Pramukh Swamiji was one of the most inspiring spiritual leaders of modern times and the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was the inheritor of a legacy of enlightened gurus that goes back to the early nineteenth century. Through a chance meeting, he became friends with Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and together they created an unparalleled fellowship of science and spirituality.
In Transcendence, Dr Kalam, with his co-author and pupil, Arun Tiwari, maps a journey of self-realization reflected in the compassionate eyes of Pramukh Swamiji, painting a delightfully open-hearted portrait of the fusion of spirituality, science and leadership. His candid vignettes from life on the centre stage of Indian technology and societal missions, Indian politics and world affairs are interwoven with revelations of a profound connection with Swamiji. He describes how his path was illuminated by Swamiji's words and his inspirational, loving presence.
Drawing from the lives of great scientists and creative leaders, Transcendence captures the essence of all religions. It is as much a fountain of inspiration and a treasury of wisdom as it is a tribute to the multi-faith, pluralistic Indian society.
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was the eleventh President of India, from 2002 to 2007. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and the nation's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
ARUN TIWARI is a former missile scientist who discovered his enduring vocation in writing. Beginning with the iconic Wings of Fire, he earned the rare distinction of co-authoring six books with former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Over the years, his writing has increasingly explored the confluence of science, philosophy and India's timeless wisdom, culminating in more than fifty books, including India 3.0: The Rise of a Billion People. Since May 2019, he has published a fortnightly blog, read across the world, that continues to preserve and extend Dr Kalam's vision, values and inspiration. He can be reached at aruntiwari.com.