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| Baqir Fateh, Pune University |
A Review of “Target 3 Billion”
Name: Target 3 Billion, PURA (Innovative Solutions towards Sustainable Development)
Authors: A.J.P Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh
Publication Place: New Delhi
Publication Name: Penguin Books India
Publication Date: 2011
Edition: First Edition
Pages: 298 pages
Price: Rs.299
ISBN: 9780143417309
This book (Target 3 Billion) has been co-authored by India’s former president and most distinguished scientist A.J.P Abdul Kalam. He was responsible for development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle the SLV-3 and development and operationalization of strategic missiles to consolidate India’s strategic capability deterrent. Mr. Kalam has also served as president. And his colleague Srijan Pal Singh has actively worked in the Naxalism- affected region in Orissa on community-empowered developmental projects with infusion of IT.
Empowerment of community by knowledge, entrepreneurship and IT rather than endowment, subsidies or short term relief, efficient and scientific utilization of existing core competencies and local resources and customization of these resources according to local needs and conditions, IT-based resource management, provision of cheap, reliable and environmentally- sustainable sources of energy for 3 billion energy-starved population of the world and finally PURA (Providing Urban amenities in Rural Area) model of inclusive sustainable development are the major points which have been discussed in this book. Although, the contents of this book have universal application, but for achieving the abovementioned objectives, examples and case studies are related to India.
Development Economics is a new branch of economic studies which deeply focuses on social transformation, institutional and structural changes and co-operation in the process of economic development. On the contrary traditional economics studies the optimal distribution of resources irrespective of whom these resources go to, and political economy only studies the monopoly of particular powerful political group over the resources. So, based on these statements PURA (Providing Urban amenities in Rural Area) is a socio-economic growth system for sustainable development. “As envisioned, it is meant to ensure better life for millions of Indians who live in deprivation- often one generation behind in basic human facilities especially in the rural regions. Put into action, PURA stands for well-planned drive towards achieving inclusive and integrated development, starting at the village household.”
PURA emphasizes on achieving of environmentally sustainable, entrepreneurship-driven, and knowledge-empowered, public-private-community partnership and community-owned model of inclusive development. These strategies of PURA have to be implemented through synchronization and integration of joint efforts and multi-pronged solutions for multi-dimensional problems. To quote from the book “for example they (central and state governments) have set up educational institutions, health-care centers; laid roads, built houses and marketing complexes; given particular links in a particular rural area, but as disconnected activities. It has been our experience that these initiatives start well-just like heavy rain resulting in multiple stream of water. As soon as the rain stops, a few days later, the streams dry up because there is no water body to collect and store surplus water.”
To clarify the concept of sustainable development, the following elements are mentioned as constituents of sustainable development.
Ø Economic Sustainability
Ø Technological Sustainability
Ø Social Sustainability
Ø Environmental Sustainability
Ø Value Sustainability
Ø Learning and Adaptability
Achieving a sustainable development comprised of these elements requires integrated efforts, interconnected operations and various types of connectivity which are as follow.
Ø Physical Connectivity (ring road, rail connectivity, public infrastructure)
Ø Electronic Connectivity, it is necessary for using latest technology, training and research, having access to quality education, medical treatment, and formers can get access to latest information on their occupations, such as agriculture, fishery, horticulture and food processing.
Ø Knowledge Connectivity (schools, hospitals, vocational training, knowledge training)
Ø Economic Connectivity (agro-climatic condition of the region, quality of human resources, specialized skill, special competencies, support industries.
The language of the book is simple, lucid and convincing, except the language of some excerpts taken from other reports or magazines. The ideas are well developed and the discussions are carried out in a systematic and logical manner. For instance, the book begins with brainstorming idea that is the main theme of this book. Then that idea is developed in the context of sustainable development which its acid test only reach to small number of urban middle class, but also to huge number of rural population. In order to analyze and suggest practical ground for those ideas, first important concepts such as growth and development have been explained. For more explanation of main idea (PURA) authors have referred to some case studies and empirical observations that drag us into the depth of the issue.
The style of the author is informal and the target audience is: economic and political decision makers, government agencies- central, state and local governments, academic institutions, professionals, doctors, engineers, economists, students, media, etc. For better motivation examples of those who engaged have adopted entrepreneurship approach and engaged their life for improving the socio-economic conditions of economically poor classes of the society. As it has rightly quoted from famous French Philosopher, “someday after, mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love and then for second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. This is the twenty-first-century fire we need to discover- the fire of love for other beings.”
The authors’ major view point on development is in this process that community has to be seen not only just as mere consumers of the benefit realized, but also as knowledge-empowered implementers of development initiatives. Or in other words the development should be community-owned, community-trained and community-benefiting. The conditions for realization of sustainable development model rest on the premise of empowering people and hence the outcome of development system rest on the extent to which in the long run this is managed by community. Of course this development approach has to be environmentally-friendly and accompanied by infusion of technology for efficient utilization of resources.
Authors have also envisioned India’s innovative development for 2020. Realization of the vision for achieving sustainable development requires idea and action in:
Ø Harnessing core competencies and customization: India’s first and most significant competency is its 600 millions youth.
Ø Infusion of technology
Ø Integrated development and empowerment.
Ø Entrepreneurial approach
Ø Objective announcement and accountability
Instead of writing my own conclusion I’d better to quote the inspiring and interesting concluding statement of the book which reads, “PURA is indeed the model for sustainable development system that generate 3 billion smiles, 3 billion empowered citizens 3 billion healthy family members, 3 billion human beings who will aggressively contribute to human growth; and PURA will be the tool that will lead to evolution of happy, peaceful and prosperous world.”
I recommend this book to all those who are interested in the study of institutional and structural changes, societal transformation or social engineering and social auditing and.
Wishing you all the best
Baqir Fateh
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