On July 27, 2015, Dr. Abdul Kalam unexpectedly passed away from a massive heart attack while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong).
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, affectionately known as India's 'Missile Man,' is remembered not just for his scientific achievements but for his inspirational journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved leader and thinker. As we commemorate his death anniversary, we reflect on the wisdom he shared through his words. Here are 15 inspiring quotes by Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President, that continue to motivate and guide millions.
1. "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action."
This quote encapsulates Kalam's belief in the power of dreams and their ability to drive meaningful action.
2. "You have to dream before your dreams can come true."
Kalam always stressed the importance of dreaming big as the first step towards achieving great things.
3. "If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun."
He encouraged hard work and perseverance, comparing the process of achieving greatness to the intense energy of the sun.
4. "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough."
Kalam's life is a testament to this belief, as he overcame numerous challenges through sheer determination.
5. "We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us."
His resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder to never give up.
6. "Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow."
Kalam's vision for a better future underscored his dedication to progress and development.
7. "To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal."
Focus and dedication were key principles in Kalam's approach to life and work.
8. "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."
He advised continuous effort and improvement, warning against complacency.
9. "All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents."
Kalam believed in the potential of every individual to grow and excel, regardless of their starting point.
10. "Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident."
This quote reflects his belief that excellence is achieved through consistent effort and improvement.
11. "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."
Kalam encouraged looking beyond immediate surroundings and recognizing the broader support for our endeavors.
12. "Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success."
He saw challenges as essential to appreciating and achieving success.
13. "Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended."
Kalam believed that the dreams of visionary individuals always have the potential to go beyond their imagination.
14. "You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear."
Hard work was a central tenet in Kalam's philosophy, as he believed in divine support for those who put in effort.
15. "My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed."
Kalam's message to the youth emphasized innovation, bravery, and perseverance.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's journey from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to becoming a leading aerospace scientist at ISRO and DRDO, and ultimately the 11th President of India, is a story of relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering dedication. His quotes continue to inspire us to dream big, work hard, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. As we honor his memory, let these words of wisdom guide us in our own journeys towards greatness.