My Journey

1. Dreams are essential for progress.

Dreams are not those that we see in our sleep; they should be the ones that never let us sleep.

Dreams fuel ambition. Abdul Kalam emphasizes that dreams are not mere nighttime fantasies but powerful motivators that drive us to action. These are the aspirations that consume our thoughts and energy, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and towards achieving something significant. Without such dreams, life lacks direction and purpose.

Dreams require hard work. Kalam suggests that dreaming is only the first step. The real challenge lies in translating those dreams into reality through persistent effort and dedication. Success is not imminent without hard work.

Dreams inspire others. Kalam's own life story serves as an inspiration to millions, demonstrating the transformative power of dreams. By sharing his journey, he encourages others to embrace their aspirations and work tirelessly to achieve them, contributing to the progress of society as a whole.

2. Adversity presents opportunities for introspection.

Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.

Setbacks are inevitable. Kalam acknowledges that life is full of challenges and setbacks. These adversities, while painful, are not necessarily negative experiences. They provide valuable opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

Introspection leads to strength. By examining our responses to adversity, we can identify our weaknesses and develop strategies for overcoming them. This process of introspection builds resilience and inner strength, enabling us to face future challenges with greater confidence.

Finding meaning in suffering. Kalam suggests that understanding the relevance of our sufferings is crucial. By finding meaning in our struggles, we can transform them into catalysts for positive change, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

3. Harmony transcends religious boundaries.

The scourge of religious divisions, which was disturbing India's fabric in other parts of the country, would not be allowed to grow here.

Childhood harmony. Kalam recounts his upbringing in Rameswaram, where people of different faiths lived together peacefully. This environment instilled in him a deep appreciation for religious tolerance and understanding.

Religious leaders as role models. Kalam highlights the example of his father, a Muslim imam, and his close friends, a Hindu priest and a Christian priest, who met regularly to discuss matters of faith and community welfare. Their collaboration demonstrated the possibility of interfaith harmony and cooperation.

Inner convictions over external forces. Kalam emphasizes the importance of inner convictions and strength of beliefs in promoting harmony. By standing up to divisive forces and embracing inclusivity, we can create a society where everyone feels valued and respected.

4. Generosity and frugality are virtues.

She saved and understood frugality, yet there was never a trace of irritation or anger in her about the way of life that we led.

Mother's example. Kalam describes his mother as a generous and frugal woman who always put the needs of her family and guests before her own. Her example taught him the importance of both saving resources and sharing them with others.

Balancing act. Generosity and frugality are not mutually exclusive but complementary virtues. By practicing frugality, we can conserve resources and have more to share with those in need.

Impact on character. Kalam suggests that these virtues shape our character and contribute to a fulfilling life. By being both generous and frugal, we can create a positive impact on the world around us and find contentment in our own lives.

5. Mentors shape our lives.

To these mentors I am always grateful and remember them more and more each day.

Guidance and support. Mentors provide guidance, support, and encouragement, helping us navigate challenges and achieve our goals. They offer valuable insights and perspectives that can shape our thinking and actions.

Identifying potential. Mentors often recognize our potential before we do ourselves, pushing us to step outside our comfort zones and pursue opportunities we might otherwise have missed.

Lasting impact. The lessons learned from mentors stay with us throughout our lives, influencing our decisions and shaping our character. Kalam emphasizes the importance of remembering and appreciating the mentors who have played a significant role in our personal and professional development.

6. Failure is a stepping stone to success.

Unless one has tasted the bitter pill of failure, one cannot aspire enough for success.

Learning from mistakes. Kalam emphasizes that failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. By analyzing our mistakes and learning from them, we can improve our performance and increase our chances of achieving our goals.

Resilience and perseverance. Failure tests our resilience and perseverance. By bouncing back from setbacks, we develop the mental toughness needed to overcome future challenges.

Perspective shift. Kalam suggests that failure can shift our perspective, helping us appreciate the value of success and the importance of hard work. It can also lead to new insights and opportunities that we might not have discovered otherwise.

7. Books are companions and guides.

Books were always my friends.

Source of knowledge and inspiration. Kalam describes books as close companions that have guided him throughout his life. They provide access to knowledge, ideas, and perspectives that can broaden our understanding of the world.

Comfort and solace. Books offer comfort and solace in times of difficulty, providing a sense of connection and understanding. They can also inspire us to pursue our dreams and overcome challenges.

Building character. Kalam suggests that reading helps build invaluable qualities such as critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. By engaging with different voices and perspectives, we can develop a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the world.

8. Courage and sacrifice define true leadership.

It is sacrifices, toil and valour that are seldom seen that truly make a nation.

Beyond political rhetoric. Kalam emphasizes that true nation-building requires more than just political rhetoric. It demands courage, sacrifice, and hard work from individuals at all levels of society.

Leading by example. Leaders must be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, inspiring others to do the same. Their actions speak louder than words, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of the nation.

Unseen contributions. Kalam highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition or reward. These individuals are the true heroes of nation-building.

9. Science and spirituality are interconnected.

In one way, science and spiritualism seek the same divine blessings for doing good.

Seeking truth. Kalam suggests that science and spirituality are not mutually exclusive but complementary paths to understanding the truth. Science seeks truth through reason and observation, while spirituality seeks truth through intuition and experience.

Harmonious coexistence. Kalam's own life story demonstrates the possibility of harmoniously integrating science and spirituality. He was a devout Muslim who also embraced scientific inquiry and innovation.

Higher purpose. Both science and spirituality can be used for the betterment of humanity. By combining these two forces, we can create a more just and compassionate world.

10. Humility is essential for greatness.

Try to be like the flower, unassuming despite all its qualities.

Unassuming nature. Kalam emphasizes the importance of humility, even in the face of great achievements. True greatness lies not in self-promotion but in selfless service to others.

Focus on giving. Like a flower that generously shares its perfume and honey, we should focus on giving our talents and resources to the world without seeking recognition or reward.

Quiet impact. Kalam suggests that the most impactful contributions are often made quietly and without fanfare. By remaining humble and focused on our purpose, we can create a lasting positive impact on the world.

Last updated: August 15, 2025