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Unit 4: My Vision for India by APJ Abdul Kalam

• Often our political leaders lack ‘political will’ and work in a petty and partisan manner. Notes
Still I am hopeful, by that time democracy will be strengthened in India and it will give
rise to true statesmen who will further take ahead my vision of India in AD 2020 and
each aspect of the Directive Principles of our Constitution will be fulfilled. Elections till
be peaceful and every citizen will exercise his/her franchise fearlessly. By that time no
politician or political party will be allowed to exploit caste, religion, language or ethnicity
to advance their petty political ambitions.
• For thousands of years India had to beat the burnt of foreign invasions. The fortitude
of the Indians has withstood successfully all the onslaughts. Yet it is widely believed
that there is no serious strategic thinking or planning in India. In this matter, India is
generally inward looking country and this tradition has been shaped by our geography,
history, culture and civilization. The otherwise humane and noble pacific image of
India is often taken for sheepishness. We do not look ahead or plan ahead our strategic
realities. We only react to threats. A few of our unfriendly countries have taken advantage
of it by launching a protracted low intensity war on several fronts. I hope that by 2020
India will develop long term defensive strategies.
• In some of the areas like software technology, genetic engineering and space, although
India has made rapid advances, we still have to be dependent on the developed nations
for several technologies. I have a vision that in coming times, India will emerge as one
of the world leaders in science and technology. Our development in this field will also
take care of our real needs and will reach to the common people. Our developed
industrial and scientific base will also be able to check brain-drain. It will also help in
protecting our environment and sustaining our resource base.
• India’s policy has always been one of brotherhood and co-existence. yet our borders
are surrounded by hostile war-hawks. Unless a nation is able to defend its borders and
integrity, all other developments are of no use. We do have several proven instances
of internal disturbances. be it Kashmir or the North-East we have dangers all around.
I am confident that by 2020 India will be able to build an arsenal and strategy to
remove all fears of external attack.
• International relations are not only important for making friends but also significant
for trade, security and communication. India will look forward to develop greater
economic ties with Russia, South-East Asia, S. Africa, Latin American countries and
also in co-operation with China and geo-economic matters. Our country will also hopefully
achieve friendly ties with Pakistan.
• Glory of a nation is not complete unless it does well in sports too. I am hopeful that
our country will make a great advance in sports winning a number of Olympic medals
and international laurels. Sports will be made popular at every stage in India.
• My vision of India in 2020 AD may sound life a dreamer’s agenda but given the glories
posterity of India and its resilience, it can still come true. And in this task we need the
right kind of leaders and solemn commitment on the part of my countrymen.

4.6 Keywords

Onslaught : A fierce or destructive attack.
Futuristic : Characterised by, or expressing a vision of the future.

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