A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - The People's President
Author: 
Shamim Padamsee
Illustrator: 
Lavanya Karthik
age group: 
9+ yrs
Number of pages: 
103
Publisher: 
Scholastic
Themes:
President of India A.P.J. Kalam
Genre:
biography
 

 

“Dream is not something that you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.” Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam redefined the meaning of a dream for us. He taught us how to dream and persevere, to dream and achieve and to dream with a purpose of service. Author Shamim Padamsee has put together a touching biography of Dr. Kalam, who set a blazing example for the citizens of India to rise like a missile facing all odds and be a source of inspiration for all those who dare to dream!

Sit back and count down as you blast into the Indian odyssey of space technology, synonymous to the purpose of life of ‘The People’s President’ of India. From a wage earner at a tender age to the ‘Missile Man’ of India, the life of Dr. Kalam is about failure and learning, success and humility and service with no expectations in return.

The story rhythmically sways from text to comic and back again encapsulating the timeline and the narrative like waft and weave. The anecdotal stance of the book makes this biography enthralling and absorbing. Dr. Kalam’s journey from a small town of Rameshwaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan has been captured in its true consciousness by the author. The harmony of the text and illustrations compel you to turn page after page till you reach the E.N.D. However, for Dr. Kalam it is only ‘Effort Never Dies.’

Dr. Kalam’s quotes are seamlessly presented in every chapter and leave a profound impression on the reader’s mind. This book will grip the attention of both an adult and a child. It is a must read, not once, not twice but every time one faces a N.O. or a F.A.I.L. in life. Dr. Kalam will remind you it is but a ‘Next Opportunity’ and a ‘First Attempt in Learning.’

Blast on!

To read an interview with the author by Hindu Newspaper click: http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-Kalam-effect/article14492...

Reviewed by Ruhi Gurjar

Comments

1. I am reviewing a biography on A.P.J Adbdul Kalam by Shamim Padamsee.
2. The book is about how Kalam became a rocket scientist and INDIA’S PRESIDENT.
3. The interesting part was, when Kalam was 8 years old, he delivered newspapers and how he dreamt about flying an airplane.
4. I liked how Kalam lived for a long time.
5. I learnt how to be strong and hardworking and obedient.
6. I liked the comics and text. It was an inspiring story.

- Arinjay Shroff
-
The End.

Prior to reading the book I had only heard about Dr A P J Kalam. I did not know much about him except that he was a great scientist and a great president of India.

The book tells us about his early childhood, his struggles and how he rose above many hurdles and went on to become a rocket scientist and president of India. Once I started reading the book I did not want to put it down till I finished reading it! I would highly recommend this book to all children and hope that many will inspire by his life.

Amongst the many quotes given by him I like F A I L which means “First Attempt in Learning” the most.

I hope to imbibe his “never say die” attitude!