SCIENTIFIC INDIAN, THE (PB)

From enhanced nuclear capability to an unmanned Moon mission, India s scientific achievements in recent years have been spectacular. But, according to the country s best-known scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his close associate Y.S. Rajan, we ve only just begun. In a century that many experts predict may belong to India, the realization of the vision of a better future for everyone will require a keen understanding of our needs and this can only be achieved by tailoring our research and innovations to the goal of national development.

In The Scientific Indian, the authors of the path-breaking India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium return after ten years to the core areas of scientific advancement that are crucial today: space exploration, satellite technology, missile development, earth and ocean resources, the biosphere, food production, energy and water harvesting, health care and communications, to name a few. For each aspect, the authors discuss Indian breakthroughs within the context of recent progress on the global platform, before outlining a pragmatic vision of technological development that will propel India to the forefront of the world in the decades to come.

The Scientific Indian will speak to every curious and adventurous mind, and especially to tomorrow s scientists and technologists, encouraging us to dream big, and urging us to work hard to make our dreams come true.

After a hiatus of ten years, the authors of path-breaking India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium return with a book on some crucial core areas of scientific advancement. A scientific vision for the future from India s most respected scientist.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam is one of India s most distinguished scientists. He was responsible for the development of ISRO s launch vehicle programme, the operationalization of strategic missiles at DRDO, and building indigenous capability in critical technologies. Dr Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He became the eleventh President of India in 2002 and held office till 2007. He has been involved in teaching and research and has taken up a mission to ignite young minds for national development.

Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan is a well-recognized authority on technology development, business management and society linkages. He has held various positions of responsibility related to science and technology between 1988 and 2002, and has shaped key policies and implemented several R&D projects with industry participation. He is currently principal adviser, CII.