer to calm him down so that he could rest.

A strange dream followed.

One particular thought filled him with dread and confusion – Why is the human race so prone to violence? Then, he dreamed about five characters (Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar) whom he so deeply admired. This dream engrossed him, made him aware of the reality .

These personalities were the answer to this puzzle, all living in different times but exerting a great influence on the upcoming generations.

It was perhaps the missing link to the fulfillment of its longings. Education in India became the battleground for this endeavor.

It became crystal clear to him that by integrating spirituality with education, one can achieve full satisfaction. Without one of these elements, a person can’t cope with the reality of today. Such strides will undoubtedly improve the well-being of a nation and add to world peace.

Kalam wholeheartedly argues that there is nothing wrong with having a desire for material things. Although a life with minimal possessions can help you grow inwardly, you mustn’t discard the effects of merging spirituality with the outer world.

One cannot do without the other, and due to this correlation – you must integrate both because nature doesn’t endorse half-measures.

India’s wealth, in particular, is not reflected in the resource-rich areas, nor powerful tycoons but by the development of a smarter generation. Who are the role models for the Indian youth, who will act as a leader of the ignited minds?

Throughout life, we can’t help but be subjected to various treatments. In this process, one absorbs the knowledge of different figures, skilled or excelling at different things. When a child matures and strives to gain self-sufficiency – it patterns its life path after a role model.

Not emulating its trajectory, but building its own road based on the “dimensions” which are proven to be effective. It’s a great metaphor that will illuminate the upcoming generations regarding the real wealth of a nation!

Visionary Individuals and Saints

How many times have you been encouraged never to stop dreaming? It’s critical for a person who puts an accent on growth to hear this encouragement over and over again! – Kalam, apparently, thinks alike.

As an illustration of this unquenchable thirst, the author puts Einstein in the limelight .

He was so impressed by the compass and the movement of the needles, that he spent countless hours trying to understand why and who controlled their motion.

What was it made of, how can you stop it from spinning, etc.? These were a few of the questions that propelled the young genius into exploring and looking at the depths of everything.

Dyer also adds to this lecture by pointing out that desire or urge incentivizes the Universe to bring those items/facts/opportunities/changes closer to you.

It’s science, not some faded theory!

One other example is India’s battle for independence. It’s entirely false to think that Mahatma Gandhi launched an unprecedented struggle for sovereignty. Indians embarked on this journey officially in 1857. It took them 90 years to achieve this, but it happened because the nation was united.

No one can deny the fact that India still struggles to maintain a stable economy, and a large portion of Indians live below the poverty line. However, it is moving forward, and that’s precisely why Kalam places the emphasis on the young folks.

India was able to withstand the storming hordes of colonialism and preserve its identity. The invaders tried to break India from within and incite divisions, but they faced stiff resistance throughout their reign.

Nonetheless, the effects of imperialism have taken a toll on India’s development.

In the process, India slumped to a lower position in the global arena, and it faces a brick wall when trying to rejuvenate its structure. The new generation now must revamp the fragile architecture of India while drawing strength from its roots depicted through spirituality and ancient wisdom.

Technology is not the spiritual adversary, but a guiding hand that can facilitate this transition. People with vision want to tackle the sociological impasse by scrutinizing the effects of inherent strengths. Indeed, India needs to be brought into line with 21 st -century thought.

True Patriotism and Real Knowledge

Well, when you have invaded multiple times in the past 3000 years, you ought to learn how to defend yourself. That’s the message Abdul Kalam tried to convey while teaching at Alma University. Nehru spoke against the Nuclear Arms Race and pointed out that India should remain neutral in terms of developing nuclear capabilities.

Nonetheless, the author with regards to current circumstances indicates that two of India’s neighbors are armed with ballistic missiles, and that’s a force to be reckoned with.

The question is – Why did India never launch an onslaught against the nearby nations with whom they share their borders? Were the kings too afraid and pathetic or perhaps India is the core of diversity and always has been? You get the idea! Indians are tolerant people, but that attitude was used against them for centuries!

