Question

Referring closely to the essay My Visions of India, answer the following:

How does Dr. Kalam co-relate his message with the message of J. F. Kennedy?

Answer 1

1. Active Citizenship: Just as Kennedy urged Americans to take ownership of their democracy, Kalam criticizes Indians who wait for the government to solve every problem, from cleaning the streets to providing all infrastructure.
2. Self-Reliance over Reliance on the State: Kalam points out that Indians often follow rules in foreign countries (such as Singapore or the USA) but neglect them at home. He aligns with Kennedy’s philosophy that a nation’s strength comes from the character and actions of its citizens, not just its policies.
3. The Goal of Greatness: Both leaders imply that a country can achieve Superpower status (Kalam’s Third Vision) only when the people shift their mindset from passive consumers of government services to active contributors to national growth.