celebration

of success
Dear friends,
Launching billion beats, an
e-paper through the website
www.abdulkalam.com is
indeed a beautiful idea. The e-
paper should set a new tradi-
tion. It should celebrate the NOVEMBER 14, 2007 T H E P U L S E O F I N D I A
success of the people wherever
they are. It may be from an Youth below the age of 25 are the most powerful
agriculture village, or fishing resources on the earth, under the earth and above
village, it may be from a the earth. We have to empower them through
diary village, it may be from value-b
based education and leadership.
the industrial or service sector.
In short, billion beats
should capture and spread I want a disciplined Nation
the success and its glad tid-
ings. We have the islands of
success in every field of
I love India, but I am saddened by our lack of disci-
pline and lack of consideration for others. I feel sad
INDIA OF MY DREAMS

that we Indians, who behave so well when we go

activity; we should connect abroad, behave so terribly at home. We push our way
them to make a garland. I around when there is no need to. We jostle and crowd
am confident that billion around counters. We hate to stand in queues. We
beats would create knowl- crowd round the entrances in buses and trains. We show no con-
sideration for children or for the elderly. In the India of my
edge connectivity among the dreams, motorists won't jump the red light just because there is
people. no policeman around. Two-wheelers will not drive on pave-
My greetings and best ments just to race ahead. We won't spit or throw garbage any-
wishes. where we like. We will treat public property with respect. In
short, we will be a disciplined, considerate nation. I hope my
dream comes true before I grow up.
N. Priyanka, 8th Class, Poorna Prajna Education Centre, Bangalore
India of My Dreams is open to schoolchildren. Shoot off your thoughts
COM’ON INDIA along with a passport-size photograph to: billionbeats@gmail.com

Mission 2020
Have a success story to share?
An inspiration that can be
imbibed? We welcome short
contributions from you along
with a passport-size photo,
complete name, mailing address
and phone number. Write in at
billionbeats@gmail.com
Kalam maps profile of a vibrant India
SALAM KALAM By V. Ponraj zA Nation where the
governance uses the

the birth of W hat is the India of Dr Kalam's

dreams? How has he shaped his
beloved country in his mind's eye?
best of technologies to
be responsive, transpar-
Here's the Top-10 from Dr Kalam's ent, fully connected in a

billion beats wish-list for the country he loves:

N ew Dilli was
cocooned in a
fresh coat of mist
when the Corporate
Communications
Team from HAL waited to
meet Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
India's Inspiration Machine.
Dr Kalam drove in straight
from a TV interview and took
off in his inimitable style on
media. "Why are we not high-
lighting the success stories of
achievers? Why are we not
bringing unsung heroes to the
forefront? Why an overdose of
politics, murder, caste war?
Why...? Why...?."
We tentatively suggested:
"Can't we start a paper of your
choice?" Dr Kalam grabbed the
idea. "Fantastic! May be a web
paper. Yes, a web paper," he
chuckled, looking at Mr V.
Ponraj, a technology maverick
and his current Advisor.
And this was how the web
paper — billion beats —was
born. To stay connected with
you. Mail your thoughts at:
billionbeats@gmail.com.
Anantha Krishnan M.
National Affairs Editor
zA Nation where the rural and urban
divide has reduced to a thin line.
zA Nation where there is an equitable
distribution of, and access to, energy
and quality water.
zA Nation where agriculture, industry
and service sector work together in
symphony, absorbing technology,
thereby resulting in sustained wealth
generation leading to greater high-
value employment opportunities.
z A Nation where education is not
denied to any meritorious candidate
because of societal or economic dis-
crimination.
zA Nation which is the best destination
for the most talented scholars, scientists
and investors from all over the world.
zA Nation where the best of healthcare
is available to everyone, and communi-
cable diseases like AIDS/TB, water and
vector-borne diseases, cardiac diseases,
cancer and diabetes are brought down.
Kalam has always expressed
his love and affection for the
youth of this country. I am
very confident that billion
beats will play a pivotal role in taking
India forward. I am eagerly waiting to sharing news, views and capabilities. All
see the launch issue. My best wishes.
Anil Kumble, Test Captain, India Harinarayana, Raja Ramanna Fellow
high bandwidth e-gover-
nance grid, easily accessi-
ble and simple in rules, thereby
corruption-free.
zA Nation where poverty has
been totally eradicated, illiteracy
removed and crimes against
women are absent and the socie-
ty feels unalienated.
z A Nation that is prosperous,
healthy, secure, peaceful and happy
and has a sustainable growth path.
zA Nation that is one of the best
places to live in on the earth and
brings smiles to a billion-plus faces.
This is how Dr Kalam has motivat-
ed the entire nation linking his
Vision 2020 with the people, organi-
sations, academic institutions, industry, banking, judiciary and
finally the political system.
But a lot more remains to be done. As Robert Frost wrote: “The
woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep; And miles
to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”
(The writer is Advisor to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)
It’s the most appropriate It’s a great feeling to set
move to start an e-paper. something in motion, let it
India is changing so fast and take a life of its own, watch
I am sure billion beats it grow and become unique.
will help Indians stay connected by I’m sure billion beats will inspire
Indian youth to dream big and help
the best for the team. Dr Kota reach the acme of life. Neeti Sahi,
Mass Media Student, Bangalore

billion 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 Billion