THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY  -- A P J Abdul Kalam

          The “Knowledge society” is an extract taken from Abdul Kalam’s popular and famous book “Ignited Minds”. He tells that poverty can be rooted out by striking a balance between the past heritage and present day knowledge. He believes  in that India can reach the pinnacles and glory by following certain principles and applying modern technology.

          Knowledge has always been the prime mover of prosperity and power. India is a land of knowledge and it must rediscover itself. The foreign invasions and the colonial rule weakened India considerably. Knowledge has many forms and it is available at many places. It is acquired through education, information, intelligence and experience. It is manifested in artists, craftsmen, hakims, philosophers and saints. It plays a vital role.    

          India has been a country of great ancient heritage and culture. Knowledge acquisition has been thrust throughout the world. In addition, in Indian culture there has been the guru-shishya tradition and sharing of its knowledge even with the foreign travellers and students.

         During the last century the world has been changed from being an agriculture society to an industrial society. The technology played a crucial role. In 21^st century knowledge has become the primary production resource instead of capital and labour. The qualification of a nation as knowledge society goes concomitant with its creation and deployment of knowledge.

          The knowledge society has two very important components driven by societal transformation and wealth generation. The societal transformation is in respect of education, health-care, agriculture and governance.

          In order to emerge as a knowledge super power by 2010 we should have tri-dimensional objects of societal transformation, wealth generation and knowledge protection. For this we have to protect our network and information generators from electronic attacks through surveillance and monitoring. Further we should protect one ancient knowledge and culture and focus attention on intellectual rights and related issues.