With more than 10,000 Nuclear Warheads in their arsenal, both the US and the Russian Federation dictate the terms in the Security Council of the United Nations. It stands to reason that without a proper defensive mechanism, India will never be able to play a significant role in worldly events.

When it comes to the belief system, Abdul Kalam was fortunate enough to learn the key elements of religions that are widespread on Indian soil. He arrived at a conclusion that all of them accentuate the importance of spiritual well-being.

The greatest adversary in India is not religious differences, but the people seeking divisions. It is those whose ideology differs from the heart of India, and they try to expand their interests by advocating for a cultural massacre.

In the process, the sense of unity crumbles underneath the never-ending desire for domination. It weakens the mission of the nation, and make it more prone to conflicts and recession not just in terms of economy.

This ultimately incites disappointment and a full-scale dejection. To avert this possible catastrophe, which is a direct consequence of selfish intentions; the youth must look beyond their noses and adjust its viewpoints.

In all honesty, a one billion-people nation is tough to govern, especially when you have all the cultural and historical patterns engraved deep in the societal structure.

The best way to address the current impasse is by adapting the implementation program regarding the mission – Kalam regularly concentrated on. The national and human resources are yet to be utilized by focusing on the policies enforced!

The Power of Goals

Maharishi Patanjali once said:

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.

No one can break your spirit if you are driven by sincere motives that further incentivize you to handle the obstacles down the road.

The same thing applies to historical events that shaped India’s mindset.

Perhaps, there is not a country in the modern world that can match India’s history, culture, and all the facets that go with it. It’s needless to say ancient India had a significant role in the rise of civilization by sharing its insights into human evolution and social well-being.

Yes, there were hard times that most Indians wish never happened, but let’s draw positives from the past in efforts to rebuild the future.

The spirit of eager and proud Indians will never be crushed, and that’s the new generation Abdul Kalam is trying to bring to the surface. He exerted himself to portray them as real heroes who should care for prosperity stretching beyond their agendas.

Key Lessons from “Ignited Minds”

1.      Growth doesn’t happen overnight 2.       Attitude is key 3.       Governing doesn’t mean ruling

Growth doesn’t happen overnight

We hate to say it, but this is not a lottery. It’s a long and exhausting process that should help India to stabilize its key aspects and convert into a global Superpower.  

The young generation ought to lay the groundwork for this endeavor.

Attitude is key

Perhaps, Kalam didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but his core message revolves around India’s character.

He voiced grave concerns in terms of the nation’s determination to achieve strategic and personal goals .

We sincerely hope that – Indian Youth will deal with this issue, once and for all.

Governing doesn’t mean ruling

Indians are tired of ruling elites; ranging from the Mughal Empire to European Colonization. They simply don’t like to be ruled but guided and led by true reformers!

It’s a big difference, because in doing so – the country should safeguard their interests and care for their well-being.

Not many rulers did that in the past, to say the least!

Like this summary? We’d Like to invite you to download our free 12 min app , for more amazing summaries and audiobooks.

“Ignited Minds Quotes”

Our Critical Review

As we said previously, this book is an excellent addition for all those ignited minds who want to bring about change in Indian society.

We found it highly amusing and immensely valuable due to its on-the-point narrative.

Emir is the Head of Marketing  at 12min . In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.

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Ignited Minds

Ignited Minds by APJ Abdul Kalam

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Ignited Minds: Unleashing The Power Within India Paperback – January 3, 2012

• Language English
• Publisher Penguin
• Publication date January 3, 2012
• Dimensions 11.42 x 7.87 x 1.18 inches
• ISBN-10 0143418076
• ISBN-13 978-0143418078
• See all details

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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin (January 3, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143418076
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143418078
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.42 x 7.87 x 1.18 inches
• #12,967 in India History
• #13,319 in Globalization & Politics
• #34,751 in Essays (Books)

About the author

A. p. j. abdul kalam.

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