Igniting Dreams: Dr Kalam lives on in his inspirational thoughts

He was an extraordinary scientist, but more than his multi-faceted achievements, Dr A.P. J. Abdul Kalam was a luminous human being, radiating boundless energy and an inner radiance that illumined the lives of all around him. Humility can be sometimes fake, a show, but for Dr Kalam, sporting his floppy silvery mop nestled around his forehead, it was his second nature.

Scientist extraordinaire, the father of India’s space and missile programme, India’s 11^th president, his life story is truly inspirational as the boy from a non-descript village in Tamil Nadu rose to occupy not only the highest position in the world’s largest democracy by sheer self-belief and tireless hard work, but also remapped the contours of the presidency by bringing the much-needed people’s touch to a largely ceremonial institution. His achievements were many, but for countless of young people he will remain a teacher, inspiring them for reach for the skies. It was fitting that he breathed his last among students at an institute in Shillong on July 27. The man who epitomizes the power of dreaming and self-fashioning is alive and burning in all ignited minds. Here is a random selection of Dr Kalam’s inspirational thoughts.

“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action

“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”

“All birds find shelter during a rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above the Clouds.”

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough”.

“Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy the success.”

“If you want to shine like a sun. First burn like a sun.”

“It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone.”

“All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”

“Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.”

“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”

“Without your involvement you can’t succeed. With your involvement you can’t fail.”

You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.

Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.

Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.

We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilizational heritage.

Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around.

Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.

Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.

If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.

It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone”.

“Suffering is the essence of success!!!”

“If you fail, never give up because FAIL means “First Attempt In Learning”.

End is not the end, if fact END means “Effort Never Dies” – If you get No as an answer, remember NO means “Next Opportunity”. So Let’s be positive.”

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