Wings Of Fire - An Autobiography

THE moment you think of missile, and if you are an Indian, chances are that almost always the figure of Abdul Kalam conjures up in the mind. Such is the impact of Dr Kalam on the development of missile technology in India.

Perhaps the same impact led me into buying his autobiography on my trip to India recently. Actually it was long on my list of ‘to read’ books. I’m glad now that I’ve it. Kalam’s autobiography is as inspiring as his life to the millions of Indians around the globe.

Sir Syed Day - A Retrospection

I FEEL sad to say that my first attendance at 'Sir Syed Day' (in UAE) after leaving AMU was an utter disappointment. For me it's a day to remember the great soul and find ways to fulfill his dream of Muslim upliftment.

I absolutely adore Azharuddin for what he achieved on the cricket pitch, but why do we need to invite him when there are some very senior and highly influential Aligs already working in UAE.

We desperately need to change this image of 'Sir Syed Day' as a 'Sir Syed Dinner.' Also, where is the need to host dinner in a 5 star hotel! I think the whole purpose is killed by this dinner.

If my voice can reach anywhere I've the following humble suggestions-

1 Sir Syed Day should have a Q&A with a senior working representative from AMU on the ways to improve the working of the university.

2 There should be a small form for the people attending where they should give their suggestions and the ways they can contribute to the university.

3 The representative should share important figures like the number of campus selections and the students making it to the civil services.

4 The platform should also serve as a means to help our brothers and sisters looking for a job or accomodation. I know some people may laugh but it's a serious issue for an expat anywhere.

5 I know the event is very well organised and covered by the press in Saudi Arabia but it isn't in UAE. There should be a press release. At least those who are unable to make it know what all they missed. Indirectly it would serve to build the AMU brand which has been hit hard.

6 People should be felicitated on the basis of their contributions (beyond money, although money is important too) to the alma mater. Those providing books to the library or supporting poor students deserve equally.


7 Every year there should be a mention of some prominent Aligs who made the university proud with their achievements. A brief about their life and if possible a video message from them. This should be the common factor in all the different chapters of the event across the globe.

8 There are better fillers than the archaic jokes cracked during the recent event in UAE.

That's all I can think as of now. The bottom line is, it has to be a serious business if we want to restore the high standards of this great university.

I love my university and feel sad when I see the current state of affairs.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

'HOW to win friends & influence people' by Dale Carnegie is an exercise in effective public relations. Carnegie used to conduct educational courses for business and professional people. The book being reviewed is a result of his own search for a "practical, working handbook on human relations."

The book relies on real world stories, which the reader can instantly relate to. Some of the ideas and suggestions may seem natural, but the way Carnegie puts them encourages you to give it a second shot. Mind you the book was published (in 1937) when not even my father was born. The author must have influnced many other authors during all these years.

Carnegie has neatly divided his book into four broad sections viz., fundamental techniques in handling people, six ways to make people like you, how to win people to your way of thinking and how to change people without giving offense or arousing resentment. The author borrows from several others well reputed books on the same subject, and put it to good use.

To me the book is also a collection of some memorable quotes. I found these worth mentioning-

* Every act you ever performed since the day you were born was performed because you wanted something.
* Your smile is a messenger of your good will.
* The life of many a person could probably changed if only someone would make him feel important.
* Nine times out of ten, an argument ends with each of the contestants more firmly convinced than ever that he is absolutely right.

Dale Carnegie book is pure library material. It's a good read for all those who find difficulty in dealing with people. Follow the rules and you, too, would be a winner.