The epaper should set a new tradition. It should celebrate the success of the people wherever they are. It may be from an agriculture village, or fishing village, it may be from a diary village, it may be from the industrial or service sector

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