Who advocated the adoption of the PURA model (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) as a strategy to eradicate rural poverty in India?

Introduction / Context:
Rural development is a central theme in Indian planning and policy. The PURA model, which stands for Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas, is an innovative idea that seeks to reduce the gap between village and city facilities. This question checks whether the learner can identify the national figure who strongly advocated this model as a tool for inclusive growth and reduction of rural poverty.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on the concept of the PURA model for rural development.
- The model aims to provide urban level infrastructure and services in rural areas.
- Options list Indian economists, leaders and academics.
- The learner is expected to know which personality popularised PURA in speeches and books.

Concept / Approach:
The central concept is that Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and scientist, proposed and popularised the PURA model. He discussed it extensively in his vision documents and books on India's development. The idea was to connect physical, electronic and knowledge infrastructure in rural clusters so that people can access opportunities without migrating to cities. The other names listed in options have contributed to policy or education but are not primarily associated with the PURA concept.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Observe that the question refers to the PURA model with full form Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas. Step 2: Recall which national leader frequently spoke about PURA in lectures on India's Vision 2020. Step 3: Identify Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as the author of many development ideas combining science and rural transformation. Step 4: Compare this with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was an educationist and freedom fighter from an earlier period, not the main voice behind PURA. Step 5: Choose Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, recall that books such as "Target 3 Billion" and other writings by Dr. Kalam outline in detail how PURA clusters can reduce rural poverty through integrated development. He explains the need to provide roads, power, internet connectivity, education, health and employment opportunities in villages. While economists like Abhijit Sen have worked on rural issues and planning, they are not associated with the specific branded concept of PURA. This distinction confirms that Dr. Kalam is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sri Abhijit Sen is known for contributions to agriculture and planning, but he did not create or popularise the PURA label in mainstream discourse.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India and a senior freedom fighter, but his main period of activity was long before PURA and modern e connectivity based models.
Prof. A. M. Patha is not commonly mentioned in popular GK sources as the architect of the PURA model.
Therefore, none of these alternatives match the description in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical confusion arises between Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam because of similarity in names. Students may incorrectly pick the freedom fighter instead of the scientist President. Another error is assuming that any economist listed must be behind any development model. To avoid mistakes, remember a clear linking phrase such as "PURA – Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's rural development vision".

Final Answer:
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam