by
P.M.Nair
Author: P.M. Nair P. M. Nair had a long and varied career in the IAS, which he joined in 1967. In July, 2002, he was appointed Secretary to the President and continued that position all through the five years (July 2002-July 2007) of APJ Abdul Kalam’s tenure at Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
The Kalam Effect is an account of P.M. Nair’s days with President APJ Abdul Kalam, recounted with frankness, sincerity and affectionate reverence. Dr. Kalam became President of India in July 2002. He was a surprise choice for president. A scientist and not a politician, and an unassuming way of doing things, and no other agenda except that of seeing India become a developed and a strong nation. He was a good listener and an innovator in the art of communication. He daily visited his own website answering question posed to him on e-mail or otherwise from across the country. No wonder that he was known and loved as People’s President. Dr. Kalam’s creative and innovative emphasis on spiritual values was like a ray of sunlight in the lives of the people of India. He is a source of inspiration to the millions, especially the young. By nature, kind and compassionate, Dr. kalam’s positive attitude infected all those who came in touch with him.
The Kalam Efect is easier to read informative and enthusiastic. The 16 pages of colour photographs helped the readers to see Dr. Kalam on different occasions during his presidency. The appendix given in this book is quite informative. It helps the readers to know about the author as well as how the President mingled and interacted towards the secretary on various occasions during his tenure with the President.
The author, through this book helped the readers to understand about the Rashtrpathi Bhavan and its magnificent glory. It is an excellent book and any kind of libraries can hold it in its possession. Through this book we can see Dr. Kalam, as what the author had seen him during his tenure as secretary to the President. The author has quoted that once Archbishop Tutu said about Nelson Mandela, “He was a Goodman, and did good things”. How true this is of Kalam too.
Reviewed by
B. Surendran
Librarian (Shift II)
