The Utterances of a Peculiar Mindset

Hello friends
India is celebrating the 150th year of first freedom struggle. Here is an extract from the speech by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on the occasion. Read it, think about it and discuss it. Can we really create an India of his dreams some day? What things we, as an individual, have to do so as to make this dream come true?

PS: Those with time scarcity due to exams and work can just scroll down to the 10 rules of the "Dream India".

our movement to true freedom and independence is still incomplete; our story is still unfolding. The global environment however is still dangerous and India’s freedom won by suffering and sacrifice has to be alertly guarded, strengthened and expanded. Freedom and independence must be our continuing quest, and in such a manner as to accelerate our evolution as a free nation through a bold and swift development. Can we keep this perspective while we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the freedom movement? The time has now arrived for Parliament and Legislative Assemblies to emerge with a new vision and leadership to make our nation not only enlightened, united, harmonious, rich and prosperous, but above all, a safe nation, invulnerable forever to invasion and infiltration across its borders. I visualize the following distinctive profile for India by the year 2020, if the Parliament today resolves to implement the Mission India 2020 for a strong, prosperous and happy nation.

1. A Nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line.

2. A Nation where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and quality water.

3. A Nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.

4. A Nation where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious candidates because of societal or economic discrimination.

5. A Nation which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and investors.

6. A Nation where the best of health care is available to all.

7. A Nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.

8. A Nation where poverty has been totally eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.

9. A Nation that is prosperous, healthy, secure, peaceful and happy and continues with a sustainable growth path.

10. A Nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.

National leadership for realizing and sustaining the distinctive profile of a strong and prosperous India can emerge only when there is coherent, orderly and effective leadership from our Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.