billion beats

INDIA OF MY DREAMSIIlove India, but I am saddened by our lack of disciplineand lack of consideration for others. I feel sadthat we Indians, who behave so well when we goabroad, behave so terribly at home. We push our wayaround when there is no need to. We jostle and crowdaround counters. We hate to stand in queues. Wecrowd round the entrances in buses and trains. We show no considerationfor children or for the elderly. In the India of mydreams, motorists won't jump the red light just because there isno policeman around. Two-wheelers will not drive on pavementsjust to race ahead. We won't spit or throw garbage anywherewe like. We will treat public property with respect. Inshort, we will be a disciplined, considerate nation. I hope mydream comes true before I grow up.I want a disciplined NationBy V. PonrajWhat is the India of Dr Kalam'sdreams? How has he shaped hisbeloved country in his mind's eye?Here's the Top-10 from Dr Kalam'swish-list for the country he loves: A Nation where the rural and urbandivide has reduced to a thin line. A Nation where there is an equitabledistribution of, and access to, energyand quality water. A Nation where agriculture, industryand service sector work together insymphony, absorbing technology,thereby resulting in sustained wealthgeneration leading to greater highvalueemployment opportunities. A Nation where education is notdenied to any meritorious candidatebecause of societal or economic discrimination. A Nation which is the best destinationfor the most talented scholars, scientistsand investors from all over the world. A Nation where the best of healthcareis available to everyone, and communicablediseases like AIDS/TB, water andvector-borne diseases, cardiac diseases,cancer and diabetes are brought down. A Nation where thegovernance uses thebest of technologies tobe responsive, transparent,fully connected in ahigh bandwidth e-governancegrid, easily accessibleand simple in rules, therebycorruption-free. A Nation where poverty hasbeen totally eradicated, illiteracyremoved and crimes againstwomen are absent and the societyfeels unalienated. A Nation that is prosperous,healthy, secure, peaceful and happyand has a sustainable growth path. A Nation that is one of the bestplaces to live in on the earth andbrings smiles to a billion-plus faces.This is how Dr Kalam has motivatedthe entire nation linking hisVision 2020 with the people, organisations,academic institutions, industry, banking, judiciary andfinally the political system.But a lot more remains to be done. As Robert Frost wrote: “Thewoods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep; And milesto go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”Youth below the age of 25 are the most powerfulresources on the earth, under the earth and abovethe earth. We have to empower them throughvalue-based education and leadership.Mission 2020 Kalam maps profile of a vibrant Indiabillion beats is designed and uplinked to www.abdulkalam.com from Bangalore and will hit the web every fortnight. THE LAUNCH CREW: National Affairs Editor Anantha Krishnan M,Content Editor V. Ponraj, Copy Curator Vinaya Hegde, Data Coordinator Neelima V, Design V. Jayaprakash, Stills Robert, INSPIRATION The Bold Billioncelebrationof successDear friends,Launching billion beats, ane-paper through the websitewww.abdulkalam.com isindeed a beautiful idea. The epapershould set a new tradition.It should celebrate thesuccess of the people whereverthey are. It may be from anagriculture village, or fishingvillage, it may be from adiary village, it may be fromthe industrial or service sector.In short, billion beatsshould capture and spreadthe success and its glad tidings.We have the islands ofsuccess in every field ofactivity; we should connectthem to make a garland. Iam confident that billionbeats would create knowledgeconnectivity among thepeople.My greetings and bestwishes.Kalam has always expressedhis love and affection for theyouth of this country. I amvery confident that billionbeats will play a pivotal role in takingIndia forward. I am eagerly waiting tosee the launch issue. My best wishes.Anil Kumble, Test Captain, IndiaIt’s the most appropriatemove to start an e-paper.India is changing so fast andI am sure billion beatswill help Indians stay connected bysharing news, views and capabilities. Allthe best for the team. Dr KotaHarinarayana, Raja Ramanna FellowIt’s a great feeling to setsomething in motion, let ittake a life of its own, watchit grow and become unique.I’m sure billion beats will inspireIndian youth to dream big and helpreach the acme of life. Neeti Sahi,Mass Media Student, Bangalorethe birth ofbillion beatsNew Dilli wascocooned in afresh coat of mistwhen the CorporateCommunicationsTeam from HAL waited tomeet Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,India's Inspiration Machine.Dr Kalam drove in straightfrom a TV interview and tookoff in his inimitable style onmedia. "Why are we not highlightingthe success stories ofachievers? Why are we notbringing unsung heroes to theforefront? Why an overdose ofpolitics, murder, caste war?Why...? Why...?."We tentatively suggested:"Can't we start a paper of yourchoice?" Dr Kalam grabbed theidea. "Fantastic! May be a webpaper. Yes, a web paper," hechuckled, looking at Mr V.Ponraj, a technology maverickand his current Advisor.And this was how the webpaper — billion beats —wasborn. To stay connected withyou. Mail your thoughts at:billionbeats@gmail.com.Anantha Krishnan M.National Affairs EditorSALAM KALAMCOM’ON INDIAIndia of My Dreams is open to schoolchildren. Shoot off your thoughtsalong with a passport-size photograph to: billionbeats@gmail.comN. Priyanka, 8th Class, Poorna Prajna Education Centre, Bangalore(The writer is Advisor to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)Have a success story to share?An inspiration that can beimbibed? We welcome shortcontributions from you alongwith a passport-size photo,complete name, mailing addressand phone number. Write in atbillionbeats@gmail.comNOVEMBER 14, 2007 T H E P U L S E O F I N D I A