Book Review by Jagdish
Rai
Governance
for Growth in India (2014) by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Rupa
Publications; pages 153; MRP 195, ISBN 9788129132604
This 153
pages only book is written in simple language and describes very accurately the state of democracy in our country; without
creating unnecessary cynicism and hopelessness. The book provide
vision to youth for improving governance through e-governance and
creative leadership. Author opines that in name of security we should
not delay implementation of the e governance system any further; it
is in present manual system that security is much more vulnerable.
Detailed plan and examples are cited for e governance. Author also
reflects very systematically on corruption and chart a road map to
corruption free, compassionate, and developed India. For example,
author suggests, "The real world examples of corruption free
individuals and societies must be discussed publicly
so that they can become examples to be followed in country".
Specific steps for advancement of audit system and growth of economy
are suggested. Author also suggests to Central information commission
(CIC) to upload files on its website in searchagle text format. At
present CIC uploads its judgments in scanned image format wherein
citizen need to see each file if a special information be sought. The
role of CAG in guarding national wealth so far is elaborated upon and
then author goes on to suggest its modernization as well as creative
role of correcting deviations of projects in real time rather than
only auditing post completion. Suggestion of making auditing team and
project managers work together may require further details to insure
independence of two forces and avoiding complacency. Transparency in
defense missions is advocated with very convincing rationales and
numbers, which will astonish a common citizen. The strengths of
country like democratic ethos, IT skilled workforce and diversity is
counted upon to make an integrated development program for
agriculture, education, entrepreneurship and defense. The concern for
women's rights and need of providing for quality life to police
personnel is also addressed. Vision for growth of India is so
holistic, it also mentions how spiritual leaders can contribute to
clean environment. Example of cleaning kali bein river in Punjab is
cited. The book provides nuggets of wisdom on managing success and
failures through sharing real incidences. Author also shares some
poems which may appreciated by those who like old poems. The
incidences he shares are really enlightening.
The author of this book, is ex
president of India and a renowned scientist. Despite being very
effective administrator and statesman, he is un- controversial
figure. This book gives glimpse of vision and spirit with which he
worked to achieve this.
Each chapter has 2-3
paragraphs highlighted in Grey, which are the gist of chapter. Some
paragraphs gets boring wherein author appeals youth for tree
plantation and adult education without linking it to any self
interest. At times author seems counting too much on spirituality and
altruism in his plan for nation, rather than devising checks and
balancing powers. Development of missiles and fighter crafts in
authors leadership is described with deserving thrill.
The book describes terrain
wherein youth can find their road to success with integrity.
